The russian side is ready to exchange 500 soldiers. Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a briefing on June 4.
“The russian side has said it can hand over 500 Ukrainian soldiers out of the agreed 1,000. The Ukrainian side is ready to exchange a corresponding number. However, we have not yet received the lists, which raises concern. Unlike previous negotiations in Istanbul, this time we agreed that they would be provided in advance. The russians assured us that the lists would be submitted ahead of time, but they still haven’t arrived, which indicates new delays”, - noted the President of Ukraine.
He also added that after the prisoner exchange is completed, preparation will begin for the exchange of bodies. This process must follow all technical requirements, “because it’s not about a public gesture, but about bringing home our fallen”.
“The sides have agreed to ensure proper identification, because Ukraine does not exploit the issue of its soldiers — whether fallen or alive. It is important to receive specifically Ukrainian bodies, not russian soldiers that moscow wants to get rid of — such cases have already occurred”, - Zelensky noted.