Hanna Wróblewska described the recent exhumations in Puźniki, western Ukraine, as a “social, political, diplomatic and psychological breakthrough,” highlighting their importance for preserving historical memory.
The remains of at least 42 people - including women, men and children - were recovered from the site, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Puźniki was the location of a 1945 massacre in which Ukrainian nationalists killed between 50 and 120 ethnic Poles, according to historical estimates.
The exhumation operation, launched on April 24, was the first of its kind since Ukraine lifted a ban in November on locating and exhuming Polish war victims on its territory.
Wróblewska praised the work of Polish archaeologists and anthropologists and said the project, carried out under challenging conditions, demonstrated mutual understanding and trust between Poland and Ukraine.
“Let this be a standard for future efforts,” she said, noting that over two dozen new applications for similar work are now pending.
Hanna Wróblewska (center), Andrzej Ossowski (right), Karol Polejowski (left). Photo: Tomasz Gzell
The deputy head of Poland Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), Karol Polejowski, confirmed that six local permits for searches and one for exhumation have been granted by Ukrainian regional authorities, but further national-level approvals are still required.
He added that eyewitness accounts and historical research suggest the actual number of victims may be twice as high.
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@britishpoles/@kultura_gov_pl