Jan Hello, erstwhile Polish ambassador to Ukraine, in an interview with Radio Swoboda expressed his opinion on the subject atUkraine's accession to the European Union and the controversial issue of the Volhynia Rzebi. His position clearly indicates that these 2 subjects should not be combined and Ukraine's way to the EU iscomplex and multi-stage but not dependent on historical disputes with Poland.
Accession of Ukraine to the EU
Jan Hell stressed that Ukraine would only be able to join the EU if it was provided with adequate safety guarantees. He stressed that the only effective guarantees were those offered by NATO. Hell expressed scepticism towards political promises from Brussels, suggesting that declarations about the anticipation of beginning accession negotiations could be part of the political game led by von der Leyen and the European Commission.
"Ukraine will only be able to join the EU if it has safety guarantees. The only safety guarantees that will be effective are NATO safety guarantees," said Jan Hell.
This message reflects the belief that Ukraine must have a collective safety warrant strategy so that the accession process can be completed successfully. Hell is afraid that current safety agreements with more than 20 countries may not be sufficient.
Volyn and EU accession
According to Jan Piekło, the issue of Volyn, or mass crimes committed by UPA on the Polish population from 1943 to 1944, is simply a purely Polish-Ukrainian subject and should not affect Ukraine's accession negotiations to the EU. Hell underlines that this story, although painful and demanding, should not be utilized as an argument in political negotiations between countries.
"This requires work on a subject that is covered with mythology on both sides. We must remember: what happened in Volyn in 1943 did not happen in the Ukrainian state, due to the fact that it did not be at the time," explains Hell.
It indicates that tragic events took place in areas occupied by Soviets and Germans, where both Poland and Ukraine were deprived of sovereignty.
Furthermore, Hell believes that addressing the Volyn subject in the context of the current geopolitical situation, where Ukraine is fighting Russia, is not only inappropriate, but even unreasonable.
"The introduction of Volyn as Ukraine fights Russia is incorrect, but besides unwise," the diplomat stated.
Controversy around John Hell
Jan Hell's appointment as ambassador in 2016 sparked many controversy, especially in the border environments, due to his earlier statements and actions. He was criticized for allegedly whitening OUN-UPA activities and negating the Polish memory of the genocide in Volyn. Hell frequently emphasized that these events should be viewed in a broader historical context, which raised opposition to any of the public opinion in Poland.
As ambassador, Jan Hell underestimated the glorification of Stepan Bandera in Ukraine and compared the national-liberating Ukrainians to the Polish struggles for independence. He repeatedly emphasized that both Poles and Ukrainians have the right to their own explanation of history.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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