Lecture by Dr Tomasz Szczepański at the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces
On 5 March, a lecture by Tomasz Szczepański, researcher of the Katyn Museum, was held in the Marshal Józef Piłsudski Auditorium at the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces. The lecture, entitled “Soviet Logistics of Falsehood Against the Truth – The Struggle for the Truth about the Katyń Massacre (1943–1990)”, attracted significant interest and filled the auditorium to capacity.
The audience included officer cadets, military staff, academic lecturers, and civilian employees of the Academy. The strong turnout demonstrated the continuing relevance and importance of uncovering and understanding the truth about the Katyń Massacre, as well as the decades-long efforts to bring it to light.
During his presentation, Dr Szczepański examined in detail the propaganda mechanisms employed by Soviet authorities to systematically distort historical facts and shift responsibility for the crime onto others. He also explained how this narrative was maintained and developed over the years—both during the existence of the Soviet Union and, subsequently, by Russian authorities after its collapse.
A key part of the lecture focused on the individuals and communities who, despite political pressure and widespread propaganda, consistently sought to reveal the truth. Dr Szczepański also outlined the broader geopolitical context, demonstrating how international circumstances influenced both the ability to speak openly about the Katyń Massacre and the pace at which historical facts were acknowledged.
The lecture provided not only an opportunity to deepen historical understanding but also a meaningful reflection on the importance of memory, responsibility for truth, and the role of historical research in countering manipulation and propaganda. The event concluded with a high level of engagement from attendees and highlighted the ongoing need for reflection on one of the most tragic chapters in Polish history.
