Russia and Ukraine carry out new exchange of fallen soldiers’ bodies

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said Russia handed over 261 bodies of fallen servicemen to Kyiv on August 13, the BBC Russian Service reports.

“As a result of repatriation measures, the bodies of 261 fallen soldiers, which according to the Russian side belong to Ukrainian servicemen, have been returned to Ukraine,” the headquarters said.

According to the statement, law enforcement investigators and representatives of expert institutions will work to establish the identities of the deceased.

Russian media reported that, as part of the exchange, Ukraine handed over 24 bodies to Russia.

The previous exchange of fallen soldiers’ bodies between Russia and Ukraine took place on July 16. According to representatives of both sides, Ukraine handed over 31 bodies to Russia at the time, while Russia handed over 501 bodies to Ukraine.