Russia has handed over the bodies of 1,000 dead soldiers to Ukraine: identification is ongoing
26 February 14:49
1,000 bodies, which, according to the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian servicemen, have been returned to Ukraine. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the headquarters, the repatriation measures were made possible thanks to the joint efforts of a number of state bodies and international partners.
How the repatriation measures took place
The Coordination Headquarters noted that the return of the bodies was the result of the coordinated work of representatives of:
- the Security Service of Ukraine (Joint Center at the SBU);
- Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine;
- the Office of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights;
- the Secretariat of the Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances;
- State Emergency Service of Ukraine;
- other structures of the security and defense sector.
Special thanks were expressed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance in the repatriation process.
What’s next: examination and identification
Law enforcement agencies and forensic experts will soon carry out all necessary procedures to establish the identity of each deceased person.
Identification is carried out using:
- DNA testing;
- forensic medical examinations;
- checking databases of missing persons;
- cooperation with the families of military personnel.
Only after confirmation of identity is it possible to officially notify relatives.
The importance of repatriation
The return of the bodies of the deceased is an important humanitarian component in wartime. It makes it possible to:
- ensure a dignified burial;
- conduct proper identification;
- provide families with legal grounds for obtaining status and social guarantees.
Repatriation processes are carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law.
