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Key Points

Ukraine has firmly denied Russian claims of deliberately delaying a prisoner exchange agreed in recent peace talks. The Ukrainian agency responsible for prisoner treatment stated they have fully complied with exchange protocols and submitted required lists. Russia alleges that Ukrainian negotiators failed to arrive at the exchange site, leaving over 1,200 bodies in refrigerated trucks. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions and communication challenges between the two countries during the conflict.

Key Points: Ukraine Denies Russian Prisoner Swap Delay Claims

  • Ukraine submitted prisoner lists according to agreed terms
  • Russia claims exchange site remains unattended
  • Negotiations stem from Istanbul peace talks
  • Over 1,200 bodies reportedly waiting at exchange point
2 min read

Ukraine denies delaying prisoner swap with Russia

Ukraine rejects Russia's accusations of blocking prisoner exchange, insists it has complied with agreed parameters

"Today's statements by the Russian side do not reflect the reality and previously reached agreements - Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters"

Kyiv, June 8

Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War denied Russia's claim that Kyiv is delaying a prisoner exchange agreed on Monday.

"Today's statements by the Russian side do not reflect the reality and previously reached agreements," the agency said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, Ukraine has handed over to Russia the list of prisoners designated for the exchange, including those seriously wounded and ill. However, Russia has submitted different lists that "do not meet" the agreed parameters of the swap. The agency said Ukraine has given Russia relevant comments and the next move is expected from the Russian side.

Earlier Saturday, Russia accused Ukraine of indefinitely delaying a planned swap of prisoners and the handover of fallen soldiers' bodies, Xinhua news agency reported. Russia said Ukraine unexpectedly postponed a transfer involving prisoners of war and the bodies of dead soldiers, leaving more than 1,200 frozen Ukrainian bodies waiting in refrigerated trucks at an exchange point with no one to collect them.

Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky said in a Telegram post that Russia has handed over the first list of 640 prisoners to Ukraine and begun transferring bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers, but Ukrainian negotiators did not arrive at the exchange site. He urged Ukraine to "strictly adhere to the schedule and all agreements reached, and to immediately begin the exchange."

During a second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange more prisoners this weekend.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This war has gone on for too long. Both sides need to show more humanity. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Hope they can sort out these prisoner exchanges quickly - families are waiting anxiously 🙏
P
Priya M.
The conflicting claims show how much distrust exists between Russia and Ukraine. Reminds me of how Pakistan keeps changing positions in talks. Hope our government continues balanced diplomacy - we have students stuck in Ukraine too.
A
Arjun S.
Why is Russia complaining when they started this war? Ukraine has every right to verify lists properly. We saw how China keeps changing positions in border talks with India. Small nations must be careful with powerful neighbors.
S
Sunita R.
The mention of bodies in refrigerated trucks is heartbreaking 💔 War affects ordinary people the most. India should offer to mediate - we have good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Our non-aligned position could help.
V
Vikram J.
Both sides are playing blame game. But we must remember Ukraine is defending its sovereignty, just like India would against any aggressor. The world should support territorial integrity of nations.
N
Neha P.
The humanitarian aspect is most important here. Whether it's Ukraine or Kashmir, civilians suffer the most in conflicts. Hope they can at least complete this prisoner swap without more delays.

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