Klymenko: Among the returned bodies are also Russians

Russia complicates the identification process of the deceased by returning them in severely mutilated conditions, and during recent repatriations, it has also returned the bodies of its own soldiers along with the fallen Ukrainians.

 "During the last repatriations, we also received the bodies of Russian servicemen – mixed with the bodies of Ukrainians. Unfortunately, this is a fact. It could have been done by the Russians deliberately to increase the number of bodies returned and burden our experts, all while applying cynical informational pressure. Or it may simply be their habitual negligence towards their own people. Either way, we are identifying these bodies as well," stated the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Igor Klymenko.

Klymenko noted that after each repatriation, meticulous work begins: autopsies, thorough investigations by experts, conducting DNA tests, and checking every detail.

This process is already complex and lengthy, and Russia further complicates the identification. Bodies are returned to Ukraine in extremely damaged states, with body parts in various bags. There have been cases where the remains of one person are returned even during different stages of repatriation.

The minister emphasized that experts are working at the limits of their capabilities. Each examination is conducted thoroughly and multiple times. The specialists are trained, the laboratories are equipped, and the processes are refined. The biggest challenge is time.

"We understand the pain and waiting of the families. We are doing everything possible to accelerate the identification process. However, with each large repatriation, it becomes increasingly difficult, and perhaps this is precisely Russia's goal.

We cannot afford to make mistakes. For us, this is not just statistics. These are people, and each of them deserves dignified treatment," added the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

What preceded this: On June 16, another 1245 bodies of the deceased were returned to Ukraine. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the completion of the repatriation of the deceased's bodies under the Istanbul agreements and the return of over 6,000 bodies of the deceased.