Ukraine Accuses Russia of Returning Mixed Remains in Repatriation Exchange
Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has revealed that Russia has once again returned the remains of its own soldiers mixed with those of Ukrainian defenders during a recent repatriation exchange. This incident was disclosed as part of a new process for transferring remains and was confirmed by the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
According to Ukrainian officials, photographic evidence and forensic analysis indicate that some of the bodies returned under the agreement clearly belonged to Russian servicemen. These findings were based on elements such as uniforms and personal items found on the deceased.
Deliberate or Disregard?
Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, stated that this is not the first time such an occurrence has taken place and suggested it could be intentional. He emphasized that the actions may have been aimed at inflating the number of transferred remains and overwhelming Ukrainian forensic experts, while also applying informational pressure.
Klymenko noted that the practice might reflect a lack of respect for Russian soldiers. “During the latest repatriations, we were also handed the bodies of Russian soldiers — mixed in with the bodies of Ukrainians,” he said in a statement.
He added that Ukrainian authorities will identify and properly handle these remains, even though they belong to enemy troops. The Ministry stressed that Ukraine continues to act in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Russia Returns Only 19 Bodies vs. Ukraine’s 1,000
This revelation comes after Ukrainian officials confirmed the receipt of the remains of 1,000 fallen Ukrainian service members as part of a broader exchange. In contrast, Russia retrieved only 19 of its own troops, according to Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky.
The disparity in numbers is part of a long-term agreement initiated during negotiations in Istanbul, under which Russia had committed to returning around 6,000 Ukrainian bodies. However, the current exchange highlights a significant imbalance in the process.
“I Want to Live” Project Exposes More
The discovery of Russian soldier remains was partly facilitated by the “I Want to Live” initiative, a project aimed at identifying prisoners of war and casualties of war. Ukrainian authorities released photos and identification details of individuals that Russia attempted to misrepresent as Ukrainians.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has invited families of Russian soldiers who suspect their relatives may be among the returned remains to contact the International Commission on Missing Persons.
Other Related Developments
In other news, a Ukrainian cadet killed two people during a live-fire exercise. Additionally, reports emerged that Russian soldiers were “fatally poisoned” by bottled water at the front line.
Recent events have also seen Russia attacking Ukrainian cities overnight, with Ukraine reportedly returning the “favor.” Meanwhile, former Russian President has claimed that “preemptive strikes” on the West can be necessary.
Another development involves Putin’s online invasion of Ukraine through propaganda bots flooding social media platforms. These incidents highlight the ongoing conflict and its far-reaching implications beyond the battlefield.
