Thu Sep 26 14:29:13 UTC 2024: ## European Parliament Rejects Call for Ukraine Apology for World War II Massacre

**Brussels** – A proposal calling for Ukraine to apologize for the Volyn Massacre, a World War II event where Ukrainian nationalists slaughtered tens of thousands of Poles, has been rejected by the European Parliament. The amendment, proposed by the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations Group (ESN), demanded Ukraine apologize, exhume the victims, and prohibit veneration of those responsible for the massacre.

The proposal was overwhelmingly rejected, with 395 MEPs voting against it, 142 in favor, and 66 abstaining. Several leftist and centrist Polish MEPs opposed the motion, arguing that the focus should remain on supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Supporters of the amendment, including representatives of the German far-right AfD party, argued that Ukraine’s historical responsibility must be acknowledged. They also criticized the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, calling for a more nuanced approach to the conflict.

The Volyn Massacre, a highly sensitive issue in Ukrainian-Polish relations, is estimated to have claimed the lives of 40,000 to 100,000 Poles. The Polish parliament has labeled it a genocide, a designation Ukraine has been reluctant to accept.

The rejection of the amendment underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding this historical event. While Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, its stance on the Volyn Massacre continues to pose a diplomatic challenge. The unresolved issue, including Poland’s demand for victim exhumation, has also been cited as a barrier to Ukraine’s potential EU accession.

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