Putin expresses support for requiring DNA samples from all Russian soldiers

At a televised meeting with members of Russia’s Presidential Human Rights Council on Tuesday, Vladimir Putin voiced support for the idea of collecting DNA samples from everyone who signs contracts with the Defense Ministry.

The proposal was initially put forward by Yulia Belekhova, head of the council’s Families of Soldiers of the Fatherland Committee.

“When a soldier is declared missing, their relatives are required to provide DNA, but not every service member has family members. This adds time and effort to locate relatives, collect samples, and await results. The proposal here is to make DNA submission mandatory when signing a contract,” Belekhova explained.

She also highlighted situations where mandatory DNA testing could be particularly useful, such as for soldiers without relatives to provide samples or for cases where the paternity of a child born after a soldier’s deployment remains uncertain and the soldier goes missing.

“I will definitely instruct the relevant agencies to consider what you have proposed. These are delicate matters, but I believe they protect the interests of our soldiers who are undertaking extremely complex, challenging, and dangerous tasks on the frontlines. Submitting DNA seems like a good idea to me, but of course, we need to consult with specialists in this field,” Putin said.