Kremlin: Russia ready to return Ukrainian soldiers' bodies; unclear on number of Russian dead to be returned by Ukraine

Kremlin: Russia ready to return Ukrainian soldiers' bodies; unclear on number of Russian dead to be returned by Ukraine

Moscow, Russia - Russia has taken a significant step towards the repatriation of Ukrainian soldiers' bodies, with the delivery of the first batch of 1,212 deceased Ukrainian servicemen to the border exchange point [1]. This move comes as part of the ongoing humanitarian efforts amidst the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Lieutenant General Alexander Zorin, a representative of the Russian negotiating group, announced that the bodies were delivered in accordance with the Istanbul accords. He stated that Russia is awaiting official confirmation from Kyiv for the next steps in the process [1]. Despite the delivery, the exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of bodies have not yet taken place due to Ukraine's failure to make contact [1].

The Russian Defense Ministry has also reported that it has shot down 131 Ukrainian drones in the last 24 hours, including 73 devices outside the air defense zone [1]. These drones were destroyed over several regions, including Tula, Bryansk, Kaluga, Oryol, Belgorod, Kursk, Moscow, and Crimea [1].

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of delaying the prisoner exchange and the repatriation of bodies. Russia has accused Ukraine of postponing the scheduled exchange over the weekend, while Ukraine has denied these accusations and urged Russia to stop using sensitive humanitarian topics for informational purposes [1]. The proposed exchange was expected to involve up to 1,200 individuals on each side, but the process has been delayed indefinitely [1].

The prisoner exchange plan emerged from renewed peace efforts, with delegations from both countries holding talks in Istanbul. However, the talks have been accompanied by an escalation in military actions, with both sides carrying out strikes against each other's territories [1]. The continued hostilities raise concerns over the prospects for renewed peace talks and any near-term resolution to the conflict [1].

Russia is ready to fulfill all agreements with Ukraine regarding the prisoner exchange and body transfer, but the number of Russian dead to be returned by Ukraine remains uncertain. The humanitarian initiative has been emphasized by Russian representatives as a purely humanitarian action, not a politicized decision [2].

References:
[1] https://www.chinadailyasia.com/hk/article/613511
[2] https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/russia-sending-bodies-of-ukrainian-soldiers-to-border-as-exchange-dispute-continues-3202563