Buried in 2023, a Ukrainian Soldier Returns from Captivity Alive: The Story of a 'Resurrection'.

Nazarii Daletskyi’s Return from Captivity

According to TSN.ua: Nazarii Daletskyi, who came back from Russian captivity, was found to be alive after being declared dead and buried in 2023. His body was exhumed, and a legal battle over his status is now underway. Daletskyi was taken prisoner in May 2022, and on February 5, 2026, he returned to Ukraine.

Identification and Emotional Turmoil

During the identification of Daletskyi’s body, forensic analysis showed a 99.99% DNA match with his mother, and later testing confirmed a 99.9998% match. This points to an error in identification at the time of burial, leading to the false declaration of his death. The body was exhumed to determine who was actually buried next to Daletskyi’s father.

Daletskyi confirmed he suffered injuries to his knees and collarbone due to torture during his captivity. Expressing his emotions, he stated:

“I haven’t slept since 5 a.m., I’ve been waiting. How long has it been since you were home, if you count it all? Since May 3, 2022.”

The reunion with his family was an emotional event, with his mother, Nataliia Daletska, unable to hold back tears as she asked:

“Is it really you? I’ve been waiting for you so long… Is it really you?”

A court hearing to legally recognize Daletskyi as alive is scheduled for March 27. Daletskyi noted: “I don’t exist right now; I’m still buried. The court will be on March 27. Once they declare me alive, documents will be issued in a month. Then I’ll be alive, then I’ll be resurrected.” This situation highlights the hardships faced by families of prisoners of war and the bureaucratic challenges in the identification process of the deceased.

Daletskyi’s case reflects the complex reality confronting many families of Ukrainian soldiers who have been taken captive. Identification errors that lead to declarations of death cast doubt on the systems for tracking and verifying military personnel. This incident also underscores the need to support relatives enduring emotional stress and uncertainty over their loved ones’ fates. The wait for a court decision could significantly impact Daletskyi’s and his family’s future.