Russia Delivers Bodies of One Thousand Soldiers to Ukraine
On Thursday, Russia handed over the bodies of one thousand Ukrainian soldiers to authorities in Kyiv, according to Vladimir Medinsky, Moscow’s chief negotiator and a Kremlin advisor, via his Telegram account. This transfer was made as part of an agreement reached during peace talks held last month in Istanbul.
Medinsky explained that the operation was conducted in accordance with the understandings established during negotiations, noting that Ukraine, in turn, returned the bodies of over 19 Russian soldiers. He published photos documenting the moment of the handover, showing medical teams placing body bags inside refrigerated trucks.
This move comes as a rare instance of humanitarian cooperation between the two sides since the war erupted in February 2022. The return of bodies and prisoner exchanges have been among the few points where both parties have made significant progress, despite the failure of negotiations in Istanbul in May and June to achieve a ceasefire agreement.
Russia continues to ignore Ukraine’s internationally-supported calls to cease fighting, while diplomatic efforts remain stalled amidst escalating military and political tensions.
