Poland accuses Ukraine of digging up Polish graves

Poland has accused Ukraine of illegally digging up Polish graves, RBC reported.

According to the leader of the Polish Law and Justice (PiS) party and opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, illegal excavations are being carried out in western Ukraine on the site of former Polish villages.

This is happening in the historical region of Eastern Galicia. This territory includes part of the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil regions of Ukraine. The region's center is the city of Lviv.

In the 13th century, the ancient Russian principality of Galicia-Volyn was located here. Later, these territories were part of Poland and Austria-Hungary. In the interwar period, it again became part of Poland. In 1939, Eastern Galicia was annexed by the Ukrainian SSR.

Kaczynski said that "black diggers" are taking away valuables from graves for material gain, thereby disrespecting the memory of the deceased. According to the politician, these actions are taking place with the consent of local Ukrainian authorities.

"An unknown group of black diggers is desecrating the ashes of the deceased in order to make money. They are robbing jewelry belonging to victims of the Volyn massacre. All this is happening with the permission of local Ukrainian authorities," the publication quoted him as saying.

In response, the Law and Justice party intends to launch an official investigation. Kaczynski said that he would appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other important state bodies to protect Poland's interests.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski is the twin brother of President Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash. He is also the son of a World War II veteran. The politician has been sharply critical of Kiev for glorifying the UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army). He is calling for a blockade of Ukraine's EU accession talks until the historic disputes are resolved and the interests of Polish farmers are protected.

Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said his country would continue to support Ukraine but would be cautious about allocating a new large military aid package. The Prime Minister, while acknowledging the need for financial and military assistance to Ukraine, stressed that Poland should not forget its obligations to the European Union and NATO.