Ukraine Returns the Bodies of 1,212 Soldiers Killed in the War with Russia

 Ukraine Returns the Bodies of 1,212 Soldiers Killed in the War with Russia

Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 1,212 soldiers who were killed in the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Wednesday. In Moscow, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky reported that Ukraine had also returned 27 Russian soldiers’ bodies.

Kyiv’s prisoner exchange team shared photos showing International Committee of the Red Cross personnel at an undisclosed location, walking past refrigerated trucks involved in the body repatriation. Some trucks bore emblems of “On the Shield,” a Ukrainian organization responsible for military remains.

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The agreement for a large-scale exchange of war dead was reached during recent talks between Kyiv and Moscow, though implementation has faced delays and disagreements. Ukraine accused Russia of unilateral actions, including postponing the transfer of bodies, which were held at the border for days.

Ukraine's President Zelensky indicated Russia intends to transfer approximately 6,000 bodies back, though only about 15% have been identified so far. The bodies will be examined by Ukrainian authorities to establish identities.

Additionally, on Monday, Russia and Ukraine exchanged dozens of young prisoners of war under 25 and severely wounded prisoners. More exchanges, including seriously wounded soldiers, are scheduled, with the next set occurring soon.

Fighting continues in Ukraine, with Russia claiming control over territory in Dnipropetrovsk and Ukraine reporting a large drone attack by Moscow. The conflict remains intense and ongoing.