Polish-Ukrainian Historical Congress Concludes as ‘Largest Gathering’ of Researchers

The Polish-Ukrainian Historical Congress has concluded, with the Centrum Mieroszewskiego hailing it as the largest gathering of researchers in the history of the two nations’ relations. Held in collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, the three-day event focused on open academic debate regarding difficult historical topics. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A gathering of researchers at the Polish-Ukrainian Historical Congress. (Photo by Marek Gorczyński/X) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Polish -Ukrainian Historical Congress has officially concluded, with organizers describing it as the most significant gathering of researchers ever held to discuss the complex shared history between the two countries. The event, co-organized by the Centrum Mieroszewskiego and the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, brought together historians, experts, and academic researchers for three days of intensive dialogue based on the principles of academic integrity and mutual respect. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “We already know today that it was the largest gathering of researchers in the history of Polish-Ukrainian relations,” the Centrum Mieroszewskiego stated on X in a summary on Saturday, May 9. “The atmosphere of the proceedings demonstrated that it is possible to create spaces for dialogue... even around the most difficult topics.” 🇵🇱🇺🇦 Kończymy Polsko-Ukraiński Kongres Historyczny. Już dziś wiemy, że było to największe spotkanie badaczy w historii relacji polsko-ukraińskich, zbudowane na zasadach dialogu historycznego, akademickiej rzetelności i wzajemnego szacunku. Przez trzy dni historycy z Polski i… pic.twitter.com/FpS7c05LBd Participants emphasized that the congress was not only a reflection on the past but a necessary step for the future of the strategic partnership between Warsaw and Kyiv. The discussions focused on creating a framework for freedom of research that allows both nations to navigate their shared legacy without political interference. “History is not only about the past, but also about the future,” the organizers noted, thanking the media and the public for their engagement in the accompanying debates. The academic congress serves as a theoretical backdrop to significant ongoing fieldwork aimed at resolving long-standing historical grievances. Other Topics of Interest EU Flag Returns to Budapest as Péter Magyar’s Government Takes Office In a historic session on Saturday, May 9, Péter Magyar and his 16-ministry government were officially sworn into office, marking the formal end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year governance. Addressing a parliament where his Tisza party now holds an absolute majority, Magyar pledged to “open a new chapter” focused on national unity and hope. The transition was marked by significant symbolic shifts, including the return of the EU flag to the parliament building after a 12-year absence. A primary example of this cooperation is the joint Ukrainian-Polish expedition in Lviv , which began in August to locate and reinter the remains of Polish soldiers who died in September 1939. The project, centered in the Zboishcha neighborhood, represents a mutual effort to restore historical memory. “Remembering the victims of World War II is not just about the past, it is about our values today: dignity, mutual respect, and the ability to engage in dialogue,” said Andriy Nadzhos, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications. These efforts follow several breakthroughs in historical cooperation. In May 2025, excavations were completed in the village of Puzhnyky , where the remains of 42 victims of the Volyn tragedy were found for DNA analysis in Poland. In June, Ukraine granted Poland permission for exhumations in Lviv , while Poland simultaneously allowed Ukraine to conduct search efforts in the Polish village of Yurechkova. The successful conclusion of the Congress, held against the backdrop of the current security challenges in Europe, reinforces the momentum for both nations to achieve a “just peace” and a shared historical narrative built on transparency. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.