“Bohdan Khmelnytsky. The Real Story” (2025) is a historical documentary project that takes a new look at Bohdan Khmelnytsky and shows how differently his role in history is perceived by Ukrainians and Poles.

What is the film “Bohdan Khmelnytsky. The Real Story” about?

For Ukrainians, Bohdan Khmelnytsky is a symbol of the struggle for freedom and the leader of the 1648 Liberation War against the Polish nobility of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. This is how he has been taught in schools and portrayed in history books for decades. However, outside Ukraine, this figure evokes very different associations.

In this documentary project, Akim Galimov, together with leading historians from Ukraine and Poland, attempts to understand who Khmelnytsky really was and what truly caused his uprising. The authors explore the political conflicts of the time, the tense relations between the Cossacks and Polish authorities, as well as the events that led to a large-scale war.

The film presents not only the heroic image of the hetman but also the controversial aspects of history that are rarely discussed openly. Through different historical perspectives, it invites viewers to look at Khmelnytsky’s figure without stereotypes and to understand why, even centuries later, his name continues to provoke so much debate.

Where to watch “Bohdan Khmelnytsky. The Real Story”?

Sign in on the Kyivstar TV website or app and watch this and many other movies in high quality and in Ukrainian. Choose a convenient subscription plan, connect up to 5 devices, and watch online or download content to enjoy later even without internet access.