Russia returns bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers – Putin aide

The remains of 35 Russian troops were also transferred for burial in the latest repatriation, according to Vladimir Medinsky

Russia returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers on Thursday, an aide to President Vladimir Putin has announced. Kiev handed over the remains of 35 Russian troops.

The figures were reported by Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator during the most recent round of US-mediated talks with Ukraine. RT observed the latest humanitarian event facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Repatriations intensified last year after Kiev agreed to resume direct diplomatic engagement with Moscow under American pressure. Exchanges now occur roughly monthly, with Russia typically transferring 1,000 sets of Ukrainian remains and receiving several dozen each time, though three recent transfers were unilateral. The Ukrainian military is struggling to replenish battlefield losses, with some two million potential conscripts evading the draft, according to the Defense Ministry.

The manpower shortage is being worsened by mass desertion. This month, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky signed a law allowing the military to recruit volunteers older than 60. Ukraine’s mobilization campaign has been marred by repeated incidents of violence and coercion by conscription officials. Human rights ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets said his office is receiving an “avalanche” of complaints against draft officials, signaling a “systemic crisis.”