Former Polish PM urges Poland and Ukraine to resolve historical disputes and look ahead

Former Polish Prime Minister Jan Krzysztof Bielecki has urged both Poland and Ukraine to reconcile their historical disputes while looking forward, according to a recent interview with Ukrinform. Bielecki emphasized that past issues will always be a source of tension and that the only solution is to "clear" that past. He advocated for exhumations and dignified burials for victims of the Volyn tragedy during World War II, stating that Poland should be allowed to conduct necessary excavations.

Bielecki proposed that Polish-Ukrainian relations should be guided by the principle of "forgive, but remember." He stressed that while no one expects agreement on every aspect of the past, both nations should honor their own histories and the wrongs inflicted upon them. Nevertheless, he stressed that historical disputes should not hinder the development of Polish-Ukrainian ties. As a pragmatist, Bielecki affirmed that both countries require intensive cooperation for their mutual benefit.

The former Polish leader highlighted the vital role Ukrainians play in the Polish economy, noting that large companies employ 20-30% of their workforce. He also underlined the enduring cultural ties between Poland and Ukraine, which will persist irrespective of political shifts. Bielecki expressed hope that common sense would prevail in Poland and that attacks on Ukrainian citizens would cease.

Bielecki underscored Poland's strategic importance to Ukraine due to its geographical location and logistics. He emphasized the significance of the land corridor to Europe via Poland as a crucial link in Ukraine's logistics chain. Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, reported that Ukrainians in Poland are increasingly asserting their rights through legal means, such as approaching law enforcement agencies for cases of aggression or discrimination.