Russia, Ukraine swap bodies of fallen troops in latest exchange
14:51, 13/08/2026, ThursdayU: Update: 14:57, 13/08/2026, Thursday
AA
AA
File photoRussian and Ukrainian officials confirmed the exchange of fallen soldiers' bodies on Thursday in the latest repatriation operation since last month, with Moscow returning the remains of 261 Ukrainian servicemen while Kyiv handed over 24 Russian troops according to official statements from both sides.
Russian State Duma deputy Shamsail Saraliev told RBK on Thursday that Moscow returned the bodies of 261 Ukrainian servicemen, while Kyiv handed over 24 Russian soldiers. Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the swap on Telegram, stating the remains were identified by the Russian side as Ukrainian servicemen.
"We express our sincere gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross for facilitating and supporting the implementation of repatriation measures," the headquarters said. The ICRC routinely serves as a neutral intermediary in such exchanges.
Previous Operations
The exchange marked the latest body swap since July 16, when Moscow returned 501 bodies to Ukraine and Kyiv handed over 31. Thursday's operation brought the total exchanged remains to more than 800 since mid-July.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled as both sides continue periodic exchanges of prisoners and fallen soldiers through intermediaries.
