Russia and Ukraine Exchange Prisoners and War Dead
On Saturday, Russia and Ukraine carried out a significant prisoner-of-war exchange amid the continuing conflict. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the operation included handing over the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers who had been killed in battle.
Details of the Exchange
This latest swap aligns with agreements the two nations reached during recent talks in Istanbul. Ukraine confirmed it received the remains of its fallen soldiers, honoring those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Although Russia returned the bodies of the Ukrainian soldiers, Moscow stated it had yet to receive any bodies of its own soldiers from Kyiv. This mirrors a statement released by Russian officials the previous day, reaffirming no Russian war dead had been returned.
Prisoners and Their Condition
The Russian Defense Ministry did not specify the exact number of prisoners exchanged on Saturday. However, video footage released by the ministry showed Russian troops applauding and holding national flags as they boarded buses, signaling a positive mood among the returning soldiers.
Following the exchange, Russian prisoners were taken to Belarus where they are undergoing medical treatment before being transferred back to Russia.
Context and Significance
This prisoner swap marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two sides amidst the ongoing military conflict. Returning soldiers and recovering war dead help both countries provide closure and tend to humanitarian concerns despite broader hostilities.
Summary
- 1,200 Ukrainian fallen soldiers' bodies were returned by Russia.
- Ukraine confirmed receipt of its soldiers' remains.
- Russia stated it has yet to receive any of its war dead in return.
- Exchanged Russian prisoners are being treated in Belarus prior to return.
