---
title: "Koretsky orders acceleration of identification of repatriated bodies: coordination between agencies to be strengthened in Ukraine"
description: "PM Koretsky ordered Ukrainian agencies to prepare a plan within a week to accelerate the identification of repatriated bodies. Over 600 million hryvnias are allocated in the 2027 budget to equip 21 forensic medical bureaus."
date: 2026-09-18T10:26:01.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/koretsky-orders-acceleration-of-identification-of-repatriated-bodies
tags: [ukraine, forensic-medicine, repatriation, government, korytsievsky, military, budget-2027]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Koretsky orders acceleration of identification of repatriated bodies: coordination between agencies to be strengthened in Ukraine

![Workers in protective suits transport a repatriated body on a stretcher near railway wagons for identification](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/19/koretskyi-uskoryit-identifikatsiyu-til-repatriirovannyh/koretskyi-uskoryit-identifikatsiyu-til-repatriirovannyh-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Koretsky held a meeting with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense on the issue of identifying repatriated bodies
- A clear plan of improvements for inter-agency coordination was to be prepared within a week
- The draft 2027 budget provides for over 600 million hryvnias to equip 21 regional forensic medical bureaus
- On September 17, the bodies of 252 deceased were repatriated to Ukraine; at least 375 Ukrainians died in captivity

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky held a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense, at which the entire cycle of identifying repatriated bodies was examined in detail — from forensic medical examination to subsequent procedures. At the end of the meeting, the head of government ordered the preparation of a clear plan of improvements within a week, aimed at eliminating excessive delays at certain stages and improving information exchange between state agencies.

### Inter-agency coordination as a priority

“At each of these stages, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between agencies in order to complete all procedures more promptly. I ordered the preparation of a clear plan of improvements within a week,” Koretsky stated, emphasizing that the state must eliminate excessive delays and establish more effective information exchange. In his words, the key goal of the reform is to ensure that the families of the deceased receive accurate information as soon as possible and can properly say goodbye to their loved ones.

### Expanding the capabilities of forensic medical examination

In parallel with organizational measures, Ukraine is strengthening the material and technical base of forensic medical examination. Currently, research is conducted by 21 regional forensic medical bureaus under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. The draft state budget for 2027 provides for the allocation of over 600 million hryvnias, including for equipping the bureaus with the necessary equipment. This should help shorten the time for conducting examinations and improve the accuracy of identification.

### Context: repatriation and losses in captivity

The decision to accelerate identification was made against the backdrop of ongoing repatriations. On September 17, 2026, the bodies of 252 deceased were returned to Ukraine, which, according to the Russian side, are Ukrainian military personnel. After repatriation, all bodies are subject to identification and the necessary examinations. Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported that at least 375 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity, including both prisoners of war and civilian hostages. Each new stage of repatriation increases the load on the forensic medical examination system and underscores the need for systemic organizational changes.

### What's next

It is expected that within the next seven days, the relevant agencies will present a specific action plan for optimizing the process for the government's consideration. According to Koretsky's vision, the document should contain clear deadlines, responsible executors, and control mechanisms at each stage — from the moment the bodies are received to the issuance of results to the families. The outcomes of the meeting and the decisions taken will be tracked at subsequent government sessions.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Ukraine to accelerate identification of bodies of deceased military](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/ukrayini-priskoryat-identifikatsiyu-til-zagiblih-1789726999.html) - Основной источник: заявление Корецкого, данные о 21 бюро СМЭ, 600 млн грн в бюджете-2027, 252 тела 17 сентября, 375 погибших в плену
- [Koretsky ordered the preparation of a plan to improve the body identification process ...](https://ru.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1206246.html) - Подтверждает факт совещания и поручение подготовить план в течение недели

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What exactly did PM Koretsky order regarding the identification of bodies?
**A:** Koretsky ordered the agencies (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Defense) to prepare a clear plan of improvements for coordination at each stage of identifying repatriated bodies within a week — from forensic medical examination to the issuance of results to the families.

### Q: How much funding is allocated for forensic medical examination in the 2027 budget?
**A:** The draft state budget for 2027 provides for over 600 million hryvnias, including for equipping 21 regional forensic medical bureaus with the necessary equipment.

### Q: How many bodies were repatriated on September 17, 2026?
**A:** On September 17, 2026, the bodies of 252 deceased were returned to Ukraine, which, according to the Russian side, are Ukrainian military personnel.

### Q: How many Ukrainians, according to available data, died in Russian captivity?
**A:** According to RBC-Ukraine, at least 375 Ukrainians died in Russian captivity, including prisoners of war and civilian hostages.