Kyiv and Moscow have conducted a recent exchange of soldiers' bodies, implementing an agreement reached during negotiations in Istanbul in June 2025. This latest exchange is part of ongoing efforts between the parties, who have exchanged thousands of soldiers' bodies throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
The Istanbul agreement also outlines provisions for the exchange of specific categories of prisoners of war.
Background of Exchanges
Throughout the nearly four-year conflict, Kyiv and Moscow have engaged in multiple exchanges of soldiers' bodies. These exchanges have collectively involved thousands of deceased personnel from both sides.
The June 2025 Istanbul Agreement
The most recent exchange activity follows an agreement established by both parties during negotiations held in Istanbul in June 2025. This accord was reached specifically between Moscow and Kyiv.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement made in Istanbul in June 2025 includes several key stipulations:
- Body Returns: It provides for the return of bodies for up to 6,000 soldiers from each side.
- Prisoner of War Exchanges: The agreement also covers the exchange of certain categories of prisoners of war, including:
- All sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war.
- All prisoners of war who are under the age of 25.