Polish-Ukrainian historical relations and tensions

Historical accounts and literary analysis examine the complex and often painful relationship between Poland and Ukraine during the early 20th century. Following World War I, the struggle for Ukrainian independence led to territorial conflicts, with Galicia and Volhynia eventually becoming part of the Second Polish Republic.

The interwar period was marked by significant tension, including Stalinist repressions such as the Holodomor and Polish policies aimed at assimilation. These pressures contributed to the rise of Ukrainian nationalism and organizations like the OUN. The era was characterized by ethnic friction, the destruction of religious sites, and political instability that preceded the outbreak of World War II.