Instead of names, only codes for now: 76 unidentified defenders buried in Mykolaiv

At one of the cemeteries in Mykolaiv, 76 defenders of Ukraine have been buried whose names have not yet been identified. Work to identify the fallen using DNA examinations and other investigative procedures continues.

This was reported on 3 July 2026 by the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration. Burials are carried out only after the completion of the necessary investigative actions and forensic medical examinations.

Each deceased is assigned a unique 14-digit identification number. It is indicated on the memorial plaque and duplicated on the coffin. Thanks to this, after the servicemember’s name is established, the remains can be handed over to relatives for reburial.

Advisor to the head of the Mykolaiv OVA, Nelli Yarovenko, emphasized that the absence of an established name cannot be a reason to deny a fallen soldier a dignified burial and proper military honors.

“Even in the absence of an identified identity, we show respect and humanity to our defenders. Each of them will be buried with all military rituals observed, and the place of burial will be properly cared for. This is the duty of the state to those who gave their lives for Ukraine,” she said.

A significant portion of the bodies were repatriated from the territory of Russia. Among the deceased may be servicemembers from different regions of Ukraine, so establishing their names requires time and comparison of collected samples with relatives’ DNA.

The Mykolaiv Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination currently holds about 260 bodies of defenders that have not yet been identified.

The last burial of unidentified servicemembers in Mykolaiv took place about half a year ago. From now on such fallen soldiers are buried in the National Military Memorial Cemetery. In April 2026 there were 5 servicemen connected to the Mykolaiv region buried there with military honors, whose identification had not been completed at that time.

On the section of the city cemetery where 76 defenders are already buried, improvement works are planned. Uniform tombstones and an informational stand are to be installed near the graves.

Identification of the deceased does not stop after burial. The OVA reported that there have already been cases when the names of previously unknown servicemembers were established. After identity confirmation, relatives can decide to reinter the remains or leave the grave at the military memorial cemetery, replacing the numbered plaque with a named headstone.

Earlier we wrote:

• Identical monuments to fallen Defenders will be installed at Balabanivske cemetery: the procurement procedure is ongoing
• The memorial project for the dead in Korabelnyi is completed: Mykolaiv seeks funds for construction
• Five nameless Heroes: servicemen from Mykolaiv region buried at a memorial cemetery in the Kyiv region
• A thousand fallen: the bodies of deceased servicemen were repatriated to Ukraine
• The fallen without relatives will not be left without headstones: decision of the Mykolaiv executive committee