Ukraine, Russia prepare 6,000-for-6,000 fallen soldier body exchange - Ukrainian Defense Minister
Ukraine is working with Russia on a large-scale exchange of the bodies of fallen soldiers in a 6,000 for 6,000 format in line with bilateral agreements, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Umerov noted that today marked the first stage of a major prisoner exchange with Russia, which saw the return of young Ukrainian soldiers under the age of 25.
He said the Istanbul agreements provide for a phased return of specific categories of prisoners of war, including:
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severely wounded soldiers,
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those with serious medical conditions,
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and young soldiers under 25.
The Defense Minister stressed that the exchange process will continue in the coming days.
"A very sensitive and painful work of repatriating the bodies of fallen soldiers is also underway. This involves bringing home over 6,000 Ukrainian defenders who gave their lives for freedom. This is also a part of the agreements," Umerov stated.
He added that Ukraine is working every day to make the all-for-all exchange formula a reality.
6,000 for 6,000 exchange
Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers in a 6,000 for 6,000 format during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul.
Last week, Vladimir Rogov, head of the commission of Russia's Public Chamber, said that such an exchange had already begun and that Russia had handed over 503 bodies to Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine had handed over 42 to Russia.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War emphasized that this information was fake.
