Ukraine and Russia have confirmed the exchange of bodies of soldiers, allowing families to bury their loved ones, as the conflict between the two countries continues.
Published January 29, 2026
Ukraine has announced it has received the remains of 1,000 soldiers from Russia in an exchange for soldiers killed in the recent war, as the nearly four-year conflict continues to take heavy toll on both sides.
Russia and Ukraine confirmed the exchange on Thursday, describing it as part of an ongoing agreement early in the war to allow families to bury those who died on the battlefield.
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Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky said, “Within the framework of the Istanbul agreement, the bodies of 1,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers were transferred to Ukraine.”The bodies of 38 deceased Russian soldiers were transferred to Russia. ”
Ukraine’s POW Processing Coordination Headquarters confirmed the handover in a statement, saying: “A repatriation event took place today, as part of which 1,000 bodies were returned to Ukraine.”
Deep freeze following Russian attack on energy infrastructure
The exchange took place as the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shows little sign of slowing down, even as winter deepens and conditions for civilians worsen.
Ukraine’s National Meteorological Service warned on Thursday that temperatures could drop as low as -30C (-22C) in the coming days, further worsening the impact of Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s Hydrometeorological Center said the coldest nights were expected from February 1 to 3, raising concerns that heating and electricity supplies were already strained due to repeated missile and drone attacks.
Russian attacks on power facilities have left millions of Ukrainians without heat, electricity and water, pushing parts of the country closer to a humanitarian crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned Wednesday night that Russia is preparing a new large-scale attack on energy targets. Kiev city officials announced that 613 buildings in the capital were left without heating following the recent air raids.
Kremlin claims Moscow is the only venue for Putin-Zelensky talks
Against this backdrop, diplomatic negotiations continue, but the prospects for resolving the situation remain unclear.
The Kremlin said Thursday that Moscow was the only venue being considered for a possible face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskiy, dismissing discussions about alternative venues.
The comments follow statements by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, who said Zelenskiy had expressed interest in meeting directly with the Russian leader and that Russia had never ruled out such contacts.
Ushakov said the idea of a meeting had been raised several times, including during a phone call between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha said Zelensky was ready to meet with Putin to discuss what Putin said were the most sensitive issues in Kiev’s 20-point peace plan, including territorial disputes and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Russia and Ukraine held U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, and another round is scheduled for Sunday in the United Arab Emirates.
