Ukraine Announces Decision on UPA Victims Search in Puźniki

The Ukrainian government has authorized the continuation of searches for mass graves of Poles murdered by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Puźniki. This initiative is being conducted by an international team of experts, funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture.

Search for UPA Victims in Puźniki

Recent developments have reinvigorated the research and exhumation efforts in Puźniki and other locations in Ukraine. A significant announcement was made by Michał Dworczyk on social media, stating that the Foundation for Freedom and Democracy has received permission to continue its search for Polish victims of the UPA in Puźniki. The next phase of exhumations is scheduled for the spring of 2024. Dworczyk noted that this effort builds on a project initiated in the fall of 2022.

Commentary from Officials

Rafał Leśkiewicz, spokesperson for President Karol Nawrocki, emphasized that this decision resulted from discussions between President Nawrocki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These talks, held on December 19 in Warsaw, addressed several issues, including security and economic matters, alongside the search for UPA victims.

Marcin Przydacz also reaffirmed that the Ukrainian side approved continued activities in Puźniki, as well as new searches in Ostrówki and Wola Ostrowiecka in Volhynia. He praised the effective dialogue between the Polish and Ukrainian leaders and acknowledged the efforts from both sides in facilitating this process.

Recent Findings and Future Plans

On April 24, 2024, exhumation efforts commenced, leading to the discovery of remains belonging to 24 individuals identified as victims of the UPA. These operations were carried out by a Polish-Ukrainian research team, which included forensic medical experts, archaeologists, geneticists, and anthropologists. The process concluded on May 10, followed by funerals held on September 6.

During these operations, several personal items were recovered, such as buttons, pieces of rosaries, and medals. The Foundation for Freedom and Democracy coordinates the works in Puźniki, with participation from specialists at the Pomeranian Medical University, Wołyń Ancient History firm, and the Institute of National Remembrance. All activities are fully financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

Future Search Authorization

In October 2024, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Wasyl Bodnar announced that new permits for exploratory and exhumation work would soon be issued. Locations of interest include Huta Pieniacka and Ugły in the Rivne Oblast.

Historical Context

Puźniki is a former village in the Ternopil Oblast of western Ukraine, where, during the night of February 12 to 13, 1945, Ukrainian nationalists allegedly massacred between 50 to 120 Poles. The Volhynia region has a complicated history, with mass killings of Polish civilians known as the Volhynian Massacre occurring from 1943 to 1945. Estimates indicate that up to 100,000 Poles may have been killed during this period.

• Key Dates:
• April 24, 2024 – Exhumation efforts begin.
• May 10, 2024 – Process concludes.
• September 6, 2024 – Funerals held.
• Numbers:
• 24 remains discovered in Puźniki.
• 50 to 120 Poles murdered in February 1945.
• 40,000 to 100,000 estimated Polish victims from 1943-1945.

The Ukrainian government’s recent decisions reflect a commitment to historical accountability and cooperation with Poland, shedding light on a dark chapter in history.