Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance completes search in Łasków: remains of more than 40 people found

The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance (UINP) has announced the completion of search work in the village of Łasków in Lublin Voivodeship. In the mass and individual graves discovered, the remains of more than 40 people — women, children and men — have been found, according to preliminary estimates. Exhumation studies, which the UINP plans to carry out in spring 2027, will make it possible to establish age, sex and cause of death more precisely.

The search had been under way since 6 October under the agreements of the Ukrainian-Polish working group on dignified burials; by decision of the Wojewódzki Konserwator Zabytków (regional monuments conservator), two representatives of Poland’s IPN observed the work, its spokesman Rafał Kościański said. On the final day test pits were dug and one of the mass graves was partly opened, revealing the remains of eight people; members of the expedition lit candles in memory of the dead.

According to historical records, more than 300 people died in the mass killing of Ukrainians in Łasków on 10 March 1944; Ukrainian and Polish historians have established the names of 327 villagers, and some sources speak of around 350 victims. According to the UINP, the villagers were killed in attacks by units of the Home Army (Armia Krajowa) and the Peasants’ Battalions (Bataliony Chłopskie) in March 1944.