Ukrainians face painful wait to learn if loved ones are among returned bodies


  • World
  • Friday, 13 Jun 2025

Volodymyr Umanets, 69, father of Ukrainian serviceman Sirhii, 49, who was declared missing in action in Dnipropetrovsk region, speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Bucha, Kyiv region, Ukraine, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko

BUCHA, Ukraine (Reuters) -Volodymyr Umanets, a 69-year-old security guard, hopes his son will be among the Ukrainian prisoners of war now being handed over by Russia, but he knows he could be part of a more sombre homecoming: the repatriated remains of dead soldiers.

Not knowing which group his son, Sergiy, will be in is a torment. “I am told to wait. What else is left for me to do?” said Umanets, as tears welled up in his eyes.

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