**Ukraine Receives 1,245 Bodies of Fallen Soldiers and Citizens**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine has received the bodies of 1,245 fallen soldiers and citizens under an agreement reached during recent peace negotiations in Istanbul. This latest repatriation marks the final stage of the exchange agreement, bringing the total number of Ukrainian bodies returned to 6,057.
According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs), the operation was coordinated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the Ombudsman’s Office, the military, and other state and defense institutions, with assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross. The agreement followed the largest-ever prisoner swap in late May, when 1,000 prisoners were exchanged on each side.
**Russian Claims Denied**
Russia claimed that it received the bodies of 78 deceased servicemen, but Ukraine has denied these claims. Andrii Yusov, deputy head of Ukraine’s POW Coordination Headquarters, told Ukrainian Pravda that Ukraine is fully abiding by the agreed terms and has made no unilateral rejections.
**Ukraine Demands “All-for-All” Prisoner Exchange**
Kyiv has repeatedly urged Moscow to adopt an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange formula. While over 5,000 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity since March 2022, Russia continues to resist a comprehensive swap. The remarks reflect Moscow’s growing list of maximalist demands presented in its so-called “peace memorandum.”
**Russian Advances Continue**
Despite the repatriation agreement, Russian advances continue. On June 15-16, Russia launched a series of drone attacks on Kyiv Oblast, targeting both the capital city and regional settlements. A 60-year-old man has been injured.
North Korea has lost over 6,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, according to a UK defense intelligence report. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also reported an attack on a residential building in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, which injured five Ukrainian citizens, including three children.
**US Support and Sanctions**
The anticipated third meeting between the US, EU, and other international leaders may shed light on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for increased sanctions against Russia, stating that “sanctions are critical to achieving peaceful strength.”
In a related development, the US President Donald Trump expressed openness to resolving issues with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
**Ukraine’s Response**
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, described Russia’s tactics as “a deliberate tactic of terror.” Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, added that this is not just an attack against Ukraine, but also an attack on American business.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced that law enforcement investigations and institutions from Ukraine’s Interior Ministry will examine and identify the bodies in the near future.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the repatriation agreement marks a significant step forward in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, Russian advances continue to pose a threat to Ukrainian citizens and interests. The international community must maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions and diplomatic efforts to achieve a real ceasefire and end this war.
