In a historic move aimed at resolving decades-long tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Poland on January 15 to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The visit follows a groundbreaking agreement to begin exhumations related to the Volyn massacre, a contentious chapter of World War II history.
The Volyn tragedy saw widespread violence that claimed tens of thousands of lives in Polish and Ukrainian communities. While Poland has characterized the events as genocide perpetrated by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), Ukraine has called for a shared acknowledgment of responsibility for the atrocities. The new agreement marks a turning point in these deeply sensitive discussions.
Prime Minister Tusk announced on January 10 that the exhumation of victims would commence, calling it a “significant step forward.”
A Polish government official told Reuters that discussions between Zelensky and Tusk will focus heavily on how these exhumations will be carried out. “There are many topics to discuss, including, of course, exhumations,” the official said.
The leaders are also scheduled to hold a joint press conference during Zelensky’s visit, signaling a unified stance on addressing historical grievances. According to the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, exhumations could begin as early as April 2025.
Zelensky and Tusk last met in December 2024 in Lviv, where they reaffirmed their commitment to historical reconciliation. Tusk emphasized the need for unity, stating, “History certainly cannot divide us.”
This breakthrough comes at a critical time, as both nations face shared challenges from Russian aggression. Strengthening Polish-Ukrainian relations through initiatives like the Volyn exhumations represents a powerful message of solidarity and mutual respect. As the process unfolds, it holds the potential to heal wounds and build a foundation for deeper cooperation between the two neighbors.