Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz: Andrzej Szeptycki remains in government, we will not yield to such pressure

A political storm has erupted in Poland following remarks made by Andrzej Szeptycki, the deputy minister of science and a member of the right-wing party Polska 2050. The controversy centers around his comments regarding the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (UPA), which he described as "uncompromising Ukrainian soldiers." These statements were made during a radio interview with TOK FM on June 5, where Szeptycki was asked about how Ukrainians perceive the UPA in their historical imagination. His response sparked immediate backlash, particularly from the opposition, who demanded his resignation from the government.

The controversy gained momentum when Przemysław Czarnek, the candidate for prime minister from the Polish People's Party (PiS), called for the entire government led by Donald Tusk to resign. This demand came in the wake of Szeptycki’s remarks, which many viewed as controversial given the sensitive nature of the UPA’s legacy, especially in relation to the Volhynia massacre, where thousands of Poles were killed by members of the UPA and local collaborators during World War II.

In response to the growing pressure, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, the leader of Polska 2050 and the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, defended Szeptycki in an interview on TVN24. She emphasized that her party would not yield to such pressure and confirmed that Szeptycki would remain in the government. Pełczyńska-Nałęcz argued that Szeptycki's comments reflected the perspective of Ukrainians rather than his personal views. She stated that the words attributed to the UPA were based on the collective memory of Ukrainians, who see them as fighters for independence against Soviet rule, despite the atrocities they committed.

Szeptycki himself addressed the controversy in a subsequent statement, expressing regret if his comments had offended anyone. He clarified that his intention was not to justify the actions of the UPA but to highlight their role in the struggle for Ukrainian independence. However, this did little to quell the outrage among critics, who pointed to the historical crimes associated with the UPA, including the mass killings of Poles in Volhynia.

The situation further complicated when Ziemowit Szczerek, a Polish writer and expert on Eastern Europe, publicly supported Szeptycki’s comparison between the UPA and "cursed soldiers," a term used to describe Polish resistance fighters who opposed both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Szczerek explained that while some aspects of the UPA's actions were indefensible, others resonated with the Ukrainian national identity. He also suggested that President Volodymyr Zelensky faced challenges in gaining the support of the Ukrainian military, partly due to his association with the UPA designation.

The debate over the UPA's legacy continues to divide opinions in Poland. While some argue that acknowledging the UPA's complex role in Ukrainian history is necessary for reconciliation, others insist that the organization's involvement in the Volhynia massacres must not be overlooked. The controversy highlights broader tensions between Poland and Ukraine, particularly concerning historical narratives and the recognition of wartime atrocities. As the situation unfolds, the Polish government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of historical issues and the implications of its foreign policy decisions.