Ukrainian-Polish Historians’ Congress seen as step toward historical reconciliation

This view was expressed by Oleksandr Alfyorov, Head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, in a comment to Ukrinform.

“This is the largest such congress between Ukrainian and Polish historians. It can provide a unique platform for renewed dialogue between the sides,” Alfyorov said, noting that during the three-day event historians will examine a thousand years of relations between the two nations.

He stressed that not only official sessions will be important, but also informal communication between historians from both countries.

“I think the formula of historical reconciliation, if not found, will at least be brought closer. The congress will not solve major historical problems, but we need to talk and listen to each other. And this will be a good start,” he said.

According to organizers, the aim of the congress is to jointly discuss the state of historiography, research gaps, future research directions, and – most importantly – existing differences in interpretation, particularly regarding the most sensitive aspects of bilateral relations.

The event will bring together professional historians from Ukraine and Poland. It is organized by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory and Poland’s Juliusz Mieroszewski Centre for Dialogue.

As reported by Ukrinfrom, search works began in March 2026 in the village of Uhlу in Rivne region at a site believed to be a burial place of local residents – both Ukrainians and Poles – who died during World War II.