In Tarnów, Poland, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Unveils a Memorial Plaque for the UNR Diplomatic Mission

Memorial Plaque Ceremony in Tarnów

According to МЗС: On May 12, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in Tarnów, Poland, on the building that housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR) starting in 1920. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attended the event, stressing its significance for preserving historical memory. For context, Tarnów served as a key hub for Ukrainian diplomacy in exile after Ukraine’s brief independence was crushed by Soviet forces.

The plaque was installed at the former Hotel Soldinger, which historically hosted the Ukrainian diplomatic office. Sybiha noted that Tarnów is a vital site of national remembrance that must not only be reclaimed but also honored.

'Tarnów is history. There are many places of national memory here that need to be reclaimed, restored, and honored. This is not just about the past, but also about the future,' he said.

The minister added that the presence of Ukrainian Plast scouts at the ceremony was symbolic, as it bridges the past with the future.

In his speech, Sybiha emphasized the resilience of Ukrainian statehood, which endured even through difficult times.

'No matter how dire the situation was for Ukrainian leaders a hundred years ago, they preserved the continuity of Ukrainian statehood. They kept the most important thing-faith in a free and independent Ukraine,' he stated.

The minister also shared a story about a photograph of the 1920 UNR envoys’ meeting that hangs in his Kyiv office. 'In my office in Kyiv, there is a photo of the 1920 meeting of UNR envoys, which I often show to visitors. The minutes of that meeting have also survived to this day. And I sincerely hope that one day Ukrainian diplomats will only talk about peace, development, and the future, not about war,' he emphasized.

Sybiha further highlighted Poland’s importance as a place where Ukrainian state institutions could continue their work. 'This historic gesture of support remains a vital part of the shared memory of our nations,' the minister noted. He expressed confidence that remembering the past strengthens Polish-Ukrainian brotherhood.

Summing up, the minister said: 'We are stronger when we remember the lessons of the past. The Polish-Ukrainian brotherhood, forged in Tarnów, is stronger today than ever. May this memorial plaque become a symbol of historical memory, respect for the past, and a lasting friendship between Ukraine and Poland.'

Attendees at the Event

In addition to Andrii Sybiha, the unveiling was attended by:

• Ukraine’s Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar
• Ukraine’s Consul General in Krakow Viacheslav Voinarovskyi
• Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Tarnów Bartłomiej Babuszka
• Mayor of Tarnów Jakub Kwaśny
• Project designer of the memorial plaque Ewa Fleszer
• Professor Iryna Matiash

This event marked an important step in commemorating the shared history of the two nations.

The unveiling of the memorial plaque in Tarnów underscores the importance of historical memory and cooperation between Ukraine and Poland. The ceremony not only honors the past but also strengthens contemporary ties between peoples who share a common history. The memory of Ukrainian diplomacy in Poland is a crucial element in the context of the current political situation, as it recalls the endurance and aspiration of Ukrainians for independence, as well as the support they received from the Polish people during difficult times.

As Ukraine continues to honor its historical legacy, recent efforts have been made to combat misinformation that threatens this narrative. A collaboration of over 100 historians from Ukraine and Poland aims to address Russian disinformation, highlighting the importance of accurate historical representation. Understanding these initiatives can provide further insight into the cultural and diplomatic significance of events like the plaque unveiling in Tarnów. For more details on this joint effort, read about how historians are joining forces to counteract disinformation.