Russia and Ukraine Complete Fifth Body Swap Under Istanbul Peace Framework

In a rare moment of cooperation during an otherwise relentless war, Russia and Ukraine on Monday confirmed the fifth exchange of fallen soldiers’ bodies, carried out under agreements reached during recent peace talks in Istanbul. The latest swap saw the return of over 1,200 Ukrainian bodies and 51 Russian bodies, marking a continuation of humanitarian commitments despite the continued hostilities on the front lines.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the transfer of 1,248 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen to Kyiv. In return, Ukraine returned the remains of 51 Russian soldiers. According to Moscow, this brings the total number of Ukrainian bodies returned under the Istanbul agreement to 6,060, while Russia has received 78 bodies from Kyiv so far.

Slight Discrepancies, but Steady Progress

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War offered a slightly lower figure—1,245 bodies—citing Russian claims about the identity of the remains. Nevertheless, the overall numbers from both sides are closely aligned, signaling growing trust in this narrow humanitarian corridor.

“Thus, Ukraine has received 6,057 bodies within the framework of the Istanbul agreements,” the Ukrainian agency said in a Telegram post. The body swaps are a deeply emotional and symbolic process, allowing grieving families to bury their loved ones and offering a brief moment of dignity amid the brutality of war.

The Istanbul Agreement: A Humanitarian Lifeline

The framework for these exchanges was formalized during the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, following the initial summit on May 16. During these sessions, negotiators agreed to prioritize the return of deceased soldiers, the youngest prisoners of war, and the severely wounded.

Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led Moscow’s delegation in the Istanbul talks, said on Telegram that medical evacuations of wounded soldiers have also been initiated. According to Medinsky, both countries are maintaining a continuous dialogue around prisoner swaps and other humanitarian measures, even as the larger political stalemate continues.

More Bodies Await Transfer

In its Monday statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said it is prepared to transfer an additional 2,239 bodies of Ukrainian servicemen to Kyiv, pending logistical and diplomatic coordination. This ongoing readiness underscores the scope of casualties the war continues to inflict on both sides—thousands of soldiers lost, with many families still waiting for closure.

Observers note that while such exchanges do not signal a political breakthrough, they reflect a shared human imperative to respect the dead, even in times of bitter enmity.

Conclusion: A Small Step Toward Humanity

As the war between Russia and Ukraine grinds on into its third year, the fifth successful body exchange marks a rare point of agreement in an otherwise deeply fractured conflict. Though the path to peace remains uncertain, these solemn handovers offer a glimmer of humanity—proof that even amid devastation, both nations recognize the sacred duty of bringing their fallen home.