Ukraine receives 1,000 bodies in latest soldier swap with Russia

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 29, 2026 at 02:31 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In the latest exchange between Russia and Ukraine, Kyiv has announced the return of 1,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. In return, Russia received 38 bodies. The exchange, confirmed by Moscow's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, occurred under an agreement reached during negotiations in Istanbul in 2025. This agreement aims to return the bodies of 12,000 soldiers, sick and heavily wounded prisoners, and those under 25. While this exchange of bodies has occurred, prisoner of war swaps have stalled since October 2025, with both sides blaming each other. Despite ongoing negotiations and drone attacks, efforts to broker a peace deal continue as the fourth anniversary of the conflict approaches.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kharkiv region 30% Donetsk region 40% Telegram ×240% Istanbul ×250% Moscow ×260% Kyiv ×270% Vladimir Medinsky ×370% Ukraine ×790% Russia ×890%

Keywords

body exchange 100% ukrainian soldiers 80% russia 80% ukraine 80% conflict 70% negotiations 60% prisoners of war 50% drone attacks 50% istanbul agreement 40%