Grave of Prominent Ukrainian Writer Lepky Desecrated in Krakow
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A tombstone relief of renowned Ukrainian writer Bohdan Lepky was stolen from his grave in Krakow's Rakowicki Cemetery.
- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry views the act as a deliberate provocation aimed at inciting hostility between Ukraine and Poland.
- Kyiv has urged Polish authorities to investigate the incident, identify perpetrators, and ensure the relief's return or restoration.
The tombstone relief of prominent Ukrainian writer, scholar, and professor Bohdan Lepky has been desecrated at Krakow's Rakowicki Cemetery, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. The incident, which occurred overnight, involved the theft of the writer's bas-relief from his tombstone.
Last night, the grave of the renowned Ukrainian writer, scholar, and professor Bohdan Lepky was desecrated at Krakow's Rakowicki Cemetery โ the writer's bas-relief was stolen from the tombstone.
Heorhiy Tychynskyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, stated that Kyiv considers this act of vandalism a "deliberate provocation" intended to further fuel animosity between Ukraine and Poland. The theft has occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two countries, particularly concerning historical events from World War II.
Kyiv views this act of vandalism as a deliberate provocation, which aims to further incite hostility between Ukraine and Poland.
Ukraine's General Consulate in Krakow immediately contacted the police, cemetery administration, and city authorities. They urged a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the crime, identify those responsible, and take immediate measures to return or restore the stolen bas-relief. Ensuring adequate security at the cemetery was also requested.
Ukraine's General Consulate in Krakow immediately contacted the police, Rakowicki Cemetery administration, and Krakow city authorities and urged a thorough investigation...
Kyiv expects that all circumstances of the vandalism will be promptly clarified and that those responsible will be brought to justice under Polish law. Furthermore, Ukraine hopes that effective measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident follows recent diplomatic discussions between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and his Polish counterpart regarding historical grievances, including a controversy over a Ukrainian military unit named after the nationalist Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which was involved in massacres of Poles during World War II.
diplomacy loves silence.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.