Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, the Kharkiv morgue, the oldest in the country, faces overwhelming challenges in identifying the deceased. This facility is inundated with bodies from both the battlefield and civilian casualties, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict’s toll. The forensic medical experts, including 35-year-old Inga Gerbst, navigate the grim scene daily, working tirelessly to bring justice to those lost amidst the chaos.

Inga Gerbst is one of the forensic specialists at the Kharkiv morgue, where the stench of decay permeates the air. As she walks through narrow pathways lined with corpses, she and her colleagues examine the remains of a Ukrainian soldier and two civilians—an elderly woman and a middle-aged man—each body telling a story of violence and loss. “It’s most likely a blast injury,” Gerbst states, pointing to a shrapnel wound on the soldier’s abdomen. The morgue’s main autopsy room, which is no larger than a classroom, is filled with bodies in various states of decomposition, some hastily wrapped in whatever materials were available at the scene of death.

Located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, Kharkiv has been under constant threat from attacks, causing the morgue’s workload to increase significantly. The head of the Kharkiv Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, Yurii Kravchenko, noted that the facility now handles more than double the number of corpses compared to the pre-war period. However, he refrains from disclosing exact figures, citing confidentiality.

Challenges and Emotional Toll

The forensic experts at the morgue face immense pressure as they sift through the remains, striving to determine the cause of death amidst the chaos of war. The emotional weight of their work is palpable, particularly when they encounter the bodies of children or young soldiers who lost their lives too soon. “There are times when you just can’t turn off your emotions,” Gerbst admits, highlighting the difficulty of separating personal feelings from professional responsibilities.

Each expert at the morgue has their own coping mechanisms. Gerbst listens to music on her way home and cares for her two cats, which provide her some solace. Yet, the work often follows her home, as she discusses her day with her husband, who also works in the field. Their shared commitment to uncovering the truth drives them both.

Methodology and Workload

The process of conducting an autopsy is meticulous and time-intensive. Gerbst, who typically examines between one and four bodies per day, spends approximately an hour and a half to two hours on each case. The condition of the body significantly affects the ability to identify causes of death; decomposition complicates forensic analysis, making it challenging to gather vital information.

Dmitriy Lys, another forensic expert at the morgue, notes that the most distressing scenarios arise when only fragments of a body are recovered, especially in instances where remains have been repatriated from Russian-held territories. He emphasizes the responsibility that comes with their work: “Our specialty and work are very serious and carry great responsibility, so we must be extremely attentive, because sometimes the smallest details matter.”

The Bigger Picture

The situation at the Kharkiv morgue exemplifies the broader humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the war drags on into its fourth year, the psychological toll on the forensic experts grows increasingly heavy. With the threat of rolling blackouts and ongoing violence, the challenges they face are compounded by a lack of resources and support.

Despite the harrowing nature of their work, Kravchenko and his team remain dedicated to their mission of providing closure to families who have lost loved ones. “This was once a living person, and they must be treated the same way—with dignity,” he insists, highlighting the ethical commitment that guides their work.

As the conflict continues, the demand for forensic services in Kharkiv is unlikely to diminish. The morgue’s experts will persist in their crucial role, navigating the difficult emotional landscape while striving to uphold the principles of justice and dignity for every individual they examine.

the Kharkiv morgue stands as a poignant symbol of the war’s devastating impact on Ukrainian society. As the conflict persists, the work of these dedicated forensic professionals will remain critical in the pursuit of truth and justice.

For those interested in supporting the ongoing efforts to document and address the consequences of the war, consider engaging with humanitarian organizations that provide assistance to affected families and communities.