Vinnytsia asked the Polish city of Kielce for 15 decommissioned buses because of blackouts, and trolleybuses are difficult to operate. Kielce initially agreed but then learned that Vinnytsia has a Bandera Street and demanded it be renamed to receive aid. Well, something like “Bandera is responsible for the Volhynia victims.” Clearly, Vinnytsia refused.
The irony is that in 1946, a Jewish pogrom took place in Kielce. Poles killed 42 Jews, although the German occupation had long ended, and no UPA units were nearby. If I wanted escalation in Polish-Ukrainian relations, I would recommend Vinnytsia to name a street in honor of the Kielce pogrom victims for one day.
However, I sincerely believe that semi-ignoring Polish historical statements by the Ukrainian authorities is the optimal strategy at this stage. Not complying with demands to rename anything and not making loud statements in return is the right path. At least for now.
I’ll speak as a military person, as directly and cynically as possible. No Polish-Ukrainian debates on historical topics make sense until we win this war, or the RF invades Poland. Until then, it’s just a waste of time.
We must intensively build cooperation in the economic sphere and be as deaf as possible to hysterical statements in the historical sphere. There should be an immediate firm response for spilled grain. For shaking the air – a shrug.
P. S.
Volodymyr Kuprii:
“Session of the Kielce City Council.
Watched the City Council session live, where they discussed the appeal to Vinnytsia’s authorities regarding Stepan Bandera Street. The discussion was heated.
There are a total of 25 deputies. Voting result: ‘for’ the appeal – 12, against – 11, abstained – 2. The appeal was not adopted.”
So, on one hand, it’s good that it wasn’t adopted, on the other hand, it’s bad that the majority of deputies were in favor 😕
