Russia and Ukraine Exchange Bodies of Soldiers, Kremlin Official Says - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged the remains of soldiers as part of ongoing efforts to resolve their prolonged conflict. According to Kremlin adviser Vladimir Medinsky, Russia handed over the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv, while receiving the remains of 35 Russian soldiers in return. This marks the second such exchange this year and follows recent meetings between Ukrainian, Russian, and American officials in Switzerland aimed at negotiating an end to the war.
The exchange took place without immediate confirmation from Ukrainian authorities, despite previous agreements involving prisoner and body swaps. Such exchanges have occurred frequently since Russia's full-scale invasion began over four years ago, with thousands of soldiers' remains being returned by both sides. However, despite these gestures, neither side has shown readiness to sign a formal peace deal.
The latest exchange highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, even as direct negotiations remain stalled. While such actions demonstrate a willingness to engage on specific issues, they do not address the broader challenges of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. The absence of confirmation from Ukrainian officials underscores the delicate nature of these interactions and the cautious approach both sides continue to adopt.
For readers interested in global affairs, this development underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war. It also reflects the continued role of intermediaries like Switzerland in facilitating indirect communication between the two nations. While such exchanges may not immediately lead to peace, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing human cost of the conflict and the importance of maintaining channels for diplomacy.
In summary, the exchange of soldiers' remains represents both a step toward addressing losses and a recognition
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/26/2026