The Ukrainian government has authorized the continuation of efforts to locate and exhume the remains of Polish victims murdered by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Puźniki. These archaeological and forensic activities are scheduled to resume in spring and represent a continuation of investigations that started in autumn last year.
These exhumations are conducted by an international team of experts, including forensic pathologists, archaeologists, geneticists, and anthropologists. Funding for the project comes entirely from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the operations are coordinated by the Freedom and Democracy Foundation in cooperation with several Polish institutions.
Context of the Puźniki Investigations
Puźniki is a small village in today’s Ternopil region of western Ukraine. Between the night of February 12 and 13, Polish inhabitants were killed by Ukrainian nationalists. Estimates of the number of victims range from 50 to 120 individuals. The search for mass graves aims to properly identify and honor these victims.
In April, the current wave of exhumations began, ultimately uncovering the remains of 24 victims. Various personal effects such as buttons, rosary fragments, and medallions were also recovered during the work. The process concluded in early May, with burial ceremonies held in September.
Diplomatic and Political Support
The decision to continue these exhumations resulted from a high-level dialogue between Polish and Ukrainian leadership. The President of Poland’s Chancellery, Karol Nawrocki, held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Rafał Leśkiewicz, the spokesperson for the Polish president, this matter was among the key issues addressed alongside security and economic cooperation during their meeting in Warsaw.
Marcin Przydacz, a Polish official, confirmed the Ukrainian side’s consent to proceed with investigations not only in Puźniki near Ternopil but also in regions like Ostrówki and Wola Ostrowiecka in Volhynia. This shift marks the lifting of previous restrictions imposed on exhumations of Polish victims on Ukrainian soil.
Broader Historical and Regional Significance
These efforts relate to the broader efforts to investigate the massacres committed during 1943–1945 in the historical Volhynia region, spanning today’s Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr oblasts of Ukraine. During this period, an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 Poles were killed by Ukrainian nationalist groups. For decades, the search for and proper burial of victims have been impeded by political and diplomatic challenges.
Recently, the Ukrainian government abolished the ban on searches and exhumations of Polish victims of wartime crimes within Ukraine. New permissions are expected soon for work in other important sites such as Huta Pieniacka and Ugły in the Rivne region.
Details on the Investigation Process
- Multidisciplinary expert team includes:
- Forensic medical specialists
- Archaeologists
- Geneticists
- Anthropologists
- Coordinating entities:
- Freedom and Democracy Foundation
- Pomeranian Medical University
- Institute of National Remembrance
- Volhynian Antiquities company
- Activities include:
- Exhumation of human remains
- Cataloging personal artifacts
- Identification efforts through forensic science
- Funding entirely secured by the Polish Ministry of Culture
Ongoing Challenges and Historical Debates
Some Ukrainian historians have criticized the resumption of these searches, calling them controversial. Nevertheless, Polish and Ukrainian authorities continue to emphasize mutual respect and cooperation. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to reconcile historical wounds while fostering constructive bilateral relations.
This renewed collaboration in investigating buried graves is a valuable step toward uncovering the truth about painful episodes of history. It also supports the broader process of remembering victims and promoting historical clarity. The exhumation work in Puźniki serves both historical justice and reconciliation efforts across the region.
Read more at: wydarzenia.interia.pl-
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