started · updated
Russia and Ukraine exchange remains of fallen soldiers
Russia and Ukraine have conducted a new exchange of deceased soldiers, marking one of the few remaining channels of humanitarian cooperation between the warring nations. On August 13, Ukraine received 261 bodies, while Russia received 24, according to reports from both sides.
The exchange took place at the Novaya Guta checkpoint in Belarus, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Ukrainian authorities noted that returned remains are not officially recognized as soldiers until a comprehensive identification process is completed.
Data regarding the scale of the conflict shows a significant imbalance in repatriations. Since the start of the invasion, Russian officials claim to have handed over approximately 26,239 remains of Ukrainian military personnel, while Ukraine has returned 3,538 Russian bodies. In 2026 alone, the ratio of returned remains has reached approximately 19.8 to 1.
This humanitarian activity occurs amid continued hostilities and rising civilian casualties. The United Nations reported that July was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, recording at least 437 deaths and 2,160 injuries.
Entities
Belarus · Center for War Prisoners · International Committee of the Red Cross · Russia · Ukraine · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ukraine does not officially recognize returned remains as soldiers until a formal identification process is finished. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ot.gr · sapo.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The exchange was conducted at the Novaya Guta checkpoint in Belarus with assistance from the Red Cross. southfront.press
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ukraine has returned 3,538 Russian bodies since the start of the conflict. southfront.press
- [DISPUTED] Ukraine received 261 bodies of deceased individuals. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ot.gr · southfront.press · sapo.pt
- [DISPUTED] Russia handed over 261 bodies to Ukraine and received 24 bodies from Ukraine. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ot.gr · sapo.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] July was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, with at least 437 deaths and 2,160 injuries. sapo.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia has returned approximately 26,239 remains of Ukrainian military personnel since the start of the conflict. southfront.press