During a recent transfer of the deceased, Russia handed over to Ukraine the remains of its soldiers mixed with those of Ukrainians.
This information was shared by Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko.
He stressed that the Russian Federation is intentionally making the identification process of the returned bodies more difficult.
The bodies are returned in a severely damaged condition, with some parts placed in separate bags.
“There have been instances where the remains of a single individual were handed over in different stages of repatriation. Additionally, during the latest transfers, we also received the bodies of Russian soldiers mixed with Ukrainian remains. Unfortunately, this is a confirmed fact,” the minister stated.
Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko suggested that this may have been done deliberately to increase the number of bodies handed over, overwhelm experts with work, and exert informational pressure.
“Or perhaps it’s simply another example of their usual indifferent attitude toward their own people. In any case, we will still identify these bodies,” he added.
According to the minister, every examination is conducted thoroughly and more than once.
“The specialists are well-trained, laboratories are well-equipped, and processes are established. The biggest challenge is time. We understand the pain and anxious waiting of families. We are doing everything possible to accelerate the identification process. But with each large repatriation, it becomes more difficult — perhaps this is exactly what Russia is aiming for,” Klymenko emphasized.
Following negotiations in Istanbul, the Russian side announced its readiness to unilaterally transfer to Ukraine the bodies of six thousand deceased Ukrainian soldiers. At the same time, Russia agreed to receive the bodies of its own soldiers but did not specify the exact number.
On June 16, Ukraine received another 1,245 bodies that, according to statements from the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel, the Coordination Headquarters for Prisoner of War Affairs reported.
According to their data, this day marked the completion of the latest stage of repatriation measures stipulated by the Istanbul agreements. In total, Ukraine has already received 6,057 bodies. Expert examinations and identification of the deceased will be conducted going forward.
