Ukrainian Institute of National Memory discusses relations with Poland

Oleksandr Alfiorov, head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, has characterized the relationship between Poland and Ukraine as two distinct sovereign nations acting in their own interests rather than as ‘husband and wife.’

Addressing historical tensions, including the Volhynia massacres, Alfiorov noted that while historical figures like Bohdan Khmelnytsky are viewed differently by each nation, Ukraine remains committed to dialogue. He highlighted a recent congress of historians held in Poland to discuss conflicts spanning the 14th, 17th, and 20th centuries using factual sources.

To facilitate understanding, the Ukrainian Institute released 2,700 archival documents regarding Polish-Ukrainian conflicts from 1939–1947. Alfiorov emphasized that Ukraine is cooperating with exhumations and search efforts despite the ongoing war, asserting that reasonable states must distinguish between honoring national heroes and pursuing shared economic and security interests for the future.