Warsaw has reacted with anger following comments made by Aleksandr Alferov, head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, who referred to the Volhynia Massacre as a 'myth' perpetuated by Poland. This incident has reignited historical tensions between Poland and Ukraine, stemming from the violent events that took place in 1943-45, where the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) killed thousands of ethnic Poles in western Ukraine. The Polish Institute of National Remembrance criticized Ukraine for what it described as a disturbing revision of history that undermines the gravity of these wartime atrocities.

In an interview with Ukrainskaya Pravda, Alferov argued that the Volhynia killings are exaggerated and claimed they form part of Polish national mythology rather than being rooted in historical fact. He downplayed the tragedy, asserting it was a 'local episode' in Ukrainian history, which reflects a broader struggle over how wartime experiences are memorialized and interpreted in both Poland and Ukraine. This perspective has been met with staunch opposition from Poles who regard the massacre as a significant part of their suffering during WWII.

The fallout from this dispute is likely to impact Polish-Ukrainian relations, especially as both countries have been navigating complex historical narratives while also working collaboratively in areas like defense and energy security. The disagreement over the Volhynia Massacre emphasizes the challenges both nations face in reconciling their pasts while striving for a united front in contemporary geopolitical matters, particularly in light of Russia's continued aggression in the region.