Umierov: Ukraine is working on exchange of bodies of fallen soldiers in the format of «6000 for 6000»

Workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross check bags with bodies of soldiers. Photo: AP/Evgeniy Maloletka

Ukraine is negotiating with Russia to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers in the format of «6000 for 6000».

This was stated by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.

«A very sensitive and painful work on the large-scale repatriation of the bodies of fallen soldiers is underway. It is about returning «on the shield» more than six thousand Ukrainian defenders who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. This process is also envisaged by the agreements,» said Rustem Umierov.

Umierov clarified that the agreements also provide for the gradual return of several categories of prisoners of war:

• the severely wounded
• those suffering from serious illnesses;
• young soldiers under 25 years of age.

The exchange process will continue in the coming days. The minister stressed that Ukraine is working every day to make the formula of exchanging «all for all» a reality.

He also reminded that on Monday, 9 June, the first stage of a large-scale prisoner exchange had already taken place. Young Ukrainian soldiers under the age of 25 returned home.

As a reminder, Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers during the second round of talks in Istanbul.