Large-scale exhumation work has been completed in the Volhynia region on the territory of the former villages of Ostrovky and Volya Ostrovetska. Ukrainian and Polish specialists have raised the remains of residents who perished in August 1943 during the tragic events known as the Volhynia Massacre. The work was carried out from July 13 to August 7, 2026, and became the result of a joint effort by the two countries in the restoration of historical memory.
International cooperation in the matter of memory
The exhumation was carried out by specialists of the Ukrainian LLC "Specialized Institution 'Volhynian Antiquities'" together with Polish colleagues — employees of the Institute of National Remembrance of the Republic of Poland and the Medical University of Wrocław. Supervision of the process was carried out by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, which also coordinated the actions of anthropologists and searchers. The burial sites were preliminarily determined back in April 2026 during archaeological and historical research.
Number of victims and composition of the deceased
According to the Ukrainian side, the remains of 48 people were found on the territory of the former village of Volya Ostrovetska, and six on the territory of Ostrovky. However, the Polish side reports a higher figure: in total, the remains of 55 people were removed, including 26 children. Another set of remains was also exhumed near the cemetery opposite the memorial, but the period of its burial has not yet been established. Among the deceased were men, women, and children, which confirms the mass character of the tragedy.
Personal belongings and new findings
During the work, more than 300 personal belongings of the deceased were found and preserved — from clothing to documents and household items. These artifacts will become an important part of the historical heritage and will help future generations better understand the scale of the tragedy. In addition, searches were conducted in previously unexplored places, which made it possible to expand the geography of discovered burials and obtain new data on the events of 1943.
Contradictory data
There is a discrepancy in the figures between the Ukrainian and Polish sides: Ukraine reports 54 exhumated remains (48 + 6), while Poland cites the number 55. This may be due to differences in counting methodology or the fact that one of the remains was found later and was not included in the initial report of the Ukrainian side. Both sides confirm that there are children among the deceased, however, the exact number also varies — according to Polish data, this is 26 children, while the Ukrainian side does not specify this figure separately.
Reburial and memorial ceremony
The remains will be reburied in the cemetery of the former village of Ostrovky. According to the Polish side, this will take place on August 30, 2026 — on the 83rd anniversary of the events. On this day, a requiem will be held for the deceased, at which representatives of Ukraine, Poland, and international organizations will gather. The ceremony will become an important act of memory and reconciliation, symbolizing the joint work of the two countries in the preservation of historical truth.
