Ukraine has received the remains of an additional 1,200 soldiers who died during the ongoing war with Russia, according to Ukrainian officials. These transfers are part of broader agreements covering the exchange of both prisoners of war and the deceased.
In a series of exchanges this month, Ukraine has repatriated over 4,800 bodies, marking one of the most significant returns of fallen soldiers since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Russian state media outlets, TASS and RIA, confirmed the transfer but noted that Moscow has not yet received any Russian bodies in exchange.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation at recent talks in Istanbul, said the repatriation process is ongoing under agreements made there.
“Today, the Russian side transferred another 1,200 bodies to Ukraine,” Umerov stated, adding that the next step is the vital process of identification.
“This work is sensitive and complex but essential, as it will allow each family to get the answers they need,” he said.
This marks the fourth transfer of remains in a week, all taking place under the framework of the Istanbul agreement.
Prisoner and Body Exchanges Underway
Alongside these repatriations, Ukraine and Russia have also begun exchanging prisoners of war, starting with those who are sick, severely injured, or under the age of 25.
Both sides have agreed to return up to 6,000 bodies, though the process remains in its early stages. So far, Russia has reported receiving only 27 of its deceased soldiers.
Although three prisoner exchanges have been confirmed by both nations, the specific numbers involved in those swaps have not been publicly disclosed.
