Ukraine is mourning Oleksiy Yukov, a volunteer known as a “collector of souls,” who was killed while recovering the remains of people who died in the war. His death has drawn attention to the dangerous work of those who search for and retrieve the dead from battle areas.
Yukov was associated with Platsdarm, a body-recovery group involved in locating and recovering war dead. The group’s work also includes helping identify remains and return them to families, giving names and recognition to soldiers and others who might otherwise remain unknown.
Ukrainians have gathered to honor Yukov and remember his efforts on behalf of the dead. Accounts of his work describe a commitment to ensuring that fallen soldiers receive proper recognition and that their families have the opportunity to learn what happened to them.
His death underscores the risks faced by volunteers working in areas affected by fighting. It has also highlighted the continuing humanitarian task of recovering, identifying and commemorating those killed in the war.