By KYIV. Dec 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Switzerland has transferred to Ukraine three genetic DNA analyzers worth about $450,000 to work on the identification of missing persons who disappeared during the full-scale Russian aggression, the press service of the Swiss Embassy in Ukraine reports.
“On December 14, 2023 Switzerland handed over three full-cycle DNA analyzer machines to help the State Scientific Research Forensic Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in its work on the identification of the persons reported missing since Russia’s full-scale invasion,” a press release posted on Friday says.
“The donated equipment, worth around $450,000, will enable forensic teams to create a DNA profile of relatives of missing persons within 90 minutes in a single step, compared to a longer regular procedure which is performed by traditional DNA laboratories. This data will then be automatically matched with DNA samples of mortal remains of combatants and civilians,” the message reads.
The devices will be transferred to the regional scientific research forensic centres in Rivne, Khmelnytsky and Cherkasy.
“Behind every missing person, there is a family in pain looking for answers. Coordinated work on their search and identification is crucial to help thousands of families in Ukraine to clarify the fate of their loved ones. I hope these devices will help forensic teams in their important work to end uncertainties and bring relief to families”, said Félix Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, as of October 2023 more than 26,000 people were reported missing in Ukraine. However, the actual number of missing people is considered to be higher as many areas remain inaccessible for proper investigation.
Switzerland initiated its efforts to support the search for missing persons in Ukraine in 2016 and stepped up its commitment due to the sharp increase in missing persons since February 2022.
The support includes donation of equipment to facilitate DNA analysis and expedite the identification of bodies, as well as IT equipment and furniture to the Ukrainian authorities in charge of finding and identifying missing persons.
