Statement from Ukraine on prisoner exchange: Different lists were presented

Kyiv has responded to the statement by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, who claimed that Ukraine had unexpectedly postponed the exchange of prisoners of war and the acceptance of the bodies of fallen soldiers for an indefinite period.

In a written statement from the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, it was stated, "The Russian side's statements today do not align with the facts or previously reached agreements regarding either the prisoner exchange or the return of bodies. Throughout the past week, teams from both sides worked to bring back the remains of soldiers and conduct a prisoner exchange.

Ukraine presented an exchange list created according to clearly defined categories agreed upon during the talks in Istanbul. The Russian side presented different lists that did not comply with the agreed-upon approach. Ukraine has provided its response, and we are currently awaiting the next step from the Russian side," the statement said.

Regarding the acceptance of the bodies, it was noted that an agreement had been reached, stating, "No date was agreed upon. Instead of following the agreed-upon process, the Russian side resorted to unilateral actions. Unfortunately, instead of a constructive dialogue, we are once again facing manipulation and attempts to use sensitive humanitarian issues.

We are interested in a real result: the return of our prisoners and the bodies. We are ready to work within the agreed framework for this. We call on the Russian side to end these dirty games, return to constructive work, and clearly implement the agreement in the coming days," it said.

Russia and Ukraine had reached an agreement during the second round of talks held in Istanbul on Monday, June 2, to conduct further prisoner exchanges, prioritizing the youngest and most severely wounded, and to hand over the remains of 12,000 soldiers.

News Source: İHA