Ukrainian-Polish relations often resemble a roller coaster. The highs of enthusiasm during the revolutionary Maidan protests are followed by the emotional lows of the anniversaries of the Volhynia tragedy. The brotherly embraces at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression have given way to intolerance and ultimatums.
This is mentioned in a statement from the Rector's Office of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) published on the university's website.
"Although it might seem that our newest partnership is coming to an end, this is not the case. The UCU community speaks out today to ensure that hope is not lost," the document emphasizes.
The UCU reassures its friends and partners in Poland that their voices are being heard in Ukraine and that their efforts to combat hatred are greatly appreciated.
"As Ukrainians, we experienced similar despair in the days leading up to the Revolution of Dignity. At that time, we felt ashamed that Ukraine was being judged by the actions of its political leaders. Therefore, we want to assure our friends: we see you — your steadfastness and resilience in defending justice, fighting for your freedom and ours, and caring for the common good are an inspiration to us. We are very grateful for your support."
The UCU stresses that throughout Ukraine's years of independence, it has hosted and participated in numerous academic and civic events in which the themes of "good neighborliness," "reconciliation," and "mutual support" fostered a friendly atmosphere. During these events, Ukrainian participants offered thoughtful and honest assessments of our shared history. Unfortunately, some individuals in Poland today are seeking to impose their own vision and demand an apology from Ukrainians rather than engaging in dialogue.
The Rector's Office notes that this statement is not intended for a detailed analysis of the current crisis. However, Ukrainians have the right to evaluate their own historical past.
"The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), in whose honor the President of Ukraine named one of the military units of the Armed Forces, is a part of Ukrainian history. Only Ukrainians have the moral right to decide which historical examples to follow in their struggle for existence as a people and a state. Ukraine has never issued such ultimatums to Poland, even though not all Polish heroes may be acceptable to Ukrainians. Just as Poles have their own national sensitivities, so do Ukrainians — especially during this brutal existential war unleashed by Russia."
The UCU is confident that the response to the latest radicalized reaction from a segment of the Polish political establishment will clarify the underlying factors — whether historical colonial resentment, political calculations, or subversive activities by the Russian FSB.
"It is likely a combination of factors. However, we are concerned about how Ukraine will respond to these events. Our neighbors, whether to the west or east, are not accustomed to Ukraine's newly acquired sovereignty and may be annoyed by the need to adjust their traditional views of Ukrainians. Nevertheless, Ukrainians must remember that our sovereignty brings responsibilities as well. A retaliatory response would only highlight how much work remains to be done to achieve the calm and composure expected of a nation of statesmen.
Therefore, let us both in Ukraine and Poland recall the words of St. Pope John Paul II, spoken exactly a quarter of a century ago during his pilgrimage to Ukraine, which continue to resonate as a genuine call to action: 'The time has come to free ourselves from the painful past! Let forgiveness — given and received — be poured out like a healing balm in every heart. May the cleansing of historical memory make everyone ready to put what unites rather than what divides above all else to build a future together based on mutual respect, fraternal cooperation, and true solidarity,'" reads the statement from the UCU Rectorate.
As reported, on June 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the Order of the White Eagle for naming one of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' units after the "heroes of the UPA."