Ukraine returns bodies of 77 fallen defenders

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported this.

The transfer of the bodies of the fallen soldiers was carried out in cooperation with the Joint Center at the Ukrainian Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Armed Forces, the State Emergency Service in the Sumy region, the State Border Guard Service, and other representatives of the country's security and defense sector.

"Preparations for the repatriation event have been underway for a long time," the Coordination Headquarters said.

They thanked the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance in returning the bodies of the fallen defenders.

The ministry added that the Armed Forces will ensure the transportation of repatriated bodies and remains to designated state specialized institutions for transfer to law enforcement officials and forensic experts to identify the victims.

• On December 22, 2023, Ukraine managed to return the bodies of 66 fallen soldiers.