Zelensky's archive announcement: Political gesture or breakthrough? Professor Antoni Dudek comments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the opening of Ukrainian archives concerning the Volhynia events and has granted permission for further searches and exhumations of Polish victims. The move comes after weeks of strained relations between Poland and Ukraine, with historical memory policy being a key point of contention.

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I am glad as a historian that archives are being opened, as it is always of great value to researchers. At the same time, I think it is an attempt to make a gesture towards us.

Polish historian and political scientist Antoni Dudek described the decision as primarily a political gesture aimed at improving relations with Poland. "I am glad as a historian that archives are being opened, as it is always of great value to researchers. At the same time, I think it is an attempt to make a gesture towards us," Dudek told "Fakt."

While welcoming the archival access, Dudek remains cautious, emphasizing that the true significance will depend on the newly revealed information. He noted that historians have previously worked with Soviet-era NKWD documents from Ukraine. "I am a bit surprised because I thought these documents had been declassified for a long time. Perhaps it concerns some new materials," he explained.

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I am a bit surprised because I thought these documents had been declassified for a long time. Perhaps it concerns some new materials.

Dudek also pointed to potential controversies that might arise from the documents' contents. "We will see what is in these documents. Perhaps there will be an attempt to convince us that the UPA was not responsible for the genocide in Volhynia, but that Soviet services were behind it, because such conspiracy theories have already appeared," he stated.

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We will see what is in these documents. Perhaps there will be an attempt to convince us that the UPA was not responsible for the genocide in Volhynia, but that Soviet services were behind it, because such conspiracy theories have already appeared.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reacted to Zelensky's announcement with "satisfaction and hope," stating on X that Poland is ready for "serious and friendly dialogue." He stressed that relations between Warsaw and Kyiv must be based on "mutual respect and truth."

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I perceive it as an attempt to make a gesture towards Poland after the crisis that has been ongoing for many weeks.