Russia complicates the identification process of the deceased by returning them in a severely damaged state. During recent repatriations, alongside fallen Ukrainians, the bodies of Russian soldiers were also handed over.

 "In the recent repatriations, we received the bodies of Russian military personnel mixed with those of Ukrainians. This may have been done intentionally to confuse the process and increase the workload for our experts, alongside applying cynical informational pressure. It could also reflect their habitual negligence towards their own soldiers. In any case, we are identifying these bodies as well," noted Interior Minister Igor Klymenko.

Klymenko stated that after each repatriation, meticulous work begins: autopsy, thorough examination by investigators, DNA testing, and checking every detail.

This process is already complex and lengthy, and Russia deliberately complicates the identification process. Bodies return to Ukraine in a severely mutilated state, with body parts found in different bags. There have been instances where remains of one person are returned during different phases 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 well-prepared, laboratories are equipped, and processes are established. The greatest challenge is time.

"We understand the pain and expectations of families. We are doing everything possible to expedite the identification process. However, with each large-scale repatriation, it becomes more difficult, and perhaps that is the goal of Russia."

"We have no right to make mistakes. For us, this is not just statistics. These are people, and each of them deserves to be treated with dignity," added the minister.

As a reminder, on June 16, Ukraine received another 1,245 bodies of the deceased. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the completion of the repatriation of bodies as part of the Istanbul agreements, with over 6,000 bodies returned.