Polish and Ukrainian officials have initiated the exhumations of victims from the Volhynia massacres, marking a critical step towards improving bilateral relations. This collaborative effort follows the agreement between both governments to exhume the first bodies, a historic move to foster reconciliation between the two nations.
First Exhumation Site Confirmed in Western Ukraine
Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, confirmed that all permits for the first exhumation have been granted. The work will be carried out by a joint team of Polish and Ukrainian experts.
The exhumation will take place in Puzhnyky, a site where a burial pit was discovered in 2023. While the exact start date remains uncertain, the officials aim to begin the exhumation process by April, pending the completion of final preparations.
Joint Effort Seeks Truth and Reconciliation
This effort focuses on gathering DNA samples, determining the cause of death, and giving the victims a proper burial. Polish and Ukrainian officials hope the project will help bridge the historical disputes surrounding the Volhynia massacres.
Poland has long recognized the massacres as genocide, while Ukraine views the event as a shared conflict in its complex history.
Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage Hanna Wróblewska emphasized that ongoing negotiations with Ukraine are crucial for resolving differences. She urged the public to exercise patience and avoid allowing political manipulation to disrupt the process.