MOSCOW, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- Head of Russia's delegation for talks on Ukraine Vladimir Medinsky announced Thursday that Moscow handed over the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.
In return, Russia received the remains of 35 of its servicemen under previously agreed humanitarian understandings between the two sides.
Russian news agencies quoted Medinsky as saying the transfer was carried out under a mechanism agreed during earlier negotiation rounds and in coordination with relevant authorities.
He affirmed that Moscow had fulfilled its humanitarian commitments, noting continued contacts with Kyiv on other humanitarian issues despite the stalled political settlement track.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed receiving the bodies and said identification procedures would begin before returning them to their families, describing the exchange of bodies and prisoners as one of the few areas of practical progress.
The development comes amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, alongside continued international efforts to reach a ceasefire and comprehensive political settlement. (end) dan.aai