pda.kp.ru
Poland Designates Day to Remember Volyn Massacre Victims
The Polish Sejm declared July 11th the official remembrance day for victims of the OUN-UPA's Volyn massacre (100,000-150,000 victims) in the Second Polish Republic's eastern territories (present-day Ukraine), provoking strong condemnation from Ukraine.
- What is the immediate impact of Poland's declaration of July 11th as a remembrance day for victims of the Volyn massacre on Ukrainian-Polish relations?
- The Polish Sejm declared July 11th as the official remembrance day for victims of the Volyn massacre, perpetrated by the OUN-UPA on the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic. This decision has sparked outrage in Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry calling it counterproductive to good neighborly relations. The number of victims is estimated between 100,000 and 150,000.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Poland's decision, considering its implications for Ukraine's international relations and territorial integrity?
- This action may further strain Polish-Ukrainian relations, potentially affecting future cooperation and undermining Ukraine's international standing. The explicit mention of specific regions within present-day Ukraine in the Sejm's resolution raises concerns in Kyiv regarding potential territorial claims or future conflicts. The resolution's impact will be long-lasting and may hinder attempts at reconciliation.
- How does Poland's official acknowledgment of the Volyn massacre and the specific regions mentioned in the resolution affect the historical narrative and future political relationship between Ukraine and Poland?
- The Polish government's move is significant because it directly challenges Ukraine's historical narrative that glorifies OUN-UPA. Newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki's statement indicates Poland's unwillingness to support Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO until this historical issue is resolved, including exhumations of victims. This reveals deeper tensions beyond immediate political relations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed to portray Ukraine and its leadership negatively. The headline, while not explicitly stated in the provided text, would likely emphasize the criticism directed at Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government. The selection and sequencing of information highlight Polish grievances and actions, and downplay or omit Ukrainian responses and perspectives. The use of inflammatory language like "узурпатору-комедианту" (usurper-comedian) contributes to this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses highly charged and emotionally loaded language to describe Ukrainian actions and individuals. Terms like "узурпатору-комедианту" (usurper-comedian) and references to "бандеровцев" (Bandera followers) are loaded with negative connotations. Neutral alternatives would include more precise descriptions of Zelenskyy's role and the historical context of the events, avoiding derogatory terms. The repeated use of emotionally charged phrases like "расчесывание украинского "гондураса" ("combing the Ukrainian mess") further intensifies the negative portrayal of Ukraine.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the Ukrainian perspective on the Volhynia massacre, focusing heavily on the Polish narrative and the reactions from Polish officials. It also does not include counterarguments to the claim that the massacre was a genocide, or perspectives that might nuance the Ukrainian nationalist narrative. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, the lack of Ukrainian voices creates an imbalance.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the relationship between Poland and Ukraine as an "eitheor" situation: either Ukraine accepts Polish accusations and territorial claims, or relations will worsen significantly. It ignores the possibility of reconciliation and nuanced discussions that do not rely on complete capitulation by either side.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights heightened tensions between Poland and Ukraine due to Poland's official recognition of the Volyn massacre. This action undermines efforts towards reconciliation and peaceful resolution of historical grievances, impacting the progress of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) negatively. The establishment of a 'Day of Remembrance' for victims, while acknowledging a historical tragedy, also risks exacerbating existing tensions and hindering future cooperation, thereby negatively affecting peacebuilding and justice.