Ukrainians and Poles Urge Unity Against Russia, Setting History Aside
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Ukrainians and Poles are urging unity against Russia, despite recent diplomatic tensions over historical issues.
- Volunteer efforts continue to support Ukraine's defense, with Poles providing crucial aid despite a dispute over a Ukrainian unit's name.
- Both sides emphasize the need for solidarity and cooperation, suggesting historical grievances should be left to historians.
Amidst rising diplomatic tensions, many Ukrainians and Poles are calling for unity against the common threat of Russia, urging that past grievances be set aside. The recent decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strained relations, yet grassroots cooperation persists.
Los que nos ayudaban siguen haciรฉndolo
Thousands of citizens from both nations have collaborated since the start of Russia's invasion, providing vital support to Ukraine's defense. This collaboration continues despite controversy surrounding the naming of a Ukrainian special unit after the historical nationalist militia Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which was responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Polish civilians during World War II.
El apoyo que dan es increรญble. Cuando nuestros soldados necesitan algo, nuestros amigos polacos mueven montaรฑas para ayudarles.
Vira Shvartskop, a Ukrainian volunteer from the Volinia region, noted that those who have been helping "continue to do so." Dozens of Poles are actively assisting Shvartskop and others in acquiring drone equipment, transporting vehicles to the front lines, and forming personal bonds with Ukrainian soldiers, with some even preparing to join the fight. "The support they give is incredible," Shvartskop stated. "When our soldiers need something, our Polish friends move mountains to help them."
Cabe el riesgo de que socave aรฑos de trabajo de polacos y ucranianos para crear confianza mutua, diรกlogo y cooperaciรณn.
Some Polish volunteers have openly criticized President Nawrocki's decision. Ania Kudzia, head of the 'Helping Ukraine' foundation based in Lviv, warned that the move risks undermining years of work building mutual trust and cooperation. She expressed shame at having to explain the rise of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland to her Ukrainian friends and hoped that Poles would not be perceived solely through Nawrocki's actions. "There are still many of us who supported Ukraine, support it now, and will support it in the future," Kudzia affirmed, stressing Ukraine's need for solidarity over indifference. Both Shvartskop and Kudzia, along with many others, believe historical issues should be left to professional historians, emphasizing that Ukraine's defense is crucial for all of Europe.
Me avergรผenza tener que explicar a mis amigos ucranianos por quรฉ los sentimientos antiucranianos estรกn creciendo en Polonia.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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