Ukraine Accused of Delaying Exhumation Processes of Volyn Tragedy Victims: Real Causes and International Implications
Polish media outlets are actively discussing the ongoing situation regarding the exhumation of victims of the Volyn tragedy.
However, the main conclusions raise significant controversy.
According to recent reports, Ukraine is allegedly delaying the approval process for permits to conduct exhumations, which causes concern among Polish diplomats and the public.
As reported by RMF FM radio, the Polish Institute of National Memory submitted 26 applications for permits this year.
Yet, Ukraine reportedly approved only one — in the city of Mostyska in Lviv region, fueling ongoing disputes.
Sources suggest that for 2023, there is only a chance to secure permission for reburial of the second mass grave in Pużnyki village, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
At the same time, sources indicate that Ukrainian authorities are delaying interagency commission meetings, which are responsible for making decisions on exhumations.
It is also important to note that Polish requests are valid only for a year, so if Ukraine continues to delay, the Institute will be forced to submit new applications, thereby complicating and prolonging the entire process.
Another contentious issue is the permit issued for search activities in Ugli village, Rivne region; sources claim these works will be carried out solely by a Ukrainian company without cooperation with Polish specialists.
Considering the long-standing tensions between Ukraine and Poland over search and exhumation efforts, this situation highlights deep unresolved differences.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, stated that Ukraine will soon issue new permits for the search and exhumation of Volyn tragedy victims, which could help improve the situation in the near future.