Moscow – Saba:
Head of the Russian delegation to the Istanbul negotiations Vladimir Medinsky on Saturday called on the Ukrainian side to receive the bodies of 6,000 of its soldiers to enable their families to bury them properly.
Medinsky explained that the Ukrainian side had suddenly postponed the process of receiving the bodies and exchanging prisoners of war, according to the Russia Today website.
He said: "Russia calls on Kyiv to receive the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and officers so that their families can bury them with dignity."
According to the agreement of the last round of negotiations in Istanbul, a humanitarian operation was scheduled to begin on Friday, including the transfer of the bodies of more than 6,000 Ukrainian forces, in addition to the exchange of wounded and seriously ill prisoners, and all prisoners under the age of 25.
The first batch includes 1,212 frozen bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, which were transported via refrigerated trucks to the exchange area, while the remaining bodies are still on their way.
Medinsky confirmed that Russia has provided Ukraine with a preliminary list of 640 prisoners from the agreed-upon categories.
He noted that the Russian Ministry of Defense's liaison team is present on the border with Ukraine, but the Ukrainian side has postponed the process without providing clear reasons.
Medinsky stated that the Ukrainian negotiating team has not arrived at the exchange site, describing the excuses offered by Kyiv as "disparate and somewhat strange."
Medinsky urged Ukraine to adhere to the agreed-upon timetable and begin the exchange process immediately, saying, "Let's give 1,200 soldiers and officers from each side the opportunity to return home.
We also demand the return of the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian servicemen so that their families can bury them humanely."
Medinsky concluded his statement by emphasizing the Russian side's readiness, saying, "We are on-site and ready to work. International TV channels, news agencies, and correspondents can attend to ensure that everything is ready. Russia always keeps its promises."
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