Ukrainian and Polish experts complete search operations in Puzhnyky, Ternopil region

A team of Ukrainian and Polish experts has completed another stage of the search for the remains of people killed during World War II on the site of the former village of Puzhnyky, Ternopil region. This was reported to Ukrinform by archaeologist Alina Kharlamova of the specialized institution Volyn Antiquities. 'The search operations in the former village of Puzhnyky have been completed. They lasted six days. We were unable to locate a mass grave of people killed during World War II,' Kharlamova said. According to her, the search for the mass grave will most likely continue next year. See also: Polish researchers identify the remains of four more people killed in Puzhnyky, Ternopil region As previously reported by Ukrinform, the second stage of the search for the remains of people killed during World War II on the site of the former village of Puzhnyky began on June 22 this year. The experts were unable to locate any mass graves. In December 2025, Poland received renewed permission to conduct the second stage of search operations in Puzhnyky. The first stage of the exhumation work lasted from April 23 to May 5, 2025. It was carried out by a joint Ukrainian-Polish expedition under the professional and security oversight of the Ukrainian side. The remains of 42 people were found during the exhumation. DNA testing is being carried out in Poland. See also: Poland grants permission for search operations in the village of Laskiv, Chelm region In September 2025, a reburial ceremony was held in Ternopil region for the remains discovered during the search operations in Puzhnyky. The event was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish authorities and about 40 descendants of former residents of the village. Ukrinform photos can be purchased here.