Ukraine Compiles Lists for Exhumation and Reburial of Historical Figures from Poland

Reburial of Ukrainian Figures in Poland

According to Главком: Ukraine is currently exploring the possibility of exhuming and reburying certain historical figures whose graves lie in Poland. Ambassador Vasyl Bondar, Ukraine's envoy to Poland, is collaborating with the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to draft the relevant lists. These efforts focus on burial sites scattered across various locations in Poland, including:

• Wolski Cemetery in Warsaw
• Kalisz
• Pykulice
• Łańcut

Bondar noted, 'Right now, we are working on the lists and have received various proposals... Some relatives have their own views on the matter. The community also sees things differently.' He also highlighted that 'Petliura had his residence in Tarnów and operated as a government-in-exile,' adding that Poland hosts numerous memorial sites linked to Ukrainian military leaders.

In 1920, over 40,000 soldiers of the Ukrainian People's Republic, led by Symon Petliura, crossed into Poland. The Polish side has responded positively to the reburial initiative, and discussions are underway with Poland's Institute of National Remembrance. The recent reburial of Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) leader Andriy Melnyk sparked particular debate in Poland. Melnyk's remains were transferred from Luxembourg to Kyiv, and on May 25, he was reinterred alongside his wife, Sofia Fedak-Melnyk, at the National Military Memorial Cemetery.

A Historical Return to the Homeland

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the launch of a process to bring home historical figures buried across Europe and the Americas. On April 22, he revealed that work had begun on establishing a Pantheon of Outstanding Ukrainians. 'The reburial of Andriy Melnyk echoed strongly, because Poland has a certain established attitude toward the OUN,' Bondar explained, pointing to the negative perception that the organization's activities evoke in some Polish circles.

Ukraine is thus actively working to repatriate some of its historical figures for reburial on home soil, reflecting a growing emphasis on historical memory and national identity.

These initiatives to rebury Ukrainian figures in Poland demonstrate Ukraine's efforts to strengthen national identity and restore historical memory. They also underscore the importance of cooperation with the Polish side, which-despite some historical tensions-has shown a willingness to support such processes. The reburial of prominent individuals can carry not only symbolic weight but also political significance, potentially fostering reconciliation and improving bilateral relations.

The ongoing efforts to repatriate historical figures highlight the broader initiative by Ukraine to honor its national legacy. Recently, Ukraine received the green light for the reinterment of another significant figure, nationalist leader Yevhen Konovalets. This move underscores the importance of reconnecting with the past and reflects the evolving discussions surrounding the treatment of Ukrainian leaders buried abroad.