Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently made a bold commitment to use Poland’s presidency of the European Union (EU) to push Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. This announcement comes as Poland and Ukraine reported positive strides in overcoming a long-standing source of tension between them, signaling a shift in relations that could change the dynamics of their future together.
Tusk, speaking to reporters in Warsaw alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confidently stated, “We will break the standstill we have in this issue. We will accelerate the accession process.” His words highlighted Poland's influential role as the current holder of the rotating EU presidency, and with this position, Poland has the power to elevate Ukraine's EU membership aspirations to the top of the agenda over the next six months. This represents a significant turning point for Ukraine, whose EU ambitions have often been met with slow progress and hurdles. Tusk’s declaration underscores Poland’s firm stance on supporting Ukraine’s membership and bolstering its chances of entering the union.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Poland coincided with a major diplomatic breakthrough. The two countries reached a crucial agreement on an issue that has cast a shadow over their relations for decades—dealing with the exhumation of Polish victims who fell victim to brutal massacres by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II. This issue, stemming from the painful history of Volhynia, has been a festering wound for many Poles, and the recent agreement allows for the exhumation of some of these victims, marking a significant step toward reconciliation between the two nations.
Despite Poland’s unyielding support for Ukraine, especially since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, the historical wounds caused by the Volhynia massacres have made for an emotionally charged topic. During the war, Ukrainian nationalists from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) carried out mass killings of Poles in the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions, leaving scars that have lasted for generations. Poland, in 2016, declared these massacres to be genocide, but Ukraine, holding a more complex view of its wartime history, has historically blocked efforts for exhumations. This sensitive issue has been a stumbling block in their bilateral relations for many years.
However, the fact that Tusk’s government is pushing for progress on this issue shows the changing dynamics of Poland’s position. Tusk is keenly aware of the domestic pressure he faces, especially with the Polish presidential election approaching in May. The matter of Polish victims and the historical relationship with Ukraine is a significant concern for many Poles. While Tusk, who has been in power for over a year, faces challenges from a strong nationalist opposition, he is determined to show progress on this matter. His comments alongside Zelenskyy echoed a pragmatic approach—emphasizing the need for a balanced solution that takes both countries’ interests into account.
"We will help Ukraine, but we will also look after our national interests," Tusk emphasized during the press conference. Both leaders seem to recognize the importance of collaboration, but it’s clear that each country must also safeguard its own values and priorities. As Tusk further remarked, “This is obvious to both sides.” Zelenskyy’s own statement aligned with this sentiment, as he stressed the importance of moving forward together. “We are neighbors, and Russia is the main threat. This threat exists today, it will exist tomorrow, and we must do everything to strengthen our alliance,” he said, underscoring the geopolitical urgency of the situation.
The progress made on the exhumation issue and the broader push for Ukraine’s EU membership highlights the growing mutual understanding between Poland and Ukraine. The painful history that once divided them is gradually being addressed, and both countries are acknowledging their shared future. Zelenskyy’s visit to Poland symbolizes a willingness to overcome historical grievances in pursuit of a stronger, unified front against their common adversary—Russia.
A key aspect of Tusk’s leadership in Poland has been his effort to foster a more inclusive form of patriotism. He has worked to reframe Polish nationalism in a way that welcomes cooperation with neighbors like Ukraine while still honoring Poland’s history and national pride. This is crucial, particularly as nationalist forces in Poland continue to grow in prominence, presenting themselves as the true defenders of Polish sovereignty. Tusk’s inclusive approach seeks to prevent the narrative of nationalism from becoming exclusive or divisive, striving to present a more unified vision of Poland’s place in Europe.
Looking back at the history of Western Ukraine, it’s clear why the issue remains so sensitive. The region was once under Polish control, with Ukrainians in subjugation to a Polish landowning class. The ensuing tensions boiled over during World War II, when nationalist Ukrainians, fighting for an independent state, engaged in horrific acts of ethnic cleansing against Polish civilians. Entire villages were destroyed, and tens of thousands of Poles were killed. These massacres remain a painful chapter in both Ukrainian and Polish history.
Following the war, both Ukrainians and Poles suffered immense loss and trauma. While some Ukrainian nationalists from the WWII period are seen as national heroes today, their actions during the war, particularly in relation to the massacre of Poles, have cast a long shadow over the relationship between the two countries. This complex history has often been a stumbling block in diplomatic relations, especially when it comes to matters like the exhumation of victims. For many Ukrainians, the figures involved in these nationalist movements are celebrated as martyrs for the cause of an independent Ukraine, complicating the dialogue with Poland.
Poland has been vocal in its demands for the exhumation of the victims in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, seeking to give the fallen Poles proper burials and recognition. The Polish government’s consistent requests for permission to carry out exhumations in Ukraine have often met with resistance, given the nationalistic sentiment attached to the wartime figures who perpetrated the massacres. However, the Freedom and Democracy Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has recently announced plans to begin exhuming victims in Ukraine in April, signaling that the long-awaited process is finally gaining momentum.
Tusk’s leadership, with its focus on both national interest and regional cooperation, appears to be the key to unlocking this impasse. By strategically navigating both Poland’s domestic concerns and the broader geopolitical landscape, Tusk is making strides toward mending the fractured relationship between the two nations. His handling of this delicate issue—balancing Poland’s historical grievances with Ukraine’s aspirations for independence—has the potential to set a new course for Polish-Ukrainian relations in the years to come.
As Poland continues its presidency of the EU, the next six months could be pivotal not only for Ukraine’s EU membership bid but also for the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations. If progress continues on issues like the exhumations, it could mark a turning point in the reconciliation process. With both nations now focusing on their shared goals, there is hope that the painful chapters of their past will no longer stand in the way of a cooperative, prosperous future.
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