Radoslav Sikorsky and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. Photo: by PAP/Tomasz Gzell.
Ukraine confirms that there are no obstacles to search and exhumation operations on its territory, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said after meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. He stressed that this was a jointly agreed statement. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing the Polish edition of PAP.
Position of Poland and Ukraine on the territorial integrity of Ukraine
According to the report, Sikorsky said that Ukraine should return its territories within internationally recognised borders. “If negotiations are launched to end the war, which is currently unlikely due to Russia’s brutal attacks, any prepared decision must be approved by our Ukrainian partners,” he added. The head of Polish diplomacy also stressed that any decision on Ukraine directly affects Poland’s security, citing historical examples when negotiations without the participation of the parties concerned did not lead to positive results.
Polish side insists on unblocking searches and exhumations
“Ukraine confirms that there are no obstacles for Polish state institutions and private structures, in cooperation with Ukrainian relevant institutions, to carry out search and exhumation work on its territory in accordance with national legislation and declares its readiness to positively consider applications for such work,” he quoted the official statement that resulted from the meeting.
For years, the Polish side has been insisting on resuming the search and exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy, and this topic has been the subject of negotiations between the two countries on several occasions. Andrzej Sybiga, in turn, noted that both sides, Ukrainians and Poles, are interested in overcoming misunderstandings and honouring the memory of the victims. He also added that a joint working group from both countries is actively developing practical mechanisms for search and exhumation work.
Cooperation between Poland and Ukraine as a factor of stability in Europe
“We are on the right track, and this is reflected in our joint declaration,” the Ukrainian minister said.
In general, Sybiga stressed the importance of cooperation between Poland and Ukraine for ensuring security and stability in Europe, and expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their support of Ukraine. At the same time, he noted that this support is not only in the form of humanitarian aid, but also in the training of the Ukrainian Legion in Poland and joint efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
Poland will actively support Ukraine’s accession to the EU
In conclusion, Radoslaw Sikorski added that Poland will use its presidency of the EU Council to accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the European Union as quickly as possible. He also stated that Poland would actively support the introduction of additional sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on the so-called “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation.
