80% of bodies of Ukrainians returned from Russian prisons show signs of torture – Interior Ministry

Most of the bodies of Ukrainians repatriated from Russian detention centers have signs of torture. The signs of torture include both physical abuse and inhumane conditions of detention. In particular, the lack of proper nutrition, treatment, etc., as stated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine during the presentation of the film “Return. Heroes on the Shield”.

According to the law enforcement agencies, it is often impossible to establish the date of death due to the poor condition of the bodies. 

“In 80% of the bodies returned to us from pre-trial detention centers, prisons, and so on, we find signs of torture. Torture includes the use of physical force, the application of specific tools that, for instance, conduct electric current, and even the deprivation of vital necessities such as food and medical care,” said Inna Padiei, head of the Forensic Medical Examination of Corpses.

All unidentified DNA profiles of the deceased are entered into the Human Genomic Information Register. At this stage, it is unknown whether they belong to the military or civilians. Several approaches are used to identify the bodies: they examine the body for tattoos, piercings, and clothing and conduct a DNA test. However, even those 4,600 people whose appearance has been identified are subject to DNA analysis.

To date, police have not been able to identify 3,200 bodies. Every month, experts establish 500-700 DNA profiles, although there may be more biological material for analysis. Depending on their condition, DNA sample processing can take several days to several months. 

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are constantly experiencing a shortage of specialists in DNA testing. Currently, only 400 experts are working with the bodies returned from Russia.

In some complicated cases, law enforcement officers involve specialists from the International Commission on Missing Persons, especially when the relatives of the deceased do not agree with the results of DNA analysis.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a total of 2,000 investigators are investigating 70,000 criminal cases of missing persons.  

Under special circumstances, the register of missing persons contains more than 71,000 entries, including military and civilian data. In 2024, roughly 30,000 people were considered missing. At the same time, Artur Dobroserdov, the Ombudsman for Missing Persons, refused to disclose data on the military because of confidentiality.

Currently, 59,000 people are missing, of whom 7,500 have been officially confirmed as prisoners of war by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Since January 1, 2025, the search for 9,255 Ukrainians has been terminated, as the whereabouts of 3,923 people have been established and 5,332 bodies have been identified.

Additionally, Lubinets told Ukrinform news agency that more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians are held in Russian captivity, of whom 168 have been released. As well, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the bodies of approximately 220 Ukrainians who died while in Russian captivity have been returned to Ukraine.