Storm after words by Polish diplomat. Calls for his dismissal grow

Poland's acting ambassador to Ukraine, Piotr Łukasiewicz, is embroiled in controversy after his speech during the commemoration of the Volhynia massacre victims. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from commentators, journalists, and former diplomats, with many demanding his immediate dismissal.

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while honoring the Polish victims of Ukrainian violence in Volhynia, he could not ignore also "Ukrainian victims of the Polish state before and during the war."

During the ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of the massacre of Poles by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Volhynia, Łukasiewicz stated that while honoring the Polish victims, he could not ignore "Ukrainian victims of the Polish state before and during the war." He emphasized that he was not equating the events but highlighting what he termed "shameful and unworthy" actions.

This statement ignited a firestorm on social media. Jerzy Kwaśniewski, president of the Ordo Iuris institute, suggested two possibilities: either Łukasiewicz acted against government policy and should be removed, or he was following the Foreign Ministry's line, implying official endorsement. However, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski defended the diplomat, proposing a third interpretation: Łukasiewicz spoke in the spirit of Christian reconciliation, invoking a message of "we forgive and ask for forgiveness."

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he did not try to equate these events, but recalled what – as he stated – was "shameful and unworthy."

Sikorski further criticized Łukasiewicz's detractors, labeling them "nationalist sectarians" who aim to sow discord between Poland and Ukraine and serve external interests, particularly amid the ongoing threat from Russian aggression. Despite the minister's defense, criticism persisted. Aleksander Olech, head of Defence24, commented that it would have been better not to speak at all in such a situation. Former Polish Ambassador to Ukraine Jan Piekło questioned whether Łukasiewicz had authored the speech himself or if it was prepared by the Foreign Ministry, deeming the situation scandalous regardless.

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there is still a third possibility – Łukasiewicz spoke in the spirit of Christian reconciliation, guided by the message 'we forgive and ask for forgiveness.'

Former Polish Ambassador to the United States and Israel, Marek Magierowski, also weighed in, noting that while such comparisons might arise in academic or public debates, they are inappropriate for a diplomat representing the state.

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nationalist sectarians