Poles Want Ukraine to Address Volyn Massacre Before Joining EU or NATO
A recent poll in Poland shows that many people believe Ukraine should not join the European Union (EU) or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) until it addresses the issue of exhuming victims of the Volyn massacre.
The poll, conducted by IBRiS, found that 27.7% of respondents strongly opposed Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO without resolving this issue, while 22.5% rather opposed it.
The Volyn massacre occurred during World War II when tens of thousands of Poles were murdered by Ukrainian fighters in what is now western Ukraine. This event has become a major point of contention between Poland and Ukraine, with many Polish people wanting the remains of those killed to be exhumed and properly buried.
Polish opposition supporters are particularly keen for the issue to be resolved before Ukraine joins the EU or NATO. The poll also shows that 20.4% rather support Ukraine’s accession, while 14.4% strongly support it. However, 15% were undecided.
The survey was conducted on January 24-25 with 1,071 respondents using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI).
Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion. However, disagreements over how to address historical events have strained relations between the two countries.
A breakthrough in talks regarding the Volyn massacre was reached in January when Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the first exhumations had been approved by both sides earlier in the month.
The issue has become a major point of contention ahead of Poland’s presidential election, with Karol Nawrocki saying Ukraine should not join the EU or NATO unless it “answers” for the Polish victims.