Volodymyr Viatrovych, a former head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance and a member of the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada, has criticized Polish President Karol Nawrock, who proposes a new law to equate the ‘Bandera symbol’ with Nazi and communist symbols. Viatrovych argues that this initiative could be interpreted as an attempt to align with Russia’s ‘denazification’ narrative, which has been used to justify Russian military actions in Ukraine. He claims that such historical comparisons could be used to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and national identity.
The initiative, which was sparked by Nawrocki’s call for equating the Bandera symbol with Nazi and communist symbols, has sparked widespread debate in both Poland and Ukraine. Viatrovych pointed out that the proposal could be seen as a way to legitimize Russia’s aggression by framing Ukraine’s history as a continuation of Nazi practices. He emphasized the importance of preserving Ukraine’s historical narrative and warned against any attempts to rewrite history in a way that serves political agendas. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical interpretations and the potential for such disputes to impact international relations.
Meanwhile, the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada has issued a statement supporting Viatrovych’s concerns. They argue that the initiative could damage Ukraine’s international reputation and complicate its efforts to gain global support. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the broader political landscape will respond to Nawrocki’s proposal. However, the implications for Ukraine’s national identity and international standing are significant.