**Ukraine Repatriates Bodies of 909 Fallen Soldiers**
In a solemn ceremony, Ukraine has returned the bodies of 909 soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing war with Russia. The repatriation was carried out by a joint effort of various government agencies, including the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the military.
The bodies were recovered from different sectors of the front, including Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Additionally, some soldiers who died in Russian morgues were also repatriated.
This move is a significant step towards respecting the dignity of those who lost their lives during the conflict. According to international law, as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, people who die during war are entitled to a dignified burial.
**Ukraine’s Toll Rises**
The announcement by Ukraine highlights the staggering number of casualties since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed during this period. This is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of war.
**International Community Reacts**
The international community has continued to express its support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated her country’s commitment to defending Ukraine’s freedom. Meanwhile, the United States is expected to make tangible progress in the conflict soon, although European participants have pushed for a harsher response from Moscow if it fails to engage.
**Other Developments**
On April 18, Ukrainian airline SkyUp Airlines made its first regular flight since Russia’s invasion began. The flight, which operated on the Chisinau-Paris route, marked a significant step towards normalizing air travel in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Raiffeisen Bank International has suspended efforts to sell its unit in Russia due to warming ties between Moscow and Washington. In another development, China has rejected claims that it made lethal weapons available to any party in the war.
**U.S. Pulls Out Troops**
The United States plans to withdraw troops from Iraq and reduce its presence in the region. This move is part of a broader effort to reassess U.S. military commitments globally.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on how to proceed. Russia’s Supreme Court removed its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization, while Ukraine’s government published the text of a memorandum outlining a pending minerals agreement with the United States.
**Commentary**
The repatriation of 909 bodies by Ukraine is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. The international community must continue to work together to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict and protect the dignity of those who have lost their lives in it.
As tensions between Russia and the West remain high, it is crucial that all parties engage constructively with each other to prevent further bloodshed and find a lasting peace.
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