The depiction of the USSR’s role in the liberation of Poland from German occupation in the materials of the Institute of national remembrance of Poland

The modern world order has been largely shaped by the outcomes of World War II. Its events, which affected the lives of millions, became the foundation of national memory in many countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Historical past is often referenced in international discussions, as it remains a key element of collective identity. In this context, the question of the USSR’s role in the defeat of Nazism and the liberation of Europe, including Poland, takes on a special significance. This study examines how Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance interprets the Soviet Union’s participation in liberating Poland from German occupation. Despite the USSR’s undeniable contribution to the victory over the Third Reich, its role in Poland’s fate remains a subject of intense historical and political debate. Using an integrated approach, the author examined the main narratives and assessments presented in the modern materials of the Institute of National Memory of Poland, which allow reconstructing the point of view of the Polish authorities on the past. The researcher concludes that the current historical narrative promoted by Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance is driven by the need to shape national identity.