Newsletter Vol. 6, No. 2 April 2026
A Word From the President
As we prepare to gather in Lublin for the 2026 PIASA Congress, I found myself thinking about how meaningful it is not only to visit a city, but to understand its recent history and the experiences that have shaped its identity. Lublin is well known to many of us as a place of intellectual exchange, cultural dialogue, and deep historical resonance. Yet in recent years, it has also become something more—a city whose response to the crisis has drawn the attention and respect of the international community.
In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Lublin emerged as one of the key centers of humanitarian assistance for refugees fleeing the war. The scale of solidarity shown by its residents, institutions, and local organizations offers an extraordinary example of civic responsibility and compassion in action. As members of PIASA, an organization deeply committed to scholarship, cultural engagement, and international dialogue, I thought it would be
meaningful for us to learn more about this dimension of Lublin’s recent history before we meet there in person.
The following interview is with Sławomir Łukasiewicz, professor of the Catholic University of Lublin, and a representative of the Institute of Central Europe in Lublin, one of the co-organizers of the 2026 PIASA Congress together with Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. His reflections offer an insider’s perspective on how Lublin became a hub of humanitarian support, how institutions and citizens worked together in response to an unprecedented crisis, and how these experiences have reshaped the city’s understanding of culture, community, and responsibility.
I hope that reading this conversation will deepen our appreciation of Lublin—not only as the host city of the 2026 PIASA Congress, but as a place whose recent experiences embody values of solidarity, openness, and shared responsibility that resonate strongly with the mission of our organization.
How did Lublin become one of the main centers of assistance for Ukrainian refugees in the first days after February 2022?
To understand Lublin’s role in the first days after February 24, 2022, we need to go back much earlier. For many years, Lublin maintained very close relationships with Ukraine—both at the academic and cultural levels. There were joint research projects, translations of important Ukrainian historical works, and frequent visits by scholars and cultural figures.
The city’s geographical location also mattered greatly—about 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Because of this, Lublin had long functioned as a place of dialogue and cooperation between Poles and Ukrainians. When the full-scale war began, the city already had networks, experience, and social capital that allowed it to respond quickly.
In the first days, what mattered most was the spontaneous mobilization of residents. People went to the border, organized transportation, welcomed refugees into their homes, and provided food and clothing. Assistance appeared immediately—before formal structures were created. It was an instinctive act of solidarity that made Lublin (together with some other border cities) one of the key points of support.
At the beginning, assistance was primarily grassroots. On the very day the war broke out, the Lublin Committee for Assistance to Ukraine was created to oordinate the work of volunteers and non-governmental organizations. Organizations such as Homo Faber and the Rule of Law Institute Foundation played particularly important roles.
Systems were created to register offers of assistance—people declared whether they could host refugees, provide transportation, or volunteer their time. Tasks became more structured: organizing transport from the border, receiving people at reception points, and distributing supplies.
Over time, city authorities and state institutions became more actively involved. Assistance centers for Ukrainian citizens were established, and legal frameworks and financial support mechanisms were introduced. This was an evolution—from spontaneous civic action to a coordinated system involving society, local government, and the state. Without that initial grassroots response, however, none of this would have been possible.
How has Lublin changed since 2022 as a result of this experience?
The changes were enormous and visible almost immediately. At one point, the number of people from Ukraine staying in Lublin was very high—one could say that the city became significantly more multicultural in a very short time.
Some refugees moved further west or returned to Ukraine, but many decided to stay. This influenced the city’s demographic structure, daily life, education, and labor market. Lublin, already known as an academic city, became even more international—especially because of Ukrainian students.
New institutions and initiatives supporting integration were also established, such as the Baobab Center, which organizes activities for children, workshops for adults, and community events. The Ukrainian language became a visible part of everyday urban life. These changes affected not only demographics but also culture and the functioning of public space.
What lessons has Lublin learned from this experience that could inform responses to future humanitarian crises?
One of the most important lessons was the realization that the rapid response of society is crucial. In the first days of the war, it was ordinary people who created the foundation for the entire system of assistance. State institutions later introduced regulations and financial support, but without the initial mobilization of residents, the situation would have been far more difficult.
Another important lesson was that, in times of crisis, historical tensions should not become barriers to action. Polish-Ukrainian relations have a complex and ometimes painful history, but in the face of war, saving human lives became the priority. Assistance took precedence over historical disputes.
A third lesson concerns the importance of cooperation across multiple levels—local, national, and international. Lublin quickly established contacts with international organizations such as UNHCR, strengthening its capacity to provide assistance and coordinate humanitarian efforts effectively.
How has the experience of assisting refugees influenced Lublin’s understanding of itself as a city of culture?
This experience significantly reshaped the way culture is understood. Previously, culture was associated mainly with artistic events, festivals, and institutional programs. After 2022, culture began to be seen more broadly—as a space of solidarity, cooperation, and social integration.
Cultural institutions became places for meetings, workshops, humanitarian initiatives, and even shelter if necessary. It became clear that culture can function as a tool for building community and responding to crises. This experience is particularly important in the context of Lublin’s aspirations to serve as a European Capital of Culture—it demonstrates that culture is not only about art but also about social responsibility.
Looking ahead, how should Lublin remember and represent this period within its cultural memory?
This is a crucial question, because this period deserves to be documented and remembered. There is a need for archives, exhibitions, artistic projects, and educational initiatives that capture the scale of solidarity and civic engagement that took place.
It is particularly important to preserve the testimonies of individuals—volunteers, refugees, and institutional workers. This story should not disappear with time, because it demonstrates an extraordinary mobilization of society.
At the same time, it is important to remember that this story is not yet finished. The war continues, and the need for support remains. For that reason, remembrance of this period should remain active—not only in museums or archives, but also in public spaces, educational programs, and everyday cultural life.
PS. On April 5, 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky honoured Lublin with the title of “City-Rescuer” (https://lublin.eu/en/lublin-4-all/news/the-title-of-city-rescuer-for-lublin-from-president-of-ukraine,213,1413,1.html)
Anna Müller President, PIASA
