There are more than 55,000 people in register of missing persons. It is necessary to implement system that will solve problem of identification - Sergeant of 82nd Brigade Bondar
As of the end of September 2024, according to the register of "missing persons under special circumstances," the number of missing persons has passed the 55 thousand mark.
Yuriy Bondar, a sergeant of the 82nd Brigade's, call sign Shaman, wrote about this on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.
"We all understand that these data are relative and approximate, definitely not lower, equal, or higher than the official statistics ...
It is within the framework of the project, or rather one of the directions, that we are trying to introduce a system that will allow us to fully realize the right to be recognized and properly buried for all those who died at the hands of the invader," he said.
"I am frankly aware of how "acute" and difficult this topic is, especially for relatives and friends who have been living in guesswork and expectations for years, waiting for news of their loved ones... Or when they have resigned themselves and accepted the death, but the only thing that can calm the soul is to return the body, identify it, and bury it properly.
I understand quite clearly and soberly that the war is not over and that it will bring a lot of grief to the lives of many families. The problem of identifying the fallen exists and will not disappear by itself, so why keep silent and pretend that the problem does not exist? Unfortunately, this will not change anything...," the military adds.
According to him, it's a bit like publicly asking for or looking for packages for the 200th, as if you realize that nothing can be changed, they are needed, but the topic is very painful and you prefer to leave it somewhere in the dark corners or solve it as quietly as possible.
He also notes that the most difficult thing is to unite several departments and ministries, without which work is simply impossible, to explain to each of the representatives of these departments that the problem will not disappear by itself and that if we do not solve this issue, no one will likely solve it.
"Of course, we constantly hear "excuses" such as it's not the right time, there is a war going on and you are here with identification, and so on. But I believe that this is our work in the memory of everyone who gave their lives for independence or died at the hands of the occupier, and we are obliged to introduce this mechanism," Bondar summarizes.
Read the interview with Yurii Bondar, a sergeant of the 82nd Brigade's, here.
