The Ukrainian Red Cross supports state institutions in identifying fallen Ukrainian service members, helping families find answers
With support from the U.S. Department of State, the Ukrainian Red Cross continues to strengthen the capacity of state institutions responsible for the storage, identification and transportation of the remains of fallen Ukrainian service members. This assistance includes specialised refrigeration equipment, vehicles, and reagents and consumables for DNA testing.
For families waiting to learn the fate of their loved ones, identifying them is crucial. The Ukrainian Red Cross, therefore, supports state forensic medical institutions by providing the resources they need to conduct examinations and handle the remains with dignity.
In late September 2026, the Ukrainian Red Cross provided the State Institution “Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” with consumables for molecular genetic testing and personal protective equipment for laboratory staff. These included materials for PCR testing, microtubes, filter tips, nitrile gloves, medical masks and other essential supplies.
This assistance is intended to strengthen the capacity of state laboratories to conduct DNA identification, including in complex cases where a person cannot be identified by their physical characteristics alone.
The Ukrainian Red Cross also provides specialised refrigeration equipment to forensic medical institutions.
To date, four refrigerated containers have been delivered to specialised state institutions in Chernihiv, Odesa, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. A further 16 containers are planned for delivery by the end of 2026, primarily to institutions operating in frontline regions and facing high workloads.
The equipment helps maintain the required temperature for the temporary storage of human remains, in accordance with sanitary requirements and the principles of dignified treatment.
In addition, with support from the U.S. Department of State, the Ukrainian Red Cross has purchased two specialised refrigerated vehicles for use in the “On the Shield” humanitarian project, in coordination with the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The project aims to ensure the proper transportation of the remains of fallen Ukrainian service members. The vehicles will operate mainly in frontline areas, transporting the remains to designated locations, including those closer to the families’ home communities.
“Behind every identification case is a family waiting for answers about the fate of a loved one. The Ukrainian Red Cross supports the state institutions carrying out this difficult work by providing the necessary equipment and materials. It is important to us that identification is carried out with respect for human dignity and that families receive reliable information about their loved ones,” said Serhii Zaporozhets, a representative of the Ukrainian Red Cross department responsible for the programme supporting war veterans, first responders, and people directly affected by the war.
The Ukrainian Red Cross does not conduct forensic identification itself, as this is the responsibility of the relevant state institutions. However, it helps strengthen their capacity by providing essential equipment and supplies.
All this assistance is provided with support from the U.S. Department of State and is aimed at ensuring the proper storage, identification and transportation of human remains, as well as supporting families awaiting answers about the fate of their loved ones.
