Discovery of a Mass Grave in the Volyn Region
The Polish Institute of National Remembrance has discovered a previously unknown mass grave in the Volyn region, in the area of the former villages of Ostrivky and Volya Ostrovecka. Initially, there may be about 350 remains at this site. Research is being conducted in the area of the former farm of Strazytsia in Volya Ostrovecka, where a mass murder of Poles occurred in August 1943. As noted by IPN representative Rafal Kosiński, the grave is located just a few meters from the memorial where exhumation work was conducted in 1992.
Current State of Research
At the moment, the work is in the initial stage. Specialists are determining the contours of the burial site and analyzing archival sources. After receiving clarified information, the Institute plans to apply for a permit for exhumation. Search work will continue in the near future.
In December 2025, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine granted permission to conduct search operations in several settlements in Volyn, including Ostrivky and Volya Ostrovecka. Research has also been allowed to continue in the area of the former village of Puzhnyky in the Ternopil region.
The discovery of the mass grave in the Volyn region is an important step in researching the history of mass murders that occurred during World War II. These search operations may not only help establish the names of the victims but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the tragic events of that time. The research also emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of historical events that had a significant impact on Polish-Ukrainian relations.