As part of regular repatriation measures, Ukraine returned the bodies of 563 soldiers

As part of regular repatriation events held on November 8, Ukraine returned the bodies of 563 soldiers who died defending their Motherland. This complex and lengthy operation to return the fallen heroes was made possible thanks to the work of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Most of the bodies of the fallen defenders — 320 people — were repatriated from the Donetsk region, where the most intense fighting is going on. In addition, it was possible to return the bodies of another 89 soldiers who died on the Bakhmut direction. Additionally, 154 bodies were transferred from morgues in Russia, which was the result of long negotiations and cooperation with international organizations.

The process of transferring the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers is carried out in accordance with the norms of the Geneva Conventions, which regulate the protection of persons during armed conflicts. In accordance with these international agreements, the Armed Forces of Ukraine accept repatriated bodies and carry out transportation to special state institutions, where identification of the dead is carried out.

Identification of bodies is carried out by law enforcement agencies and forensic medical experts using advanced analytical methods to accurately establish the identities of fallen defenders. Each hero must be recognized and properly dedicated to his family to ensure a decent farewell and burial in his native land.

The process of repatriation of the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers is a painful but important step towards restoring justice for the families of the dead. It also demonstrates to the international community that Ukraine adheres to legal norms and does everything possible to return its heroes home.

The work of the Coordination Staff on the Treatment of Prisoners of War and other involved structures continues, and this gives hope that even more Ukrainian defenders will return home to find their final resting place on their native land, among their loved ones.