About Us ‣ Ukrainian Institute London

About Us

Mission

The Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) is an independent charity dedicated to championing Ukrainian culture and shaping the conversation about Ukraine in the UK and beyond. We bring together experts, creatives, policymakers, and active citizens to explore Ukrainian perspectives on global challenges.

Through our diverse programme of events, educational courses, and digital content, we provide audiences worldwide with nuanced and reliable information about Ukraine. We shed light on Ukraine’s knowledge and experiences to highlight the urgency of international solidarity in pursuit of democratic security in Europe and beyond.

The UIL is an independent charity registered in England and Wales. It is affiliated with the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. Registered charity number: 1170753.

Vision

At the UIL, we see Ukraine as a rich source of invaluable experience. In the years ahead, our goal is to broaden our initiatives to share the lessons Ukraine has to offer, helping the international community address crucial issues such as justice, environmental challenges, neo-imperialist warfare, and other urgent matters affecting the UK, Ukraine, and the world at large.

In light of the recently signed historic 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine, our role has become more crucial than ever in strengthening cultural and intellectual ties between the two nations. Our long-term aspiration is to establish Ukraine House in London – a dedicated space for educational and public-facing activities, promoting international cooperation, fostering solidarity, and driving social change.

Our Story

History

1970s

The Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) was founded in the 1970s by Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church and survivor of the Soviet Gulag, as a centre of learning and cultural exchange in the UK.

After enduring 18 years of hard labour in Soviet camps, Patriarch Slipyj was released. He devoted his life to strengthening ecclesiastical and educational institutions. In 1963, he revived the disbanded Lviv Theological Academy, transforming it into the Ukrainian Catholic University in Rome, and went on to establish its affiliates across Europe and North America.

In 1979, Josyf Slipyj acquired 79 Holland Park to house the University’s London affiliate, which later became the Ukrainian Institute London.

2000s

Since its founding, the UIL has been guided by a succession of dedicated directors: Petro Cymbalistyj (1979–2004), Marta Jenkala (2004–2010), Andy Hunder (2010–2015), Marina Pesenti (2015–2020), and Olesya Khromeychuk (2020–present).

A major milestone came in 2016, when the UIL was registered as a charity in England and Wales. A Board of Trustees was established and the executive team was expanded.

2022

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UIL rose to the challenge of becoming a leading voice for Ukraine in the UK and internationally, promoting a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and current affairs.

Thanks to the dedication of our supporters and volunteers, the UIL has grown into a vibrant cultural hub, championing Ukrainian voices, fostering understanding through arts, education, and public debate, and building enduring bridges between the UK and Ukraine.