Remains of four people discovered during excavations in Volyn — Alferov

During Ukrainian-Polish search operations in the area of the former villages of Ostrivka and Volia Ostrovetska in the Volyn Oblast, the remains of four people were discovered.

According to Oleksandr Alferov, head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, no mass grave has been confirmed as of now, but the work continues.

The expedition, which has been working since April 20, discovered a burial site with signs of four sets of remains, including two skulls in different parts of the pit.

The search operations are being conducted by Ukrainian and Polish specialists, with the Ukrainian side providing oversight and support for the process.

Work is expected to continue next week. Exhumations may be conducted if requested by the Polish side.

The work is aimed at identifying the remains of local residents who died in August 1943.

The exhumation of victims of the Volhynia tragedy in Ukraine began in April 2025. The work started in the Ternopil region.

Ukraine has allowed Poland to search for and exhume the victims of the Volhynia tragedy. In turn, Poland will support Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU.