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Ukraine Urges Russian Families to Submit DNA to Identify Missing Soldiers
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has invited the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to facilitate DNA sample collection from relatives of missing Russian servicemen, in an effort to identify bodies transferred by Russia to Ukraine.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced the initiative during a press briefing on June 23. According to Hromadske, Klymenko stated that the proposal has been approved by the ICMP and is now available to families who have lost contact with Russian soldiers.
Нашивки, ремені, елементи форми — у МВС показали, що було на переданих тілах, які, за даними українських експертів, належать росіянам
— hromadske (@HromadskeUA) June 23, 2025
Відео: Ірина Сітнікова / hromadske pic.twitter.com/bpy9s8Aor8
These individuals can provide DNA samples through ICMP field offices abroad, allowing for comparison with unidentified remains in Ukraine.
Since the beginning of 2025, Ukrainian forensic experts have identified at least 20 bodies received from Russia as Russian military personnel. In two recent cases, identification was based on external markers such as military uniforms, dog tags, service books, passports, and personal items like bank cards.
In addition to visual examination, identification efforts include tattoo analysis, scars, fingerprints, dental records, and social media verification using specialized software. However, as emphasized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, DNA testing remains the most reliable method.
DNA samples have been collected from all 20 identified remains and are being cross-checked with international databases. According to Maksym Tsutskiridze, First Deputy Chief of the National Police and head of the Main Investigation Department, the number of successful identifications is expected to grow.
Tsutskiridze also noted that many of the bodies recovered show no distinguishing military features and have not yet matched any DNA profiles. Nonetheless, there remains a possibility that these may also be Russian soldiers.
All unidentified remains are retained in Ukraine until confirmation is possible. Klymenko added that some bodies may appear in Russian uniforms due to detainment of Ukrainian personnel in Russian facilities, further complicating the identification process.
Earlier, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that Ukraine would need over a year to identify the 6,000+ bodies returned by Russia, noting that some remains were deliberately fragmented and mixed, complicating forensic work.
