Russia claims Ukraine unexpectedly postponed the exchange of prisoners of war and the transfer of deceased soldiers’ bodies. Vladimir Medinsky, Presidential Aide and head of the Russian negotiating team, announced this development, stating the Ukrainian negotiating group failed to appear at the designated exchange point.

According to Medinsky, Russia had prepared to transfer 6,000 bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers and exchange wounded, seriously ill, and young prisoners of war, in accordance with the Istanbul agreements. Russia urges Kyiv to adhere to the agreed schedule and proceed with the exchange immediately.

The first batch of 1,212 frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers has reportedly arrived in the exchange area. The remaining bodies are en route. Furthermore, Russia has provided Ukraine with a list of 640 prisoners of war, classified as wounded, seriously ill, and young, to begin the exchange process.

Medinsky emphasized the agreed-upon arrangement for each side to release 1,200 soldiers and officers, providing them the opportunity to return home. He urged Ukraine to retrieve the bodies of the 6,000 soldiers and officers to allow their families to conduct dignified burials.

During a meeting in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine discussed prisoner exchanges, a ceasefire, and a potential meeting between the two countries’ presidents. Memoranda on resolving the conflict were also exchanged.