**Russia Uses Dead Bodies to Conceal War Losses, Says Zelensky**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using the return of dead bodies as a tool for manipulation. According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s authorities have confirmed that at least 20 bodies Russia returned as Ukrainian were actually Russian soldiers. This is not an isolated incident; in some cases, even Russian passports have been found on these bodies.
The remarks come after a recent prisoner and body exchange agreement in Istanbul. Under this deal, Ukraine recovered 6,057 bodies of its fallen soldiers. In contrast, Russia took back only 78 bodies. Zelensky explained that the majority of Russian soldiers killed on the battlefield remain in Russian hands because they were advancing and their dead remained behind.
**Russia’s Body Exchange Tactics**
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has also confirmed a case where the remains of Alexander Viktorovich Bugaev, a Russian soldier from the 39th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, were returned to Ukraine disguised as a Ukrainian casualty. This shows how little human life means to Russia, or at least a way to avoid paying compensation to families.
**Casualty Numbers Mount**
Ukraine’s General Staff estimates that over 1,010,000 Russian forces have been killed and wounded since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022. An independent report by Mediazona and the BBC Russian Service has verified the identities of 111,387 Russian soldiers killed.
**Russia Denies Losses**
Despite the mounting casualty numbers, Russia continues to deny its losses. The country often inflates Ukrainian casualties and spreads false narratives. Zelensky warns that this is part of a broader propaganda effort to distort reality, hiding the fact that Russian forces are suffering far greater losses.
The recent prisoner and body exchange agreement in Istanbul did not lead to a ceasefire, but it was still the most extensive deal since the full-scale war began. However, Moscow has refused to agree to an “all-for-all” exchange of prisoners of war.
**Zelensky’s Commentary**
President Zelensky believes that Russia is afraid to admit how many people have died because if they do, their society will be hesitant to mobilize for further conflict. This is a serious concern for Ukraine and the international community.
The situation highlights the complexities of war and the tactics used by those involved. The Kyiv Independent will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
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