Moscow is once again fueling tensions between Ukrainians and Poles, warns Mykyta Poturaiev, head of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy. He emphasizes that both Ukraine and Poland have lost their statehood in the past due to conflicts that Russia used to benefit itself, UkrInform reports. 

Poturaiev stresses that today, a “calm, professional effort” is underway between Kyiv and Warsaw, particularly regarding historical dialogue and the search and exhumation of victims of the Volyn tragedy.

“This is work done with deep respect for the victims… Every lost life of a peaceful person matters — children, women, the elderly,” he says.

However, Poturaiev cautions that attempts to weaponize historical tragedies for political gain are fueling troubling levels of anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland.

“When the memory of the Volyn tragedy becomes a tool of political struggle, I find that deeply disturbing,” he claims. 

He reminds that Russia is actively interfering in Polish-Ukrainian relations, inciting conflict and manipulating sensitive historical issues.

“You can clearly feel Moscow’s hand in this. Historical disputes are just part of Russia’s broader game across Europe,” he explains.

Ukraine has already granted Poland permission to exhume Polish soldiers buried in Zboiska in Lviv Oblast, and has carried out excavations in Puzhnyky, Ternopil Oblast. A joint expedition uncovered the remains of 42 people, which are expected to be reburied this summer. DNA analysis is ongoing.

“We must also remember all those whom Russia has killed in both countries… Ukrainians and Poles suffered the greatest losses at the hands of Moscow,” Poturaiev concludes.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Institute of National Memory announced plans to include the search and exhumation in Rivne Oblast in 2025 in response to requests from Polish citizens.