What is Ukraine’s position on the Volyn tragedy: clarification from the head of the Institute of National Remembrance

The head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, Oleksandr Alferov, stated that Ukraine recognizes the Volyn tragedy and continues the search and exhumation work for the dead Poles. According to him, Ukraine views these events in a broader historical context – from 1939 to 1947.

This is reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Oleksandr Alferov rejected accusations that Ukraine allegedly does not recognize the Volyn tragedy.

“I consider these accusations groundless. The dialogue between historians continues, and over the past year and a half, the greatest progress has been observed in search and exhumation work compared to previous years. This is direct evidence that the Ukrainian side recognizes the Volyn tragedy,” said the head of the UINP.

According to Alferov, permits for exhumations will continue to be issued. He noted that over the past year and a half, the greatest progress in many years has been made in the search and study of burial sites.

The head of the UINP emphasized that Ukraine considers the Volyn tragedy in broader chronological terms – from 1939 to 1947, when the events took place in the context of World War II, pressure from communist regimes, and armed confrontation.

“Of course, we also honor the memory of the victims of the Katyn massacre, the victims of Operation Vistula, and the victims of the Volyn tragedy of 1943 and all its subsequent episodes, when our two peoples, deprived of their own statehood, fought for their rights under the bayonets of the Nazi and communist regimes,” said Oleksandr Alferov.

Alferov also stated that the issues of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the figure of Stepan Bandera should remain the subject of work by professional historians, not political discussions.

Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on Poland to exercise restraint after the Sejm considered a bill that would equate the propaganda of the ideology of the OUN and UPA with the propaganda of Nazism and communism.

The day before, the head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that ahead of the anniversary of the Volyn tragedy, on July 11, new escalating steps in relations with Ukraine may take place in Poland.

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