Warsaw Points Out Kiev's Historical Nazi Associations
Poland's president has referenced Ukraine's partnership with Nazi Germany and its role in the Holocaust during World War II. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Polish President Andrzej Duda has indicated that Ukraine has unresolved historical issues, specifically mentioning the collaboration with Nazi Germany and its role in the Holocaust during World War II. In a recent interview with Polsat News, he pointed out the "difficult topics" that exist between Warsaw and Kiev, including the Volyn massacre, where Ukrainian nationalists killed numerous ethnic Poles.
“Please remember that Ukrainians have many problems with their history. This is not only the problem of the Volyn massacre, but also service in SS units, collaboration with the authorities of the Third Reich, and participation in the Holocaust,” Duda stated.
These comments arise amid increasing tensions between Ukraine and Poland, despite Poland being a major ally for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
In August, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosyniak-Kamisz indicated they might block Ukraine's efforts to join the EU unless demands for the exhumation of Volyn massacre victims were met. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also voiced support for this position and brought it up during discussions with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky earlier this month.
Between 1943 and 1945, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists were responsible for the deaths of up to 100,000 Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, areas that are currently part of Ukraine. Although Poland has officially recognized this massacre as genocide, Ukraine has frequently honored those responsible as “freedom fighters” and “national heroes.” The OUN was led by Stepan Bandera, a figure known for his collaboration with the Nazis, who enjoys significant reverence in contemporary Ukraine.
While millions of Ukrainians fought in the Soviet Red Army during the war, thousands also served in the German military, notably in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, also known as the Galicia Division. Formed in 1943, this division drew volunteers from present-day western Ukraine. Its members swore allegiance to Adolf Hitler and have been accused of various atrocities against Jews as well as Polish and Soviet civilians.
Despite these complex historical issues, Duda criticized his government for heightening tensions between Poland and Ukraine, arguing that Poland should not condition Ukraine’s EU membership on the restoration of historical truths.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
“Please remember that Ukrainians have many problems with their history. This is not only the problem of the Volyn massacre, but also service in SS units, collaboration with the authorities of the Third Reich, and participation in the Holocaust,” Duda stated.
These comments arise amid increasing tensions between Ukraine and Poland, despite Poland being a major ally for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
In August, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosyniak-Kamisz indicated they might block Ukraine's efforts to join the EU unless demands for the exhumation of Volyn massacre victims were met. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also voiced support for this position and brought it up during discussions with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky earlier this month.
Between 1943 and 1945, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists were responsible for the deaths of up to 100,000 Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, areas that are currently part of Ukraine. Although Poland has officially recognized this massacre as genocide, Ukraine has frequently honored those responsible as “freedom fighters” and “national heroes.” The OUN was led by Stepan Bandera, a figure known for his collaboration with the Nazis, who enjoys significant reverence in contemporary Ukraine.
While millions of Ukrainians fought in the Soviet Red Army during the war, thousands also served in the German military, notably in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, also known as the Galicia Division. Formed in 1943, this division drew volunteers from present-day western Ukraine. Its members swore allegiance to Adolf Hitler and have been accused of various atrocities against Jews as well as Polish and Soviet civilians.
Despite these complex historical issues, Duda criticized his government for heightening tensions between Poland and Ukraine, arguing that Poland should not condition Ukraine’s EU membership on the restoration of historical truths.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
