Examining Volhynia massacres, this piece contrasts historical justice pursuit with ideological misuse of trauma between Poland and Ukraine.
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The article examines the memory of the Volhynia massacres (1943-1944) and the challenge of distinguishing between pursuing historical justice and misusing trauma for ideological purposes. It details commemorations in Poland, such as those in CheÅ‚m, which mark the events where Ukrainian nationalist groups killed tens of thousands of Polish and Jewish people. The text highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between Poland and Ukraine regarding these massacres, noting recent agreements to exhume victims’ remains. However, it also describes counter-narratives presented at events like Domostawa, where far-right groups exploit the memory for political agendas against Ukrainian refugees and in opposition to EU integration. Furthermore, the article discusses the complex historical context of the Polish-Ukrainian relationship before World War II, including periods of assimilation and repression by both sides. Ultimately, it argues that while reconciliation is necessary, both nations must critically re-evaluate their histories—addressing not only the massacres but also internal repressions—to move beyond nationalist myths toward a shared European future.
