Bodies of 44 martyred defenders returned to Ukraine

On August 4, a solemn ceremony was held to hand over the bodies of 44 Ukrainian servicemen who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine. This was announced by Commissioner for Missing Persons in Special Situations Oleg Kotenko.

It was noted that the return of the bodies from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine was possible thanks to the assistance of the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, joint efforts with the Joint Center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Central Military Court of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU CMC), other law enforcement agencies, departments and international organizations.

The process of returning the bodies of deceased Ukrainian servicemen is carried out in accordance with the Geneva Convention, which standardizes the rules for the treatment of military and civilian persons in armed conflicts.

The Ministry of Reintegration said that after identification, the bodies of Ukrainian servicemen will be handed over to their families for burial with all appropriate military honors and memorial ceremonies.

This solemn ceremony is a moment of great honor and dignity for those who gave their lives for the independence and security of Ukraine. Each of those who lost their lives contributed to the struggle for peace and sovereignty of the country.

Ukraine expresses its deepest gratitude and respect to the families of those who lost their lives and to all defenders who stood up and gave their lives for our Motherland. Such sacrifices inspire our people to continue the struggle for peace and freedom, and the memory of the heroes will live forever in the hearts of Ukrainians.