Volhynia massacre will continue to divide Poles and Ukrainians, says commentator

Eighty-three years after the "Bloody Sunday" of the Volhynia massacre, the historical tragedy continues to cast a long shadow over Polish-Ukrainian relations. Bogusław Chrabota argues that the events will remain a source of division for decades, largely because populists on both sides will likely exploit the historical emotions for political purposes.

Chrabota acknowledges a recent meeting between Polish President Andrzej Duda and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO summit in Ankara. Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, the two leaders engaged in a discussion, which Chrabota views as a positive step. However, the outcome was somber, with Duda reporting that historical issues remained unresolved.

This lack of resolution is not surprising, given the complexity and sensitivity of the Volhynia massacre. Chrabota emphasizes that resolving such deep-seated historical problems is unlikely in a single meeting. Nevertheless, the very fact that dialogue is possible is paramount. He asserts that maintaining open channels of communication is the only viable path toward normalizing relations between the Polish and Ukrainian peoples.

The article highlights the enduring pain and significance of the Volhynia massacre, stating that the memory of the crime cannot be erased. While acknowledging the past is essential, Chrabota stresses the importance of focusing on the future and continuing the diplomatic efforts to bridge historical divides.