**Ukraine Brings Home Released Soldiers in Latest Prisoner Swap with Russia**
On June 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had brought home a group of soldiers released from Russian captivity. This marks another exchange between the two countries, following five similar swaps carried out in recent weeks.
According to Zelensky, the latest exchange includes soldiers from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service. While he did not reveal the exact numbers, it is clear that this move comes as part of a series of agreements reached between Kyiv and Moscow at peace talks in Istanbul on June 2.
The agreements include a phased exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ bodies. Russia has handed over 6,057 bodies to Ukraine, but Zelensky claims that at least 20 of these were actually Russian soldiers, used by Moscow as a tool for manipulation to obscure its military losses from the public.
**Moscow’s Manipulation Tactic Revealed**
Zelensky accused Russia of using this tactic to conceal the scale of its military losses. This revelation raises questions about the transparency and credibility of Russia’s reporting on the war in Ukraine.
The exchange comes after a series of prisoner swaps, including the largest-ever POW swap in late May, where 1,000 prisoners were exchanged on each side. Despite repeated calls from Ukraine for an all-for-all format, Russia continues to reject this offer.
**NATO Summit and Global Developments**
As global leaders gather at the NATO summit, several developments are worth noting. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his commitment to finding a solution to the conflict, stating that “God willing, we will realize this meeting as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that Pyongyang has begun recruiting soldiers for deployment to Russia. The escalation of tensions in Eastern Europe and beyond continues to shape global politics.
In other news, Ukrainian officials have confirmed a significant increase in Russian casualties over the past day, with 1,100 losses reported.
**Ukraine and Council of Europe Sign Landmark Agreement**
A landmark agreement was signed between Ukraine and the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. This move aims to prosecute Russian leadership for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant step forward in holding perpetrators accountable.
**Global Community Rallies Around Ukraine**
The international community continues to demonstrate its support for Ukraine. The United States has expressed its commitment to providing aid and defense systems to the country, including Patriot missiles. Brazil has also joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), making it obligated to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he enters the country.
As tensions escalate, it is clear that global leaders will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this conflict.
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