Official Kyiv warns the Polish side against one-sided escalation steps and is closely monitoring the consideration of a draft law that proposes equating public propaganda of the ideology of the OUN and UPA with propaganda of Nazism, communism, or fascism. Instead, Ukraine proposes focusing on concrete efforts to reduce tensions. This was reported to journalists by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhii Tykhyi, as conveyed by UNN.
Ukraine is closely monitoring the progress of the consideration in the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of a draft law on amendments to the Law on the Institute of National Remembrance and the Criminal Code. We call on the Polish side to be prudent and balanced
The MFA emphasized that for Ukraine, Poland has been and remains a strategic partner in countering Russian aggression, European integration, economic cooperation, interpersonal ties, and other areas. And they added - "we are grateful to Poland and the Polish people for the support provided since 2022."
We are convinced that sensitive historical topics require professional dialogue based on mutual respect, not use in political rhetoric. Ukraine is not seeking further aggravation of Ukrainian-Polish relations and expects a similar approach from the Polish side. All decisions should be based on the strategic importance of the Ukrainian-Polish partnership, not situational electoral gains
The MFA also warned the Polish side against one-sided escalation steps.
Instead, Ukraine proposes focusing on concrete efforts to reduce tensions, in particular those discussed during the recent ministerial-level meeting, engaging existing bilateral mechanisms and instruments, maximizing the use of diplomatic tools, and intensifying professional historical dialogue within the framework of the Polish-Ukrainian Congress of Historians. We are convinced that Ukraine and Poland are destined for good neighborliness to protect our independence, freedom, and security from the common enemy in Moscow
Context
The Polish Sejm is considering a draft law that proposes equating public propaganda of the ideology of the OUN and UPA with propaganda of Nazism, communism, or fascism. The document provides for criminal liability and punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to three years.
Reminder
Earlier, Foreign Minister Sybiha stated that Ukraine is committed to continuing constructive dialogue with Poland, including on sensitive historical issues. He emphasized that the Ukrainian side will continue to issue permits for the Polish side to conduct search and exhumation works.
In addition, Kyiv proposed to Warsaw a package of anti-crisis steps to deepen mutual understanding between the countries. This concerns holding consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs, meetings of historians, and involving religious figures in bilateral dialogue.