Ukraine Recovers Remains of 252 Soldiers in Latest Body Exchange

Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 252 fallen citizens, primarily military personnel, following a coordinated exchange effort, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

According to the Russian side, the returned remains belong to Ukrainian citizens who died in the ongoing war.

The repatriation was achieved through extensive joint operations involving the Coordination Headquarters, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the State Emergency Service.

The bodies are currently being transported by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to specialized state medical institutions. Law enforcement investigators and forensic experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs will now conduct comprehensive forensic examinations and DNA testing to officially identify the fallen defenders.

Once identified, the remains will be returned to their families for burial.

The Coordination Headquarters extended its gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its assistance in facilitating the transfer, as well as to the military personnel responsible for safely transporting the remains and organizing the handover to medical examiners.

The forensic identification process following these exchanges also carries safety risks. Ukrainian law enforcement officials have previously revealed that primary inspections routinely uncover live grenades and unexploded ordnance concealed inside returned bodies.

Beyond the immediate hazard of booby-traps, forensic medical experts regularly encounter mixed remains within individual transfers, requiring painstaking physical examination and DNA segmentation before fallen defenders can be accurately identified and returned to their families.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT