Search Operations Underway in Laskiv Village
In Laskiv, a village within the Mircze commune of Hrubieszów County in Poland's Lublin Voivodeship, teams have started efforts to locate burial sites of those who died or disappeared during World War II. These activities are being carried out by the Lviv Regional Council’s municipal enterprise "Dolya" on behalf of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance. Official authorization for the project was granted on August 31, 2026.
Purpose and Importance of the Search
The primary goal is to identify the graves of civilians from Laskiv who lost their lives during the March 1944 attacks by the Home Army (Armia Krajowa) and Peasant Battalions. Estimates suggest that between 300 and 350 local residents were killed during these tragic events.
This initiative is part of a broader Ukrainian-Polish expert dialogue focused on shared historical memory and honoring the victims from both nations. The collaborative work is coordinated by a bilateral Working Group supported by the ministries of culture of Ukraine and Poland. Since 2025, both countries have been issuing reciprocal permits for excavation and search operations. The agreement to conduct research in Laskiv is documented in a joint communiqué from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
These search efforts represent a significant move toward restoring the historical record of World War II civilian casualties and memorializing those affected by the conflict. The cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in this sensitive area demonstrates a mutual commitment to reconciliation and remembrance, which may contribute to strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing historical justice.
As the search for burial sites in Laskiv progresses, it is important to recognize similar efforts in the region that aim to honor those lost during wartime. Recently, a Ukrainian-Polish expedition in Lviv revealed 133 military graves from the 1939 conflict, highlighting the ongoing commitment of both nations to uncover and memorialize their shared history. This collaborative spirit not only serves to pay tribute to the victims but also fosters a deeper understanding of the past between Ukraine and Poland.