Historical propaganda, which should not be confused with historical policy, is a significant aspect of Russia’s aspirations for regaining the status of world power. It explains why high-ranking officials and state functionaries of modern Russia deny co-responsibility of Joseph Stalin for the outbreak of WWII, Soviet Union’s occupation of the Baltic States or deliberate lack of support of the Red Army for the Warsaw Uprising.  Armed uprising of the Home Army, subjected to the authorities of the Underground State loyal to the emigration government of the Republic of Poland in London. It took place in Warsaw occupied at that time by Germans and lasted 63 days (from 1 August to 3 October 1944). The insurgents aimed not only at liberating the capital of Poland from the Third Reich’s army but also at challenging the division of Europe. 

Moscow’s claim to be part of the global concert of powers has been rooted in the conviction of “decisive contribution made by the Soviet Union into the victory over the Third Reich” 64 years ago2 and several centuries of Moscow’s leadership over Ruthenia. Russian authorities’ stand on Katyn massacre3 has a particular character. On the one hand, NKVD’s perpetration has not been officially undermined, but on the other hand – the Military Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Federation refuses to conduct an inquiry against the parties guilty of this massacre. Moreover, governmental press and members of regional administration occasionally reject or relativise the responsibility of USSR for mass execution of Polish officers in 1940. Russian leaders speak of artificial character of Ukrainian state and claim the Kyiv Rus’ heritage – which is supposed to justify Russia’s right to co-own foreign policy of Ukraine and other countries of the western part of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). 

Read the full text of the report: www.bbn.gov.pl