The exhumation of victims of the Volyn crime in Ukraine has begun. full families died in Puźniki

In the Tarnopolskie area, the first exhumation works of victims of the Volyn crime in years began. This is the consequence of many years of efforts of Polish environments and political breakthrough from the beginning of the year. The work is conducted in a tense atmosphere – not only due to the war, but besides due to the hard Polish-Ukrainian history.


A Polish squad of experts, with about 50 people, began an exhumation at the site of the erstwhile village of Puźniki, where in February 1945 the UPA branch murdered about 80 Poles. Researchers include scientists, representatives of the Freedom and Democracy Foundation, as well as relatives of victims. The work is carried out with the approval of the Ukrainian authorities and under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

Exhumations are possible through an agreement between ministers of both countries, which took place on 10 January 2025. "Finally a breakthrough. There is simply a decision about the first exhumations of Polish UPA victims. I thank the Ministers of Culture of Poland and Ukraine for their good cooperation. We are waiting for further decisions," wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk on social media.

Difficult conditions and recognition challenges

Prof. Andrzej Ossowski of the Pomeranian Medical University reported that it was very hard to scope the place of work. We request to transport tons of equipment needed for work, and the recognition of the victims may be complicated due to the deficiency of comparative genetic material – full families died here.

However, researchers promise that they will usage state-of-the-art DNA analysis methods to be able to bury the victims with dignity. The ceremony of exhumed remains is planned for July 2025.

What happened in the Pulls on the Podal?

Let us remind that Puźniki is simply a erstwhile village located in Podolu, now located in Ukraine in the Tarnopolski region. Before the Second planet War it was a Polish village, mostly inhabited by Poles, which is part of Tarnopolskie Voivodeship in the Second Republic. The past of Puźnik is marked by tragic events, especially during the Volyn massacre and crimes committed by UON and UPA troops.

In 1945, the village became the site of violent attacks by Ukrainian nationalists. UPA troops carried out a massacre in Puźniki during which many Polish residents, including women, children and aged people, were murdered. The survivors were forced to leave their homes, and the village was practically destroyed.