Russian intelligence services are preparing to release falsified historical documents concerning World War II in a coordinated effort to disrupt relations between Ukraine and Poland, according to a Ukrainian national security official.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, stated on Saturday that the information operation is being overseen by Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov.
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According to Kovalenko, the FSB plans to publish fabricated materials regarding the Volhynia tragedy on July 5. He noted that Russian state media networks have been tasked with amplifying the narrative to exploit historical grievances and provoke bilateral divisions.
Diplomatic efforts to address historical tensions
The warning regarding the Russian operation coincides with active diplomatic efforts to address recent strains in bilateral ties over historical memory. On Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha presented an “anti-crisis” package to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during face-to-face talks in Warsaw.
The diplomatic friction followed criticism from Polish officials regarding the naming of a Ukrainian military unit after a historical formation. During the meeting, Sybiha stated that the unit’s designation carried no anti-Polish intent and officially reaffirmed that Ukraine continues to issue permits for search and exhumation operations on its territory.
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To stabilize diplomatic relations, Sybiha proposed a roadmap that includes immediate consultations between the respective foreign ministries, the convening of World War II historians who participated in the May Polish-Ukrainian Congress, and joint outreach to religious leaders to support bilateral dialogue.
Broader Russian strategy on NATO’s Eastern flank
Following the talks, Sybiha stated that deepening divisions between the two countries serve Russian strategic interests, emphasizing the need to resolve historical disputes to maintain a unified front against Russian aggression.
The ministers’ discussions occurred against the backdrop of broader security warnings regarding Russian operations targeting Poland and NATO’s eastern flank. Recent US intelligence assessments shared with Warsaw indicated that Moscow is utilizing information operations, alongside the threat of potential physical sabotage or border provocations, to weaken allied support for Kyiv and test NATO resolve.
In addition to historical memory issues, Sybiha and Sikorski discussed joint defense initiatives, military-technical cooperation, reconstruction projects, and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Sybiha reported receiving assurances that Poland will maintain its logistical and military support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
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