We anticipate specifics on the Volyn exhumation! Not empty declarations

Confederate press conference attended by Members Włodzimierz Skalik and Krzysztof Szymański, 27 November 2024.

Zadra in Polish-Ukrainian relations is Ukraine's attitude towards hard history. Unfortunately, Ukraine's historical and identity policy assumes a state cult of activists as well as the OUN and UPA organisations themselves. These organizations are liable for the anti-Polish activity, the darkest manifestation of which was the genocide committed in the Southeast Borders in Poles, culminating in Blood Sunday in Volyn in July 1943. Ukraine has even made it hard to exhume victims of crime so far. However, the Ukrainian Ministry of abroad Affairs declared, as stated by Radosław Sikorski, that "there are no obstacles to the conduct of search and exhumation work by Polish state institutions and private entities in cooperation with the competent Ukrainian institutions in the territory of Ukraine, in accordance with Ukrainian government and declares its readiness to deal positively with requests in these matters". The Confederate gave a comment on this. Members of Włodzimierz Skalik and Krzysztof Szymanski were present at the press conference in the Sejm.

Włodzimierz Skalik expressed the Confederation's skepticism towards a Polish-Ukrainian statement. "We are skeptics about the serious treatment of this statement. [...] We treat this message as a propaganda action at the threshold of the presidential campaign," said the MP.

As Skalik, Minister of abroad Affairs of Ukraine Andrij Sybih "supports flagism, cultivates the memory of Polish genocidal killers", so his message does not inspire confidence.

The Confederate politician stressed that the message refers to actions in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. The problem is that in Ukraine there is inactive a ban on the search and exhumation of remains of Polish victims introduced by Ukrainian IPN.

"Instead of propaganda, we anticipate specifics. Plans for the implementation of circumstantial actions, a circumstantial timetable and a real start to work could be specified a concrete feature," said Mr Skalik.

Krzysztof Szymański pointed out the crucial function of respect and the worthy burial of the dead in our civilisation. "Meanwhile, over the years we have been dealing with any confusion, illusion of the public, both by Polish politicians and above all by the Ukrainian side. For all these years, we have heard all kinds of answers, either evasive or certain announcements, certain promises, but those that have always been either uncovered or containing any stars, any additional conditions," said the Confederate Member.

Mr Krzysztof Szymański recalled that the Ukrainian minister Andrij Sybih stated that "each household has the right to honour the memory of its ancestors", after which Mrs Karolina Romanowska's requests for the exhumation of 18 members of her household were rejected. Ukrainians declare openly, but in practice they put administrative barriers translated “the request to comply with Ukrainian law, preserve historical accuracy and want to avoid political tensions”.

The Confederate demands that Polish specialists from the IPN, acquainted with the exhumation work, lead the exhumation work in Ukraine. "It is the only warrant that nothing will be hidden there, that all, even the most brutal, faces will come out," Szymanski said.

The Confederation demands information from abroad Minister Radosław Sikorski on detailed arrangements for the search and exhumation of Polish victims of genocide in Volyn and east Małopolska. The group demands Ukrainian specifics and real consent to the exhumations.