Fact Check: "One returned body was dressed in a Russian military uniform with a Russian passport."
What We Know
On June 19, 2025, Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that during a recent exchange of deceased soldiers, Russia returned bodies of its own soldiers disguised as Ukrainian casualties. Among these was body No. 192/25, which was dressed in a Russian military uniform and carried a Russian passport issued to Alexander Viktorovich Bugaev, born in 1974. Alongside the passport, officials found a military ID indicating that Bugaev had served in the 1st Battalion of the 39th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade. Klymenko stated that Bugaev had gone missing during combat near Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast in March 2025, and his family had been searching for him for months (Kyiv Independent, RBC Ukraine).
Analysis
The claim that one of the bodies returned to Ukraine was dressed in a Russian military uniform and carried a Russian passport is corroborated by multiple sources. Klymenko's statements provide detailed evidence, including the identification of the soldier and the circumstances surrounding his death. The Ukrainian government has a vested interest in accurately reporting these events, particularly in the context of ongoing military conflict and the treatment of soldiers (France 24, Babel).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they are reputable news outlets reporting on official statements from the Ukrainian government. However, it is essential to consider the potential for bias in wartime reporting. Both Ukraine and Russia have been known to present information in ways that serve their narratives. Nevertheless, the specific details provided about Bugaev's identity and the circumstances of his return lend credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that one of the bodies returned to Ukraine was dressed in a Russian military uniform and carried a Russian passport. The identification of the soldier, along with the context provided by Ukrainian officials, confirms the accuracy of this statement.
Sources
- Ukraine confirms Russia returned bodies of its soldiers disguised as Ukrainian casualties - Kyiv Independent
- Russia sends its own dead soldiers during body exchange - RBC Ukraine
- Russia and Ukraine carry out another POW exchange - France 24
- Ukraine establishes the names of the deceased Russians whom Russia handed over during repatriation - Babel
