**Ukraine and Poland Rebuild Ties Through Joint Exhumation Efforts**
In a significant step towards reconciliation, Ukraine has granted Poland permission to carry out exhumation work on the remains of Polish soldiers killed in 1939 and buried in the western city of Lviv. This decision comes after years of tension surrounding the treatment of war memorials and historical sites.
The renewed cooperation follows the joint exhumations of the Volyn massacre victims in Ukraine’s Ternopil Oblast last April, which effectively ended a moratorium imposed by Ukraine on exhumations since 2017. The moratorium was put in place after several Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) monuments were destroyed in Poland.
**A Step Towards Historical Reconciliation**
The Culture Ministry of Ukraine has emphasized that the latest decision is a further step in Polish-Ukrainian cooperation on sensitive historical issues, following the work of the Joint Polish-Ukrainian Working Group on historical matters. “Ukraine confirms its readiness to continue search and exhumation work within the framework of the Joint Working Group,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Zboiska site is believed to contain the remains of around 120 Polish soldiers who died fighting against Nazi German forces in 1939. The remains were first located in 2019, according to Polish officials. This decision marks a significant step towards historical reconciliation between Ukraine and Poland, which has been marred by painful and contentious chapters such as the Volyn massacres.
**A Reciprocal Gesture**
In a reciprocal gesture, Ukraine has received approval from Poland to carry out its own search and exhumation activities in the Polish village of Yurechkova. Kyiv says it hopes such work can begin soon. The Culture Ministry emphasized that the progress reflects the constructive relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to historical truth and dignity for the dead.
**A Breakthrough Towards European Integration**
The agreement on exhumation efforts has been hailed as a breakthrough by Polish officials, who have warned that unresolved historical issues could influence Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. In January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the agreement “a breakthrough,” highlighting the importance of joint remembrance and steps towards reconciliation.
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