Ukraine has delivered the remains of 32 individuals from the special military operation zone to the Russian side, according to a report cited by RBC that references State Duma deputy Shamsail Saraliev. The claim, if confirmed, would mark another development in the ongoing exchanges that have shaped prisoner and body return negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow amid the broader conflict. The parliamentarian’s remarks indicate that Kiev handed over 254 corpses in a reciprocal gesture, a figure that highlights the reciprocal nature of the exchanges and the persistent effort to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict on both sides.
The exchange process, described as part of a publicized plan sometimes referred to as the “75 to 75” scheme, represents an organized framework intended to allow both sides to reclaim captured personnel and recover fallen soldiers for proper reburial. In the current sequence, the rescued Russians were transported to Moscow via military airlift, where medical care and rehabilitation services were organized to support their physical and mental recovery. Medical teams and psychologists were deployed to assist in addressing the trauma and injuries suffered during captivity or combat, reflecting a broader commitment to humanitarian responsibilities alongside military objectives.
This latest shift in the exchange pattern comes after a four-month pause, with the previous swap occurring on February 8. In prior rounds, both sides exchanged a portion of their captured personnel, and a mediator country, the United Arab Emirates, reportedly facilitated discussions to keep the process moving. The involvement of an external mediator underscores the persistent international interest in stabilizing exchanges and reducing human suffering, even as the broader conflict persists.
Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova attributed stalled exchanges to what she described as repeated new coercive demands from the Ukrainian side, raising questions about the obstacles perceived by Moscow. Her comments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding negotiation dynamics, including what each side views as essential terms for the exchanges, humanitarian assurances, and compliance with agreed procedures. Analysts note that the roots of such disagreements often lie in broader strategic considerations and operational constraints faced by both governments as they balance military objectives with humanitarian obligations.
In the Kherson region, authorities have reported the establishment of facilities described as basements or holding areas where the remains of Ukrainian servicemen were found in the course of investigations and operational activity. The emergence of such discoveries has periodically intensified discussions about verification processes, ongoing investigations, and the complex logistics involved in identifying, repatriating, and honoring the fallen on both sides. The events underscore the fraught nature of contemporary exchanges, where humanitarian priorities must be reconciled with strategic imperatives and the challenging realities of a protracted conflict.