Minister Kyrylenko: Flare-up between Ukraine and Poland Staged by Russia

Vice Prime Minister Vyacheslav Kyrylenko told on air at Ukrayinske Radio that the exacerbation of Ukraine-Poland relations with regard to Volyn tragedy was staged by Russia, his press office informs.

"The flare-up in Ukraine-Poland relations due to their attitude to Volyn tragedy during World War II is a critical challenge. I am sure it was staged by the third party – namely, by Russian intelligence. They want to set us against each other, while Ukraine defends eastern borders of the entire Europe from the Russian aggression. We have to stay full-hearted and keep our friendly relations with Poland," Kyrylenko asserted.

He also called on to impartially assess the events of Volyn tragedy. "Ukrainian Government disclosed over 380 documents from KGB archives about the events of 1942-1947. They clearly showcase that these were reciprocal hostilities common for the wartime. Both sides – Polish and Ukrainian – committed numerous crimes," he stressed.

"We have to recognize that it was a tragic time in our relations, beg each other’s pardon, always remember about the peaceful victims on both sides and move ahead joining our heads," Minister noted.

On July 7, upper house of Polish Parliament urged the Sejm to acknowledge Volyn tragedy a genocide of Polish people. President Poroshenko laid flowers to the monument of Volyn tragedy victims bending his knee in front of it.

Source: Ukrayinska Pravda