Russia is creating additional difficulties for the identification of the deceased by returning them in a horrific state. During recent repatriations, the Ukrainian side received the remains of Russian soldiers mixed with Ukrainian ones.

 "Unfortunately, during the last transfers, we received the bodies of Russian military personnel mixed with those of Ukrainians. This could be a deliberate action by Russia to complicate our work, or a result of their negligence. In any case, we will continue the identification process," noted Interior Minister Igor Klymenko.

Klymenko emphasized that each repatriation starts a complex process: autopsy, detailed examination by investigators, DNA tests, and checking every detail.

This process is already lengthy, and Russia intentionally complicates it further. Bodies return in appalling conditions, and parts may be separated among different bags. There are even cases where remains of one person are returned at different stages of repatriation.

The Minister stressed that experts are working at the limit of their capabilities. Each examination is conducted thoroughly and multiple times. Specialists are prepared, laboratories are equipped, and processes are well-established. The biggest challenge remains time.

"We understand the pain and expectations of the families. We are doing our utmost to speed up the identification process. However, with each major repatriation, it becomes increasingly difficult, and perhaps this is Russia's intent."

"We cannot afford to make mistakes. This is not just statistics for us. These are people, and each of them deserves dignity," the minister added.

What preceded: On June 16, Ukraine received another 1245 bodies of the deceased. Defense Minister Rustem Umierov announced the completion of the repatriation of fallen soldiers as part of the Istanbul agreements, returning over 6,000 remains.