A historian at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Michal Šmigeľ, attributes the long-standing dispute between Poland and Ukraine to differing interpretations of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Poland primarily views the UPA as responsible for the expulsion and murder of ethnic Poles, particularly in Volhynia during the Nazi occupation. Conversely, Ukraine emphasizes the UPA’s role as an anti-Soviet resistance movement fighting for Ukrainian independence. Šmigeľ characterizes the current tensions as a nationalist power play between the presidents of Poland and Ukraine. The core of the disagreement lies in fundamentally contrasting historical narratives surrounding the UPA’s actions and motivations. This differing perception continues to strain relations between the two countries, hindering a unified understanding of the past. The historian suggests the dispute is less about objective historical truth and more about leveraging historical memory for present-day political goals.