Russia Returns Bodies of 1,200 More Ukrainians in POW Swap

Russia has returned the bodies of 1,200 more Ukrainians killed in the war, bringing the total number of bodies swap (repatriated) to over 4,800. The handover was part of an agreement struck in talks in Istanbul earlier this month, according to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the humanitarian mission, saying, “Ahead is an important and responsible stage of identification. This is a complex and delicate work that will give each family the opportunity to receive answers.”

The exchange has been marked by controversy, with Russia claiming Ukraine has not upheld its part of the deal. Russian state media confirmed the latest handover of 1,200 Ukrainians but said Moscow had not received a single Russian corpse in return. “Russia says Ukraine hasn’t stuck to its side [of the deal], that it hasn’t reciprocated,” reported Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig from Kyiv.

As per their agreement in Istanbul, Kyiv and Moscow are to each hand over as many as 6,000 bodies and exchange sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war and those aged under 25. However, Russia has so far reported only receiving a total of 27 Russian servicemen.

The latest development comes as Russia continues its military advances in Ukraine. According to reports, Russian forces are roughly 18-20 kilometers away from the capital of the Sumy region, which has been under constant drone and missile attack.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military said it had struck a Russian drone factory in the city of Yelabuga in Russia’s Tatarstan region, targeting a facility used to produce, test, and launch drones against Ukraine’s energy and civil infrastructure.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now entered its fourth year, with no clear end in sight. The push for a ceasefire and an end to the conflict remains elusive, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.