Russia and Ukraine Conduct Major Soldier Body Exchange Amid Ongoing Conflict

Officials from both Russia and Ukraine announced on Thursday that over 1,000 fallen soldiers from both sides have been exchanged amid the ongoing conflict.

According to State Duma lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev, Russia has handed back the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers in return for the bodies of 24 Russian troops.

The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the swap, noting that they will work on identifying the bodies received.

Neither Saraliyev nor the Ukrainian agency responsible for POWs clarified whether this exchange was linked to agreements made during recent peace negotiations in Istanbul.

In June, during those discussions, Moscow and Kyiv reached a consensus on a comprehensive prisoner exchange and the return of thousands of soldiers’ remains. However, they were unable to establish a ceasefire.

Prior to this, Russia and Ukraine had executed two body exchanges in July and August.

The transfer of deceased soldiers and the exchange of prisoners have emerged as one of the few collaborative efforts between the two nations since Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.