Summary
Nadiya, a 94-year-old woman, survived a violent attack by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) 82 years ago, during an event known as the Volyn massacre, where many ethnic Poles were killed. The massacre's history remains controversial, with differing views in Ukraine and Poland about the events and their commemoration.
Key Facts
- Nadiya escaped the Volyn massacre in 1943 when her father hid her in hay to protect her from violence.
- The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) attacked a village on the Polish-Ukrainian border, killing ethnic Poles.
- The Volyn massacre is remembered as a tragic event, with estimates of up to 100,000 Polish civilians killed.
- Survivors and historians describe the killings as brutal, involving stabbing and burning.
- Poland recognizes July 11 as “The Volyn Massacre Day” to honor the victims.
- Ukraine and Poland have differing narratives about the event and its causes.
- The UIA leaders, like Bandera and Shukhevych, are seen as national heroes in parts of Ukraine today.
