Pro-Russian supporters in Warsaw stage demonstration demanding an end to support for Ukraine
Pro-Russian forces organized a protest in front of the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw on July 9, aggressively confronting activists who had gathered there with Ukrainian flags, Ukrainian state-owned news outlet Ukrinform reported on July 9.
A verbal altercation unfolded between the two groups, with the police stepping in to surround the pro-Ukrainian activists, aiming to prevent any potential violent clashes.
Outside the Ukrainian Embassy, several hundred supporters from different pro-Russian organizations assembled, holding placards bearing various messages, including “Volyn — we remember,” “This is not our war,” “Russia is not our enemy,” “Ukraine is not fighting for Poland’s freedom,” and “No to Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO.”
They urged Poland to halt all cooperation with Ukraine and its support until “Banderaism in Ukraine is condemned,” and to normalize relations with Russia and Belarus — referring to a Russian propaganda narrative claiming that controversial 20th century Ukrainian partisan Stepan Bandera was the founder of the Ukrainian state.
Read also: Terrorist from pro-russian Vostok gang detained in Vinnytsia
The Polish Anti-War Movement and the Front Party were among the organizers of the demonstration.
Meanwhile, individuals holding Ukrainian flags and a sign that read “Stop Racism” gathered in close proximity to the Ukrainian Embassy. The pro-Russian demonstrators labeled them as provocateurs and demanded they leave.
On July 9, President of Poland Andrzej Duda made an unannounced visit to Ukraine. He was accompanied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they visited the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Lutsk.
Inside the cathedral, commemorative events took place to honor the victims of World War II and the 80th anniversary of the Volyn Tragedy.
Read also: SBU adds high treason charge against pro-Russian blogger Anatoliy Shariy
Earlier on July 7, Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki traveled to Ukraine to pay respects to the victims of the Volyn Tragedy at the former site of the village of Ostruwki in Volyn Oblast.
The Volyn Tragedy refers to the painful history of ethnic cleansing that took place during World War II, involving the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, the Polish Home Army, Polish Shutzmannschaft battalions, and Soviet partisans. In 1943, these events resulted in the loss of numerous lives among the Ukrainian and Polish populations in Volyn Oblast.
Poland estimates that during the Nazi occupation, Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the deaths of 100,000 Poles, and claims that the number of Ukrainians who lost their lives in reprisals was lower than that of the Polish victims. As the 80th anniversary of the Volyn Tragedy approaches, Warsaw will observe this solemn occasion at the national level on July 11.
Read also: Hungary’s Orbán obsessed with EU funding to maintain regime, claims Ukrainian FM Kuleba
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
