261 Ukrainian bodies returned as warring sides maintain rare channel of cooperation
Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen soldiers on Wednesday, marking one of the few remaining areas of cooperation between the two sides more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said 261 bodies had been returned to Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian authorities, Russia said the remains belonged to Ukrainian servicemen.
Kyiv has previously accused Moscow of including the remains of civilians and Russian soldiers in body exchanges, adding another layer of controversy to the process.
Citing a Russian lawmaker, Russian media outlet RBC reported that Moscow had handed over 261 bodies, while Ukraine transferred 24 bodies in return.
The figures highlight the asymmetry in the latest exchange, although both sides continue to use such arrangements as a limited channel for communication.
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The exchange of bodies, alongside prisoner-of-war swaps, remains one of the few areas in which Russia and Ukraine have been able to reach agreements despite the continuing conflict.
While diplomatic efforts toward a broader settlement remain difficult, humanitarian arrangements involving the dead and captured soldiers have provided a rare avenue for direct cooperation between the two sides.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.