Ukraine has successfully repatriated the remains of 909 soldiers who were killed in combat during the ongoing war with Russia, the country’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced on April 18
The Kyiv Independent on Friday, April 18, reports that the bodies were recovered from various regions along the frontlines, including Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
It said some of the remains were also returned from Russian-held morgues, reflecting continued humanitarian coordination despite the hostile circumstances of the war.
The operation was a collaborative effort between multiple Ukrainian government bodies. The Coordination Headquarters worked alongside the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Ombudsman, and other agencies to ensure the safe and dignified return of the fallen.
In a statement, the Coordination Headquarters extended its appreciation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its crucial support during the process. “We express our gratitude for the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross,” the statement read, highlighting the importance of international humanitarian law in facilitating such exchanges even amid intense conflict.
The Geneva Conventions, to which both Ukraine and Russia are signatories, mandate that the remains of those killed in war must be treated with respect and returned to their families for proper burial. Ukraine continues to adhere to these principles as part of its broader effort to uphold international humanitarian standards during the war.
The latest repatriation comes as the human toll of the war continues to rise. In February, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The figure underscores the immense sacrifices made by Ukraine’s armed forces in defense of the country’s sovereignty.
Efforts to return the bodies of fallen troops are not only a matter of national duty but also a source of solace for grieving families. Ukrainian officials have pledged to continue these operations for as long as necessary, ensuring that those who gave their lives for their country receive the honor and dignity they deserve
