By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Ukraine has received the bodies of 1,000 soldiers from Russia in the latest exchange of casualties, highlighting the heavy toll the nearly four-year conflict continues to take on both sides.
The transfer, confirmed by both Moscow and Kyiv on Thursday, is part of ongoing agreements established earlier in the war to ensure families can bury those killed on the battlefield.
Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky stated, “Within the framework of the Istanbul agreements, the bodies of 1,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers have been returned to Ukraine,” adding that 38 Russian soldiers’ remains were transferred to Russia.
Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the handover, noting that the repatriation involved “one thousand bodies returned to Ukraine today.”
Deep Freeze Compounds War Impact
The exchange occurs as winter grips Ukraine and Russian attacks on energy infrastructure continue. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre warned that temperatures could drop to -30°C (-22°F) in the coming days, particularly between February 1 and 3, raising serious concerns about heating, electricity, and water supplies already disrupted by repeated missile and drone strikes.
These strikes have previously left millions of Ukrainians facing power outages, pushing parts of the country toward a worsening humanitarian situation.
On Thursday, former US President Donald Trump told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “agreed” to halt attacks on Ukrainian cities during the cold snap. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the remarks, emphasizing that Kyiv appreciates “the efforts of our partners to help us protect lives.”
Moscow Remains Sole Proposed Venue for Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting
Diplomatic efforts to end the war continue, though a breakthrough remains uncertain. The Kremlin has said Moscow is the only location under consideration for a potential face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, rejecting suggestions of alternative venues.
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov noted that Zelenskyy has expressed interest in an in-person meeting, which Moscow has not ruled out. Such discussions have reportedly been raised multiple times, including in calls between Putin and Trump.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Zelenskyy is prepared to meet Putin to discuss key issues in Kyiv’s 20-point peace plan, including territorial disputes and the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Recently, Russia and Ukraine held US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, with another round scheduled in the UAE this Sunday.
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