A Soldier Declared Dead and Buried Alive: The DNA Error That Misidentified Nazar Daletskyi.

The War in Ukraine: The Story of Nazar Daletskyi

According to TSN.ua: Ukrainian soldier Nazar Daletskyi, who was held in Russian captivity, returned home in early 2026 after three years as a prisoner of war. His case drew significant attention due to a tragic error: he had been mistakenly declared dead and even buried in 2023. This incident underscores the immense challenges of identifying casualties in a conflict marked by mass prisoner exchanges and chaotic battlefield conditions. An exhumation following his release revealed that the body previously identified as his through flawed DNA analysis was, in fact, someone else's.

The Fate of Nazar Daletskyi

Nazar Daletskyi was captured by Russian forces in 2022. After his release in a prisoner exchange in February 2026, it emerged that other Ukrainian POWs had seen him alive in captivity. One soldier reported seeing him alive in July 2025, and two more defenders confirmed this information in August and October of the same year.

Back in 2023, based on an erroneous DNA test, Daletskyi was officially declared deceased and a burial was held. Following his return, the remains of the person thought to be him were exhumed in February 2026. Commenting on the surreal experience of seeing his own supposed grave, Nazar stated:

“It was strange to see that. At first, they didn't want to send me the photos, but I insisted they do it”

His story highlights the profound complexity and tragedy faced by military personnel and their families during wartime.

The case of Nazar Daletskyi reflects not only a personal ordeal but also a broader systemic issue affecting many Ukrainian prisoners of war. Mistakes in identifying the fallen can lead to deep emotional trauma for families and loved ones. As the war in Ukraine continues to impact thousands, the critical importance of accurate data on missing or deceased service members remains more urgent than ever.