Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the return of 528 bodies from Russia, which are claimed by the Russian side to belong to Ukrainian military personnel. This information was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The statement indicated that law enforcement investigators, in collaboration with representatives from expert institutions, will undertake necessary measures to identify the repatriated deceased.
Previous Repatriation Efforts
The last significant repatriation occurred on April 9, when Ukraine received 1,000 bodies (or remains) purportedly belonging to Ukrainian soldiers, according to Russian claims. Earlier, on February 26, 2026, another 1,000 bodies were returned under similar assertions.
According to the Coordination Headquarters, agreements made in June 2025 facilitated the return of a total of 6,057 bodies to Ukraine. On July 17, as part of the Istanbul agreements reached on June 2, Ukraine received an additional 1,000 bodies from the Russian side.
Subsequent repatriation efforts included another 1,000 bodies on August 19, followed by returns of 1,000 bodies on September 18 and October 23. Most recently, on November 20, Russia repatriated another 1,000 bodies, with an additional 1,003 bodies returned on December 19, all claimed to be Ukrainian defenders.
Ukraine has received 528 bodies from Russia, purportedly belonging to its military personnel. This marks a continuation of ongoing repatriation efforts, with previous exchanges totaling over 6,000 bodies since June 2025.