The Ministry of Defense wants to identify fallen soldiers using their fingerprints and footprints
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense plans to introduce a new mechanism for identifying fallen servicemembers, which will make it possible to identify the deceased more quickly not only through DNA but also through fingerprints and footprints.
This was announced by Dmytro Samofalov, head of the Ministry of Defense’s Department of Health. According to him, in most countries around the world, identification is primarily carried out using dog tags, fingerprints, and dental records, while DNA analysis is used only when necessary.
The Ministry of Defense notes that footprints are often better preserved than fingerprints because they are protected by footwear. The new approach should also help reduce the risk of errors that can occur when identification is based solely on DNA analysis results.
The ministry expects to implement the new system by the end of 2026.
Source: Dmytro Samofalov.
As a reminder, since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has already deployed 1,066 kilometers of anti-drone defenses along key logistics routes. Such systems help ensure the safer delivery of ammunition, equipment, and supplies, as well as the evacuation of the wounded from frontline areas.
The Ministry of Defense has approved the deployment of the Cyclops universal drone interceptor.
