A second group of Russian soldiers has returned to Russia, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This exchange is part of the agreements reached during negotiations in Istanbul.

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

Following their time in Belarus, the soldiers will be transported back to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation in medical facilities under the Ministry of Defense.

Russia and Ukraine initiated prisoner of war exchanges after negotiations in Istanbul on June 2nd, where discussions also addressed a potential ceasefire and a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky.

The first prisoner exchange occurred on June 9th, with the return of young Russian soldiers under the age of 25.

However, according to Vladimir Medinsky, Kyiv has declined to accept the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers.

Medinsky noted that Russia is acting in accordance with the Istanbul agreements by initiating a humanitarian action to transfer the remains of 6,000 deceased Ukrainian servicemen, as well as exchanging wounded, seriously ill, and young prisoners of war.

Medinsky urged that the bodies of the 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and officers be taken for proper burial by their families.