In a concerning discovery in Chernivtsi, forensic experts uncovered an unexploded grenade during the autopsy of a Ukrainian serviceman whose body was recently returned from Russia as part of a prisoner exchange. The situation required immediate action, leading to the evacuation of morgue staff while bomb disposal experts were called in to neutralize the explosive device. Such findings, although rare, highlight potential risks associated with the return of combatants' remains in conflict scenarios.

Viktor Bachynskyi, head of the Chernivtsi Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, indicated that while explosive items are sometimes found in the pockets of bodies returned from Russia, this case was particularly alarming as the grenade was located inside the deceased. According to Bachynskyi, the device entered through the soldier’s abdominal cavity and settled under the skin of the right thigh, marking a significant concern regarding the treatment of fallen soldiers and the protocols involved in their return.

This incident raises questions about the integrity of protocols during battlefield engagements and highlights the ongoing risks faced by personnel engaged in military exchanges, as well as the need for stricter measures to ensure the safe handling of returned remains. The discovery also serves as a grim reminder of the conflict's brutality and the challenges still faced by families of fallen service members, as they navigate the complexities of recovering lost loved ones amidst ongoing hostilities.