Russia has accused Ukraine of disrupting plans for the prisoner exchange, while the Ukrainian side denies these statements and emphasizes its readiness and further steps in this direction
The information war surrounding the issue of returning prisoners of war continues to be particularly tense, having already sparked a series of suspicions and mutual accusations. According to an official statement from the Russian side, the Kremlin blamed Ukraine for allegedly postponing planned weekend events related to the exchange of prisoners, as well as the repatriation of bodies. However, a close source within the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War refuted this information, stressing that the Ukrainian side adheres to the agreements reached in Istanbul and has provided the relevant lists. The ministry reminded that Ukrainian delegations compiled the exchange lists in accordance with the categories agreed upon in the Turkish capital—seriously wounded and ill, as well as participants in the "all for all" formula and young servicemen aged 18 to 25. However, the Russian side provided its own lists, which did not match the agreements, raising additional questions and tensions. The Ukrainian side has also issued official comments and stated that it will await further developments and concrete steps from the Russian Federation. A strong emphasis in the Coordination Headquarters' statement was placed on the fact that an agreement on the repatriation of bodies had been reached, but the date for its implementation remained agreed upon. "Instead of following through with the agreed procedure, the Russian side resorted to unilateral actions that were not coordinated," the statement reads. The background of this dispute began on June 7, when Russian representative Vladimir Medinsky made a loud statement claiming that Ukraine had allegedly postponed the prisoner exchange. According to him, the first group of over a thousand bodies (1212), delivered to the exchange area in refrigerated vehicles, is already there, and a list of 640 Ukrainian prisoners of war falling into the agreed categories had also been provided. At the same time, the Russian diplomat accused the Ukrainian side of "unexpectedly" postponing the date and transferring the bodies to an indefinite time. He alleged that the Ukrainian delegation had not arrived at the exchange site. Earlier, on June 6, Russian representatives circulated information about the supposed start of repatriation activities, but this was quickly refuted by the Ukrainian side. Reports indicated that the Kremlin accused Kyiv of allegedly refusing to take the bodies of its citizens, which caused another wave of tension. The Coordination Headquarters emphasized that Russia was speculating on a sensitive and fragile topic, while preparations for the exchange continued according to previous agreements. Diplomatic efforts began as early as June 2 in Istanbul, where Ukraine and Russia agreed on the return of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from each side—"6,000 to 6,000." This was one of the key points of the agreement and was based on the "all for all" formula. The sides also agreed on exchanging seriously wounded and young servicemen from both sides. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two parts of the exchange were planned, one of which was scheduled for the weekend and aimed to free about 500 Ukrainian soldiers. However, recent events indicate the complexity and sensitivity of this process, hinting at efforts by each side to delay or complicate its implementation while accusing each other of misinformation. It remains a key issue within the context of external political and humanitarian efforts aimed at returning soldiers and the bodies of the fallen home—one of the most challenging aspects of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.