In a significant development, Russia has returned 1,000 bodies to Ukraine, which Moscow claims are the remains of Ukrainian soldiers who died in combat. The Ukrainian government agency involved in the repatriation confirmed this exchange, marking one of the few surviving points of cooperation between the two nations since the onset of the conflict that began in February 2022.
Moscow also confirmed the transaction, stating it received 31 bodies in return from Ukraine. The details were shared by Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War via their social media platforms, emphasizing the large scale of the repatriation efforts.
The agency specifically noted, “Repatriation measures took place today,” adding that the 1,000 bodies returned are recognized by Russia as belonging to Ukrainian servicemen. This mutual repatriation underscores the ongoing harrowing toll of the war, as both nations navigate the tragic loss of life amid relentless fighting along the expansive front lines.
In previous exchanges, Ukraine has reported receiving bodies of Russian soldiers, showing a reciprocal, though grim, commitment to identify and honor fallen personnel. Authorities in Kyiv regularly disclosed similar repatriation figures in past months, announcing the return of about 1,000 soldiers’ remains from Russia during the summer, further highlighting the heavy casualties experienced on both sides.
As the repatriated remains are returned to Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters indicated that law enforcement would soon initiate a process to identify these bodies, with gratitude extended to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance in facilitating the exchange.
The war has resulted in tens of thousands of servicemen killed, though both sides typically refrain from releasing complete statistics on their casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed earlier this year that Ukraine had suffered over 46,000 military deaths, with many others classified as missing in action. On the other hand, independent sources, including the BBC and Mediazona, estimate that over 135,000 Russian soldiers have been killed throughout the conflict, with the actual toll likely exceeding these figures.
