Istanbul: Russia handed over to Ukraine the remains of 1,000 soldiers killed in the war on Thursday, under an agreement reached during peace talks last month in Istanbul, Turkey. Russian negotiator and Kremlin Advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed the exchange in a statement on Telegram, highlighting it as part of the ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the negotiations, which took place in May and June, involved two rounds of talks between Moscow and Kyiv. These discussions resulted in an agreement to release hundreds of prisoners from each side and the exchange of the bodies of fallen fighters. In this recent exchange, Ukraine received an additional 1,000 bodies of its soldiers, while Kyiv returned the remains of more than 19 Russian soldiers.

The exchange marks a significant step in the peace process, reflecting the commitments made during the Istanbul talks. Both countries continue to navigate the complex dynamics of their conflict, with the recent agreements serving as a potential foundation for further dialogue and resolution.