Ukraine, Russia exchange bodies of killed soldiers

In a rare instance of cooperation between the warring nations, Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers on Thursday. This exchange represents one of the few diplomatic avenues still open between the two countries, over four years since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced that the bodies of 261 deceased individuals were returned to Ukraine, identified by the Russian side as Ukrainian servicemen. Kyiv has previously voiced concerns, accusing Russia of sometimes including civilian remains and Russian soldiers in these exchanges.

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The bodies of 261 deceased persons have been returned to Ukraine, which, according to the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian servicemen.

According to the Russian media outlet RBC, citing a Russian lawmaker, Moscow handed over 261 bodies. In return, Ukraine transferred 24 bodies to Russia. These exchanges, along with prisoner-of-war swaps, are among the limited areas where the two sides have managed to reach agreements amidst the ongoing conflict.

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Moscow had handed over 261 bodies, while Ukraine had transferred 24.