This article from the Kyiv Independent offers a poignant glimpse into the somber reality faced by forensic experts at Ukraine's oldest morgue in Kharkiv amid the ongoing war. It highlights the emotional burden carried by the staff, particularly Inga Gerbst, who is described moving through a chaotic scene filled with corpses, including both soldiers and civilians who have succumbed to violence. The working conditions are stark, with the staff managing the physical remnants of a conflict that has claimed countless lives.

In this setting, Gerbst and her colleagues conduct autopsies and gather DNA samples to help identify the deceased, who are victims of blast injuries and other war-related fatalities. The article emphasizes the harrowing nature of their work, made even more difficult by the overwhelming presence of death. Detailed descriptions of the morgue's atmosphere and the physical state of the bodies serve to underscore the gravity of the situation and the challenges professionals like Gerbst face every day in their efforts to restore dignity to the deceased and provide closure for their families.

The report encapsulates the broader implications of the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, depicting not only the immediate human toll in terms of lives lost but also the lingering emotional trauma affecting those tasked with handling its aftermath. It reflects a chilling reminder of the realities of war, as the forensic experts bravely navigate their critical roles in a deeply affected society and underscores the importance of their contributions in honoring those who have fallen amid the ongoing turmoil.