Fact Check: Ukraine's body identification labs surged from 5 to over 30.

Fact Check: "Ukraine's body identification labs surged from 5 to over 30."

What We Know

The claim that Ukraine's body identification labs have surged from 5 to over 30 is supported by multiple credible sources. According to Artur Dobroserdov, the Commissioner for Missing Persons Under Special Circumstances, Ukraine now operates more than 30 laboratories dedicated to the identification of missing persons. Specifically, he noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs manages 27 of these labs, with an additional four operating within the healthcare system and two more expected to open soon. Furthermore, four additional labs are under the Ministry of Justice. This expansion reflects a significant increase in Ukraine's forensic capabilities, particularly in molecular genetic testing, which is essential for identifying missing individuals.

Analysis

The evidence supporting this claim is robust, coming from official statements made by Ukrainian authorities. The information provided by Dobroserdov during a briefing highlights not only the number of labs but also the ongoing efforts to enhance staffing and capacity across these facilities. He emphasized that Ukraine is now one of the most advanced countries in Europe regarding molecular genetic examinations, which are critical for body identification (Ukrinform).

Moreover, the claim is corroborated by additional reports indicating that Ukraine has developed a centralized database of genetic traits, which is significantly larger than those maintained by many European countries (Ukrinform). This further underscores the advancements in Ukraine's forensic capabilities.

While the sources are primarily from Ukrainian officials and media, they are credible and reflect the current state of forensic science in Ukraine. The emphasis on increasing the number of trained experts and the availability of necessary equipment also adds to the reliability of the claim. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, as the information is presented by government officials who may have a vested interest in portraying the country's capabilities positively.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Ukraine's body identification labs have surged from 5 to over 30 is accurate based on credible statements from Ukrainian officials and corroborating reports. The significant expansion in forensic capacity reflects Ukraine's ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and the need for effective identification of missing persons.

Fact Check: Ukraine's body identification labs surged from 5 to over 30.