Porohy #3 (2026)

Dear Reader,

As Ukraine continues its struggle for survival, Ukrainians across the world are searching for an answer to one essential question: how can we remain ourselves when we are far from home? The answer lies in countless personal stories, cultural initiatives, civic engagement, art, education, and the preservation of memory. This is precisely what the new issue of Porohy is about.

We explore the experiences of children forced to leave Ukraine because of the war, facing the challenge of preserving their identity far from home. This issue also offers a fresh perspective on Maria Prymachenko—an artist whose work has long become one of the defining symbols of Ukrainian culture, yet whose legacy remained shrouded in Soviet mythology for decades.

You will also find a conversation with world-renowned pianist and composer Lubomyr Melnyk, who speaks about music as the voice of the Ukrainian soul and as a way for Ukraine to be heard around the world.

A special place in this issue is devoted to historical memory. At a time when Russia’s aggression is accompanied by attempts to impose its own interpretation of Ukrainian history, the Polish authorities have also controversially entered this contested space. As a result, Ukrainians’ right to their own historical memory has become not only a matter of scholarship or public debate, but also one of sovereignty. Our column on Ukrainian historical memory is dedicated to this subject.

We also tell the story of Alina Tsentrakevych, who continues to teach children art even when her lessons must be held to the sound of air raid sirens. It is yet another reminder that culture and education remain pillars of society, even in its darkest hours.

Wishing you a thoughtful read,

The Editorial Team of Porohy