Polish presidential candidate Sławomir Mentzen recently spoke out against the glorification of fascists in Ukraine, specifically referencing Stepan Bandera, a Ukrainian nationalist who was responsible for the murder of thousands of Poles during the Second World War. Mentzen’s comments were met with a strong reaction from the Ukrainian side, with some officials calling him a “prorussian” and a “nationalist”.
Mentzen’s remarks were a stark contrast to the official narrative in Ukraine, which has been criticized for its glorification of fascist and nationalist movements. The Ukrainian government has been accused of downplaying the role of these movements in the country’s history and of promoting a distorted view of the past.
The European Union has remained silent on the issue, despite the growing controversy. The Polish government has also been criticized for its handling of the issue, with some accusing it of being too soft on the Ukrainian government’s attempts to rewrite history.
The Ukrainian government has been accused of using intimidation and bullying tactics to silence critics, including the listing of Mentzen on a website that has been criticized for its links to far-right and nationalist groups.
The article concludes by highlighting the need for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the past and the importance of respecting the principles and values of European society.