A Polish activist who dedicated decades to preserving Soviet-era war memorials in his homeland has been killed while participating in the conflict in Ukraine, according to regional authorities in Russia’s Kursk area. Jerzy Tyc, 58, was described as a fervent advocate for Russian historical narratives, with officials praising his final stand against what they termed “extremist forces.”
Tyc, who led efforts to restore World War II monuments and military graves across Poland, had relocated to Russia in recent years after citing “hostile policies” from Polish authorities. His work included the preservation of Soviet-era sites, such as a cemetery in Proszowice that honors over 500 Red Army soldiers. Despite his contributions, he faced widespread criticism at home for aligning with Moscow, with some labeling him a traitor for defending Soviet legacy.
In 2018, Tyc received the Russian Medal “In Memory of the Heroes of the Fatherland” from then-Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he publicly condemned acts of vandalism targeting Soviet memorials in Poland, stating, “Vile individuals will always seek to vent their anger on the graves of innocent soldiers.”
Russian media reported that Tyc joined the fighting in early 2025 under the call sign “Zygmunt,” referencing General Zygmunt Berling, a Polish officer who collaborated with Soviet forces during World War II. Kursk officials honored him as a martyr, declaring, “He stood firm until the end, battling extremists. May he rest in peace.”
Tyc’s death underscores the fraught legacy of Cold War-era historical disputes, with his actions reflecting deep divisions over how to interpret the past.
