Russia and Ukraine Exchange Remains of 532 Soldiers

The Federal Government of Russia and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine exchanged the remains of 532 fallen soldiers on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The operation took place near the border with Belarus, resulting in Ukraine receiving 501 bodies and Russia receiving 31.

Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the receipt of the troops via Telegram. State Duma lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev reported that this represents the 13th swap of prisoners or fallen soldiers since the beginning of 2026.

Officials noted a significant disparity in the number of returned remains. This gap is attributed to the advance of Russian forces, which frequently prevents Ukrainian troops from recovering their own dead from active battlefields.