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Mass Repatriation of Fallen Soldiers Between Ukraine and Russia Set for Next Week
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A large-scale exchange of fallen soldiers between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled to begin next week, following agreements reached during negotiations in Istanbul, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov.
Speaking on June 8, Budanov stated that Ukraine had informed all relevant parties of the planned repatriation timeline earlier in the week. He emphasized that preparations are ongoing and proceeding according to plan.
“The start of repatriation activities based on the Istanbul talks is planned for next week,” Budanov said. “Authorized representatives were notified on Tuesday.”
Budanov also noted that Ukraine is adhering strictly to the terms agreed upon, despite attempts by Russia to impose unilateral decisions or create information pressure. He dismissed recent Russian statements regarding the repatriation as inaccurate and not in line with previously established arrangements.
Commenting on the broader context, Budanov criticized what he described as efforts by Russian state media to manipulate the situation.
“Attempts to dictate the terms of the exchange unilaterally are unacceptable,” he said. “The Coordination Headquarters continues its work in line with the agreed framework.”
The upcoming exchange follows the June 2 talks in Istanbul, during which Ukraine and Russia also agreed on a second large-scale prisoner swap.
According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, both sides committed to exchanging all seriously wounded and critically ill prisoners of war, as well as all military personnel aged 18 to 25.
Additionally, both parties agreed to the return of approximately 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from each side. Ukraine has also handed over a list of several hundred deported children currently in Russia as part of the broader negotiation process.
Earlier, Russia backtracked on the Istanbul POW and body exchange agreement, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, which accused Moscow of altering the terms and submitting incomplete lists.
