The last vote in the European Parliament caused quite a few emotions among Poles. 4 Polish MEPs voted against the amendment, which would oblige Ukraine to apologize for the Volyn massacre, to ban the glorification of the banners and to let the exhumation of victims of this tragedy. This step sparked a wave of discussion on Polish-Ukrainian relations and the approach to the painful past of Volyn.
The proposal for an amendment was intended to remind us of the tragedy of Volyn and east Galicia, where in 1943-45 mass murders of Poles by Ukrainian Insurgency Army (UPA) occurred. It requested that Ukraine officially apologize for these events, let the exhumation of the victims, and prohibit the worship of historical figures liable for these crimes.
Four Polish MEPs: Robert Biedron, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Joanna Scheering-Wielgus and Michał Kobosko decided to vote against this amendment. Ultimately, the draft amendment did not gain support in the European Parliament and was rejected.
Voting on Volyn. Arguments in favour and against
The decision of the Polish MEPs raised controversy. Supporters of the amendment believe that Ukraine should officially recognise and apologize for the tragedy of Volyn. They point out that the exhumation of the victims is essential to redress families and historical truth.
On the another hand, opponents of the amendment argue that the present minute is not appropriate for specified demands against Ukraine, which is struggling with Russian aggression. They argue that force on this substance could harm Ukraine's cooperation and support in the face of the conflict.
Does voting mean neglecting history?
This vote raised questions about whether any Polish political elites do not neglect historical fact and compensation for crimes committed in Poles. For many people, the Volyn massacre is an unsolved issue, and the deficiency of authoritative apology from Ukraine is treated as a painful wound.
Wołyńska massacre is 1 of the most tragic events in the past of Poland and Ukraine. Between 1943 and 1945 there were mass murders during which about 50-60,000 Poles were killed. The attacks were carried out by UPA members who sought to clear the area of Volyn from the Polish population.
Current challenges
Modern relations between Poland and Ukraine are complex. Both countries cooperate in many areas, including defence and abroad policy. However, historical issues, specified as the Volyn massacre, inactive pose a challenge to common relations. The question arises as to whether full consent is possible without designation of the painful past.
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