Archaeological Approaches in Investigations of Holocaust-Related Mass Graves: A Ukrainian Perspective

Numerous scientific projects in different parts of Europe have recently demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of forensic archaeological methods to studies of the Holocaust. While several significant investigations have taken place in Ukraine, the number of such projects in that country remains low in comparison to neighbouring countries. Highlighting why this has been the case, this article explores the specifics of applying forensic archaeology in Ukraine, notably the nature of the Holocaust there (“Holocaust by bullets”), the traditional perception of archaeology among the Ukrainian scholarly community, and the legal frameworks that generally regulate such research. Through a series of case studies, this article also raises questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of various archaeological and non-archaeological methodologies that have been employed and makes a series of recommendations for future research. In so doing, it aims to illustrate the potential of forensic archaeological approaches and thus expand the source base of Holocaust studies.