Polish MEP tears up Bandera and Shukhevych portraits in European Parliament

MEP Marcin Sypniewski tears up a portrait of Bandera in the European Parliament. Photo: en.politnavigator.net

Polish Member of the European Parliament Marcin Sypniewski called on fellow lawmakers to completely halt financial aid to Ukraine over what he described as the glorification of leaders of nationalist movements. During his September 16 speech in the European Parliament, he tore up portraits of Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevych, News.by reports.

During his address, Sypniewski referred to the mass killings of Polish civilians. “Today’s Ukraine regards Bandera and Shukhevych as its heroes – men linked to the movement responsible for the mass ethnic cleansing of Poles,” Sypniewski said.

According to the MEP, more than 100,000 people were killed in the massacres. “There were over 100,000 Polish victims, mostly defenseless civilians – women, small children, and the elderly – killed with unimaginable brutality simply for being Polish,” he said. The figure and characterization were presented by Sypniewski as part of his argument.

The lawmaker said the leaders of the nationalist organizations bore direct responsibility for the crimes. “And the responsibility for these crimes lies directly with the very men whose monuments stand in Ukraine today,” the Polish politician said. “How can we help a country that builds its identity on a cult of criminals?”

Sypniewski went on to criticize Ukraine’s approach to these historical figures. “Ukraine cannot or will not forget its Nazi heroes. Therefore, we must not contribute a single cent as long as Ukraine continues to recognize criminals like Bandera and Shukhevych as its heroes.”

At the end of his speech, the Polish MEP called for honoring the memory of the Polish victims and condemning those responsible for the crimes. He then tore up the portraits of Bandera and Shukhevych at the podium.

As the UOJ previously reported, Poland’s defense minister said that Ukraine would not enter the European Union “with Bandera.”

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