Ukraine and Poland plan to continue joint search and exhumation work in the coming months on both sides of the border. This was reported by the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, noting that the process of obtaining permits and organizing the work is happening simultaneously in both countries.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Two-way Dialogue and Initial Stages of Work
As Vasyl Bodnar points out, the Polish side currently has a significant interest in conducting exhumations on the territory of Ukraine, and the relevant permits have already been issued. In two locations, such work has already taken place, and in another two, it will be conducted in the coming months. At the same time, Ukraine has received permits for search work in three locations on Polish territory. The first stage of this work is scheduled for June 2026.
“To date, we have issued permits and search work has taken place in two locations. In the coming months, it will also occur in two additional locations. Additionally, on Polish territory, we have received permits for search work in three locations, with the first stage planned for June. This is a two-way process. The volume and quantity, of course, are greater on the Polish side. We are not creating any parity here, as all our resources are currently going to the front, but this process will also continue,” Vasyl Bodnar noted.
The Impact of Historical Issues on Relations Between Countries
The topic of the Volhynian tragedy and other historical issues significantly affects relations between Ukraine and Poland. According to the diplomat, in 2024, the issue of exhumations became an important factor in the entire sphere of cooperation – from political dialogue to economic relations. However, joint work on these issues has helped to reduce political tension surrounding this topic.
Vasyl Bodnar emphasized that addressing problems related to search, exhumation, burial, and commemoration allows for avoiding the escalation of political disputes. On the contrary, if these issues become subjects of political discussions, it negatively impacts cooperation in various areas – from healthcare to European integration.
The Ukrainian-Polish working group on historical memory has already outlined plans for search and exhumation work for 2026. Last year, for the first time, Ukrainian researchers conducted work on Polish territory to search for the remains of Ukrainian victims of World War II. In particular, in the village of Yurechkova in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, search work lasted from September 30 to October 4, but the remains of UPA soldiers were not found at that time, and the search is set to continue.
In 2025, the Polish side organized exhumation work on the territory of Ukraine, particularly in the former village of Puzhnyky (Ternopil region) and the former village of Stari Zboishcha, which is now part of Lviv.