On 19 December, Polish and Ukrainian representatives met in the village of Uhly in Rivne Oblast, which suffered the events of the Volyn tragedy, to discuss preparations for exhumation work. Families of the victims also attended, according to Karolina Romanowska, head of the Polish-Ukrainian Reconciliation Society.
The Volyn tragedy is a tragic chapter in the history of Ukrainians and Poles. Historical interpretations of the mass killings in 1942–1944 differ. In Poland, the events are described as “genocide," blaming the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. In Ukraine, historians emphasize that responsibility lies with both sides, as well as the Nazi administration and Soviet authorities.
Estimates of victims also differ. The Polish Institute of National Remembrance cites about 100,000 Polish victims and 5,000 Ukrainian victims, while Ukrainian historians estimate up to 20,000 Ukrainians and 35–40,000 Poles, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
Researchers note that the mass killings in Volyn began in regions with strong pre-WWII communist influence.
The Soviet Union, both before and during WWII, spread anti-Polish propaganda among predominantly Orthodox Ukrainians and fomented hatred between Poles and Ukrainians, often using sabotage and other disruptive tactics.
Preparation for exhumations and international support
Polish representatives from the Institute of National Remembrance and the Szczecin Medical University, led by Professor Andrzej Ossowski, met with Ukrainian counterparts to begin preparations for the exhumation of victims of the tragedy in Uhly, which occurred on 12 May 1943.
“Families of the victims and the PL-UA Reconciliation Association have waited and worked for this moment for many years. Finally, it has happened,” Romanowska said.
In a comment to Suspilne, the village head of Ugly, Taras Banatskyi, confirmed the presence of the Polish delegation in the village.
Ihor Pavlenko, Deputy Head of Rivne Regional Military Administration, told Suspilne that there is a plan for search and exhumation work in 2026.
“Ukraine is participating through KP ‘Dolya’ of the Lviv Regional Council. Today in Ugly, we held a preparatory meeting and inspected the site for future research,” Pavlenko explained.
Earlier, Polish Minister of Culture Marta Cienskowska said that the Polish side received permission from Ukraine to conduct research in Uhly, as per Espreso.
She added that each such event demonstrates to Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and Russia that they cannot undermine the friendship between Poland and Ukraine.
