Ukraine and Russia Confirm Major Soldier Exchange Amid Ongoing Conflict

Mon Feb 02 2026 19:15:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent soldier swap, Ukraine has received 1,000 bodies of its fallen soldiers from Russia, while Russia has taken back 38 bodies. This exchange highlights ongoing negotiations and humanitarian efforts amidst the prolonged conflict.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has successfully negotiated the return of 1,000 fallen soldiers' bodies from Russia, while Russia has received 38 in return. This was facilitated through talks that occurred in Istanbul and follows previous exchanges between the two nations. Despite these humanitarian gestures, both sides continue to engage in hostilities and discuss key territorial disputes as the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion approaches.

The bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been returned by Russia, Kyiv has reported, in the latest exchange between the warring countries.

Russia received 38 bodies in return, according to Moscow's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky. He shared a photo on Telegram showing the exchange process, which involved individuals in biohazard suits and refrigerated trucks meant for transporting bodies.

Throughout the nearly four-year conflict, Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged thousands of soldiers' remains. The latest swap follows an agreement made during negotiations in Istanbul in 2025, where both sides pledged to return 12,000 soldiers' bodies in total, alongside prisoners of war severely wounded or under 25 years old.

The previous exchange occurred in November, where again, Ukraine received 1,000 bodies from Russia while giving back 30.

It has been a significant time since both sides exchanged prisoners of war—said to have stalled since October 2025. As the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion draws near, efforts to negotiate a peace deal continue amidst ongoing drone attacks and other military engagements between the nations.

Recently, Russian, Ukrainian, and US negotiators had a constructive trilateral meeting in the UAE, but key issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning territorial demands from Russia.

Despite negotiations, hostilities persist, evidenced by recent attacks in the Kharkiv region, resulting in civilian casualties. Further compounded by harsh winter conditions, many communities in Ukraine now face dire challenges without essential utilities.