Eu Day Light

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that civilians who lost their lives in the Volyn region during World War II were being commemorated, stressing that Ukraine continues its efforts to fully clarify the events and that preserving a shared future with Poland is of great importance.

Zelensky stated that every year on this date, Ukraine and Poland commemorate the civilians who died in Volyn, with representatives of both countries participating in joint prayer ceremonies held in both Ukraine and Poland.

Emphasizing that Ukraine is fulfilling its responsibility to establish the fate of the victims in a fair manner, Zelensky said: "Search operations are being carried out at the sites of former villages and cemeteries. Ukraine is determined to accelerate this process. In two days, exhumation work will begin in the villages of Ostrivki and Volya Ostrovetska."

Stressing that the victims should be commemorated with all the facts revealed and in accordance with their faith, Zelensky said: "What we need is the full truth and remembrance of the victims in accordance with Christian traditions. However, we must not forget that today Ukraine and Poland face a common threat. This is a deadly threat to our independence, to our two states, and to every city and village. That threat is Russia. While discussing the past, we must not make the future of Ukraine, Poland, and all of Europe a matter of dispute."