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Explosive devices found on bodies of returned Ukrainian soldiers
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Conflict & Security

Explosive devices found on bodies of returned Ukrainian soldiers

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly found explosive devices on the bodies of fallen soldiers returned from captivity.
  • These devices, including grenades and other explosives, pose a significant risk during the initial examination of remains.
  • Investigators are also searching for personal items to help identify the deceased soldiers.

Ukrainian authorities report a disturbing pattern: explosive devices have been found multiple times on the bodies of soldiers returned from captivity. Taras Tarasenko, deputy head of the Kirovohrad regional police investigation department, stated that initial checks of returned bodies have uncovered such devices.

"When bodies are returned, we conduct an initial inspection. First, we check if there are any items that could pose a danger. Such cases have occurred repeatedly. We found explosive devices, grenades, and other items, so we work with extreme caution," Tarasenko explained. These findings necessitate a highly careful approach during the examination process.

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, investigators are also tasked with locating personal effects that could aid in identifying the fallen soldiers. Items like documents, mobile phones, identification tags, and bank cards are crucial for this process. Following the initial inspection, a more detailed investigation begins, where investigators document distinguishing features, tattoos, clothing, and other specific details.

The police have also noted instances where the remains of multiple individuals have been mixed up. This confusion is identified through visual inspection and DNA analysis. In such cases, investigators collaborate with forensic experts to separate the remains for further examination and identification, adding another layer of complexity to the grim task of returning soldiers home.

When bodies are returned, we conduct an initial inspection. First, we check if there are any items that could pose a danger. Such cases have occurred repeatedly. We found explosive devices, grenades, and other items, so we work with extreme caution.

โ€” Taras TarasenkoDescribing the discovery of explosive devices on returned soldiers' bodies and the resulting caution required.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.