Polish FM slams politicians' remarks on Ukrainians as 'scandalous'

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has strongly criticized recent statements made by right-wing politicians concerning Ukrainians residing in Poland, labeling the remarks as "scandalous."

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It is scandalous. Poland is the homeland of all its citizens, regardless of religion or origin. I believe that such nationalistic charges are invoking ghosts, those darker chapters of Polish history. I hope my compatriots will not fall for it.

"Poland is the homeland of all its citizens, regardless of religion or origin," Sikorski declared. He warned that such nationalistic outbursts evoke "ghosts from darker chapters of Polish history" and expressed hope that Poles would not be swayed by such rhetoric.

The controversy erupted during a parliamentary session focused on Polish-Ukrainian relations. Opposition lawmakers took issue with remarks by Deputy Minister of Science Andrzej Szeptycki, who drew parallels between Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) soldiers and the "cursed soldiers" – anti-communist partisans in Poland. While coalition politicians defended Szeptycki's right to historical interpretation, opposition members deemed the comparison unacceptable.

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From this place, a year and a half ago, we debated the law against Banderism and the law on the Volhynia lie. (...) We now know why you froze that law in the Justice Committee. It is so that this government can keep people like Szeptycki in its ranks. Why are there still Ukrainians in this government who insult Poles?

The debate was further fueled by a PSL parliamentarian's accusation against a PiS politician, calling him a "political parasite" who exploits base instincts. In response, former PiS Vice-Chairman Przemysław Czarnek accused the current government of hypocrisy for supporting Szeptycki while allegedly tolerating Ukrainians who insult Poles. Czarnek also questioned why Ukrainians were still employed in the government, referencing past debates on laws concerning "Banderism" and the Volhynia massacre.

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I also strongly ask that everyone sitting in this chamber approach historical policy in a responsible and rational manner.

Former PiS MP Janusz Kowalski announced parliamentary inspections of all ministries to determine the number of foreign nationals employed. Meanwhile, Lewica party leader Anna Maria Żukowska appealed for an end to divisive rhetoric, urging lawmakers to approach historical policy responsibly and rationally. Zbigniew Konwiński, leader of the Civic Platform parliamentary group, echoed this sentiment, advising against pursuing a path of scrutinizing individuals' pasts, stating, "We are all Poles. We have the right to feel Polish."

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We are all Poles. We have the right to feel Polish. We have the right to refer to Polish tradition.