Polish and Ukrainian Historians Meet to Rebuild Ties After Eight-Year Gap
Heads of Poland's and Ukraine's national remembrance institutes held their first direct working meeting since 2018, signaling renewed cooperation on sensitive historical issues between the two nations.
Representatives from Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) traveled to Lviv in western Ukraine on October 16 for a high-level meeting with Ukraine's Institute of National Remembrance (UINR)—the first such direct, working summit between the two institutions since 2018.
The meeting represents a symbolic thaw in bilateral historical relations, which have been strained by disputes over contested narratives surrounding World War II and the Soviet era. Poland's IPN is currently led by deputy president Karol Polejowski, as Poland's parliament has been unable to agree on a permanent successor, while Ukraine's institute is headed by Oleksandr Alfyorov.
Why this matters
Historical memory remains deeply contentious between Poland and Ukraine. The two nations have disagreed over interpretations of events including the Volhynian massacres, Soviet crimes, and the legacy of the 1930s. Strengthening ties between official remembrance bodies could help establish shared or at least mutually respectful historical narratives.
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of Poland's enormous support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian invasion—Poland hosts the largest Ukrainian refugee population in Europe. Renewed historical dialogue underscores the commitment to deeper bilateral integration and cultural understanding.
For expatriates and families in Poland interested in history, heritage, or bilateral Polish-Ukrainian issues, this reopening of institutional dialogue suggests growing efforts to bridge historical divides and promote regional reconciliation.
Sources
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