Ukraine clarifies delays in POW and body repatriation talks with Russia
Photo: Ukraine responds to Russia's statements on the exchange of bodies and prisoners (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russian statements regarding the exchange of prisoners of war and bodies of the dead do not correspond to reality. The Russian side is delaying the process and playing dirty games, according to the Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
"Today's statements by the Russian side do not correspond to reality and to previous agreements either regarding the exchange of prisoners, or regarding the repatriation of bodies. Over the past week, teams from both sides have been working in two directions – the repatriation of the bodies of dead servicemen and the exchange of prisoners," stated the Coordination Headquarters.
Regarding the exchange of prisoners, Ukraine submitted lists for the exchange, formed following the Istanbul agreements; however, the lists submitted by the Russian Federation do not correspond to the agreed-upon approach. Therefore, according to the Coordination Headquarters, Ukraine provided appropriate comments and is awaiting the next step from the Russian Federation.
Regarding the repatriation of bodies, an agreement was indeed reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on the exchange, but its date was not agreed upon. Instead of consistently following the agreed algorithm, Russia resorted to unilateral actions that were not coordinated within the framework of the joint process, emphasizing the Coordination Headquarters.
"Unfortunately, instead of constructive dialogue, we again face manipulations and attempts to use sensitive humanitarian topics for informational purposes. We are interested in a real result – in the return of our prisoners and the bodies of the dead – and are ready to continue working for this within the framework of the agreements," stated the Coordination Headquarters.
They also called on Russia to stop the dirty games, return to constructive work, and clearly fulfill the agreements in the coming days.
Prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia
Let us recall that Ukraine and the Russian Federation, during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, agreed on the exchange of bodies of the dead according to the formula "6000 for 6000" and the exchange of seriously ill, wounded, and young prisoners of war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected that the first stage of the exchange could take place already this weekend since Russia agreed to hand over 500 people.
However, today, the head of the Russian negotiation group, Vladimir Medinsky, accused Ukraine of allegedly postponing the prisoner exchange. He also stated that Russia had allegedly already delivered more than 1,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers to the exchange site.
A source of RBC-Ukraine informed about the exchange preparation process stated that Medinsky's statements are fake and attempts to pressure the Ukrainian side.
