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Polish Defense Minister on Volhynia: Remembrance Must Be Built on Love, Not Hate

Polish Defense Minister on Volhynia: Remembrance Must Be Built on Love, Not Hate

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz attended commemorations in Volhynia, Ukraine, marking the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynian massacre.
  • He stressed that remembrance must be built on love, not hatred, for victims.
  • The minister emphasized the importance of dignified exhumation and burial for reconciliation.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz participated in ceremonies in Olyka, Ukraine, commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynian massacre. His presence underscored the ongoing significance of this historical tragedy for Polish-Ukrainian relations and collective memory.

Speaking at the event, Kosiniak-Kamysz articulated a vision for remembrance that prioritizes empathy and respect. "Exhumation and dignified burial are a matter of utmost importance to us," he stated. "This commemoration must not be embroidered with hatred in any way; it must be sewn with love."

His remarks emphasized the need for a reconciliation process rooted in compassion rather than animosity. The minister highlighted the importance of honoring the victims through proper burial rites, framing it as a crucial step towards healing historical wounds. The ceremony in Volhynia serves as a somber reminder of past conflicts and a call for a future built on mutual understanding and respect between Poland and Ukraine.

Exhumation and dignified burial are a matter of utmost importance to us. This commemoration must not be embroidered with hatred in any way; it must be sewn with love.

— Władysław Kosiniak-KamyszThe Polish Defense Minister's statement on how historical remembrance should be approached during the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynian massacre.
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Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.