A second group of Russian soldiers has returned home following agreements reached in Istanbul, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The exact number of soldiers involved in this exchange remains undisclosed.

The Ministry of Defense stated that the returning soldiers are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving necessary medical and psychological support.

This exchange is a result of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine that took place in Istanbul, commencing on June 2. During these talks, discussions also included the possibility of a ceasefire and a potential meeting between Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky. Memoranda on conflict resolution were also exchanged.

The initial prisoner exchange between the two countries occurred on June 9, with Russia receiving young soldiers under the age of 25.

However, Kyiv has reportedly declined to accept the bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers. Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to the president and head of the Russian negotiating group, addressed this issue. He indicated that Russia has acted in accordance with the Istanbul agreements, initiating a humanitarian effort to transfer the remains of 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers. Medinsky urged Ukraine to retrieve these bodies for proper burial. He also mentioned the intention to exchange wounded, seriously ill, and captured soldiers under the age of 25.