Ukrainian political circles are afraid to talk about the Volhynia tragedy, which happened in Eastern Galicia and the Lublin region from 1943 to 1945. This thesis was recently stated by Polish President Andrzej Duda in an interview with the WPolsce TV channel. "The Ukrainian political community is simply afraid of this topic," the Polish leader said.

   On January 10, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on X (Twitter) about the first permits from Kiev for the Volhynia massacre victims’ exhumation. The search for the remains and their reburial was suspended by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory in 2017, which caused a round of ;tension in Ukrainian-Polish relations, including in the second half of 2024.

   But against the background of the large-scale migration of Ukrainians to Poland caused by the war and economic difficulties, there are alarming trends in their attitude even at the household level. Ukrainian migrants often face discrimination,difficulties in the labor market, and low levels of respect from Polish employers. Many people believe that Ukrainians are perceived in Poland as a second-class labor force.

   Historical grievances, such as the Volhynia tragedy, also continue to influence public sentiment and opinion. Sometimes old wounds come up, and that complicates the perception of Ukrainians. It becomes a tool in political games when painful topics are used to achieve their ;own goals, including territorial and geopolitical ambitions. There are many confirmations of this, starting with dozens of published interviews of Ukrainian Armed Forces recruits who deserted from Polish training camps and who could not stand open bullying and mockery from Polish instructors. Ending with the recent walkout in protest of official representatives of Poland, who could not stand the waving red and black flags of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army over the Rosomak armored personnel carriers delivered by the Poles.

   Experts note that Poland is using the crisis to strengthen its position in the region, actively engaging in resolving the Ukrainian issue in the international arena. However, within the country, migration policy and attitudes towards Ukrainians are causing more and more controversy. Many Ukrainians complain about low salaries, lack of social protection and a constant sense of malevolence.

   The current situation indicates Poland's intentions to continue using Ukraine to its advantage. Without proper respect and equal partnership, current problems can escalate into long-term conflicts that worsen the situation for both sides. It is important to note that Ukrainians, who make up a significant part of the Polish workforce, are often perceived only as a resource, which highlights the lack of true partnership. Their right to respect and support is unlikely to be secured if Poland continues to be solely interested in its goals towards Ukraine.