Kyiv will open archives on Volhynia and expand searches and exhumations: five steps toward a thaw with Poland

17 July President Volodymyr Zelensky announced 5 steps to improve Ukrainian-Polish relations, reporting this following a meeting with diplomats and representatives of the Presidential Office.

The agreements provide for the adoption of a number of targeted decisions in the diplomatic sphere to resolve sensitive issues on the bilateral agenda.

Among the measures are the opening of the archives of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service regarding events in Volhynia to ensure transparency and access to historical documents.

Separately, the parties should increase the number of permits for search and exhumation work in coordination with Polish partners in order to speed up work at burial sites.

It also foresees discussions of new formats for Ukrainian-Polish public dialogue with a focus on engaging communities and experts.

Another element of the plan is expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance to implement joint initiatives and research projects.

The head of state emphasized that relations between Ukraine and Poland should be built on principles of respect and partnership, and that Europe’s security is possible only through joint actions of free states.

Earlier, tensions in relations arose after a scandal over the renaming of one of the Special Operations Forces units in honor of UPA heroes, after which Poland stripped Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle.

Previously we wrote:

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