No mass grave of Poles from World War II was found in Puzhnyky
Ukrainian and Polish archaeologists have completed the second phase of their search operations in Puzhnyky, in the Ternopil region. Despite several days of research and dozens of excavations, they were unable to locate a mass grave of people who died during World War II.
However, the search is not over yet. Experts plan to resume work in Puzhnyky later this year.
The second phase of search operations conducted by Ukrainian and Polish archaeologists has concluded in the village of Puzhnyky in the Ternopil region. Experts had hoped to uncover a mass grave of people who died during World War II, but this time the search yielded no results.
Alina Kharlamova, an archaeologist with the specialized institution “Volyn Antiquities,” reported on the expedition’s findings. According to her, the team examined all the sites designated for investigation during this phase of the work. “We surveyed the areas that had been planned. Unfortunately, we did not find a mass grave, so we concluded our work in Puzhnyky today. Over the course of four days, we dug about 50 exploratory trenches, but we did not discover any burials,” Kharlamova said.
The search efforts lasted several days. During this time, archaeologists dug about fifty exploratory trenches in various parts of the area where, according to preliminary data and testimonies, a burial site might have been located. Although the expected discovery was not made, the expedition members do not consider the search to be definitively over. Experts note that the lack of findings in specific areas does not mean that the burial site does not exist.
Fieldwork in Puzhnyky has now officially concluded, but it is already known that the search expedition is planned to resume. According to available information, archaeologists may return to the site as early as this year. Before the next phase, experts will analyze the data collected and identify new areas to investigate.
Puzhnyky has long been one of the sites attracting the attention of historians, archaeologists, and researchers of World War II events. That is why the work here is being carried out jointly by Ukrainian and Polish specialists. For now, the main conclusion remains unchanged: during the second phase of the search, no mass grave was discovered in Puzhnyky. At the same time, the story does not end here, as the research is set to continue following additional preparation and analysis of the collected materials.
On September 6, in the Ternopil region, the remains of 42 people discovered during exhumations at the site of the former village of Puzhnyky were reburied. The ceremony took place at the original burial site—the village’s old cemetery—and included a Roman Catholic Mass.
