Ukraine adopts shared rules to identify bodies of troops and civilians

Ukraine’s government has approved shared rules to identify the bodies of troops and civilians. Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi announced the move on 6 November 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers said.

The rules apply to teams from several state bodies in each region. They cover checks on bodies, forensic medical tests, the taking of samples and the way records are kept.

A shared set of codes aims to keep records correct and stop data being lost. This data helps confirm who the dead are, the Cabinet said.

The prime minister said the rules should cut delays and improve tests. They should also help teams work together at each stage, he said.

The health, interior and defence ministries began this work together, he said. The president’s office gave its support.

The draft state budget for 2027 sets aside more than 600 million hryvnias for this work. The funds would help buy equipment for offices in the regions. The budget has yet to be passed.

He said families should get reliable news about their loved ones sooner. They should also have the chance to say goodbye.