Explosive devices have repeatedly been discovered during the initial inspection of bodies of Ukrainian service members returned to Ukraine as part of repatriation processes.

Taras Tarasenko, deputy head of the investigative department and chief of the unit for investigating crimes against life and health at the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Kirovohrad region, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

“After the bodies are returned, we conduct a primary inspection. First of all, we check whether there are any objects that could pose a danger. Such cases have occurred repeatedly. We have found explosive devices, grenades, and other items, so we work with extreme caution,” Tarasenko said.

He added that investigators simultaneously search for personal belongings that may help identify the deceased, such as documents, mobile phones, identification tags, and bank cards. After that, a more detailed examination begins, during which investigators document distinguishing features, tattoos, clothing, and other details.

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Police also noted that the remains of multiple individuals are sometimes mixed together. This is identified both during visual inspection and through DNA analysis. In such cases, investigators work with forensic experts to segment and separate the remains for further examination.