Ukraine has announced that Russian forces have returned approximately 1,000 bodies of its fallen soldiers following prolonged fighting in recently redeployed areas, Kyiv’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday. (Vanguard)
In an official statement, the ministry confirmed:
“Pro-active steps have been made to hand over over 1,000 bodies held by the Russian side as part of bilateral agreements and coordination with international intermediaries.”
The repatriation comes amid intense fighting along the eastern front and makes up part of ongoing efforts to recover missing personnel. Ukrainian officials say the return was achieved despite heavy resistance and contested territory.
The development is significant both symbolically and tactically: it offers closure to grieving families and boosts morale among Ukrainian troops, while casting pressure on Moscow over its treatment of war casualties.
The Ukrainian government also called for further cooperation from Russia in exchanging prisoners, missing persons, and permitting access for forensic teams.
