A team of Ukrainian and Polish specialists has completed the latest stage of search operations in the former village of Puzhnyky, Ternopil Oblast. During the survey in the northeastern part of the old cemetery, no mass graves were discovered, although experts recorded several other objects related to the site's history. This was reported to Ukrinform by the specialized institution "Volyn Antiquities".

What the test trenches revealed

According to the institution, the expedition participants used machinery to dig 36 test trenches over an area of about half a hectare. As a result, they managed to determine the boundaries of the cemetery and find the remains of three objects. Preliminarily, as reported by "Volyn Antiquities", these include the foundation of a cemetery chapel where the deceased were mourned before burial, as well as a utility structure. In addition, masonry was found that may be part of a road.

Complex terrain as an obstacle

"Volyn Antiquities" emphasized that Puzhnyky is a difficult place for search operations: the area is hilly, overgrown with forest and bushes. This complicates both mechanical survey and the interpretation of results, which explains why no mass graves were recorded at this stage.

LiDAR scanning as the next step

To continue researching the Puzhnyky area, plans are to apply the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) method, a modern way of scanning the terrain which, according to the specialists, will help in the search for mass graves. At the time of publication, permission for such work is being processed.

Context: exhumations in Volyn and handover of sites by Poland

Work in Puzhnyky is continuing against the backdrop of a broader campaign of search and exhumation efforts. In early August, exhumation work was completed in the former villages of Ostrivky and Volia Ostrovetska in Volyn, where Ukrainian and Polish specialists recovered the remains of residents who died in August 1943. Previously, Poland provided Ukraine with a list of new sites for search and exhumation work.

Reburial of 55 victims

Also in August, the reburial of 55 Polish victims of the Volyn tragedy took place in Volyn. The ceremony was held at the cemetery of the former village of Ostrivky, where, according to the participants, the residents died; the remains were discovered during this year's exhumations.