Ukraine and Russia update how they return war dead
Photo: Exchange between Russia and Ukraine will be conducted differently (t.me/SBUkr)
On June 15, another stage of the repatriation of fallen defenders' bodies was completed in Ukraine, during which railway transport was used, according to the Telegram channel of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
According to the SBU, this made it possible to promptly deliver the bodies of the soldiers to different regions of the country for further identification.
The next stages of repatriation, according to the agreements reached in Istanbul, will be carried out by road transport.
Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross took part in the operation and praised the level of organization.
According to reports, the repatriation was carried out in accordance with all international standards and with due respect for the fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
Who contributed to the return of the defenders
The operation was coordinated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Joint Center for Coordination of the Search and Release of Prisoners of War, the Civil-Military Cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, the State Emergency Service, the State Border Guard Service, Ukrzaliznytsia, and other security and defense sector institutions.
The SBU emphasized that it continues to fulfill the tasks set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards.
Return of the bodies of the fallen
The agreements on a large-scale exchange of the bodies of fallen defenders were reached on June 2 during the second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. The parties agreed on a 6000 for 6000 format.
The first stage of the exchange took place on June 11, when Ukraine recovered the bodies of 1,212 fallen soldiers. These included those who died in the east, the south, and in Russia’s Kursk region.
Another wave of repatriation took place on June 13, when the bodies of 1,200 individuals were returned to Ukraine, most of whom were servicemen.
