Poland and Ukraine confirm first permits for exhumation of victims of Volhynian-Galician tragedy

Polish and Ukrainian flags during a rally in Krakow. Photo: Shutterstock

Ukraine and Poland have reached an agreement on the first decisions regarding the exhumation of the victims of the Volhynian-Galician tragedy. The negotiations were conducted by the ministries of culture of the countries.

This was stated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who called the agreements a breakthrough.

«Finally a breakthrough. There is a decision on the first exhumations», he wrote.

The Polish prime minister thanked the ministers of culture of both countries for their fruitful cooperation. According to him, he is waiting for further decisions on exhumations.

Later, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made a statement, emphasising the importance of cooperation with Poland, especially in the face of Russian aggression.

«We respect each other and defend ourselves against Russian imperialism together. Every bilateral issue resolved is a blow to Moscow», the minister said.

Sybiha praised the work done and expressed hope for further implementation of the agreements in compliance with the principles of mutual respect.

In July 2024, the Polish Parliament recognised the deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944 as genocide.