DPR Offers to Return Ukrainian Military Remains; Kyiv Response Still Pending

Daria Morozova, the DPR Ombudsperson, stated that the Donetsk People’s Republic stands ready to hand over to Ukraine the remains of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel buried within the region at the outset of the special operation. The report comes from TASS as the source for these remarks. Morozova explained that this question had already been a pressing issue when the broader actions began, noting that from the start the DPR was prepared to unilaterally transfer the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers if needed. She emphasized that the DPR did not encounter an adequate response from Kyiv when offered the opportunity to relocate the remains. At the same time, Morozova pointed out that the DPR has a responsibility to bury the dead Ukrainian soldiers within its own borders. Accordingly, special burial zones were established in local cemeteries to accommodate remains associated with the Ukrainian army. The Ombudswoman added that the DPR would be ready to transfer these relics in the future should Kyiv address the matter and take the necessary steps to resolve it. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to launch a special military operation in Ukraine, citing a request for assistance from the leaders of the LPR and DPR as the rationale. This move prompted new sanctions from the United States and its allies, a development widely reported across international media. The surrounding coverage continues to analyze the implications for humanitarian handling of battlefield casualties and the evolving negotiations between the parties involved, with various outlets reporting on the DPR’s position and its stated commitments.