Russia Sent at Least 20 of Its Own Dead in Recent Exchange Zelenskyy Says
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reveals that at least 20 Russian bodies were returned in recent repatriation under Istanbul peace agreements Details emerge on escalating drone warfare prisoner swaps and Ukraines defense strategies .
Kyiv June 21 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Russia mistakenly repatriated at least 20 of its own soldiers’ bodies believing them to be Ukrainian during recent war dead exchanges conducted under the Istanbul peace agreement .
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Misidentification During Peace Efforts
Zelenskyy stated that despite Russias claims Ukraine verified the deceased as Russian nationals through documentation including passports and ID cards from Moscow Oblast This misstep raises concerns over Russias management and identification of its own casualties .
Context of the Exchange
The body swaps are part of broader humanitarian efforts stemming from peace talks in Istanbul in early June Both countries agreed to return approximately 6000 war dead each Ukraine reported receiving 6057 remains while Russia claimed 6060—a small yet notable discrepancy .
Geopolitical and Military Implications
Zelenskyy accused Moscow of manipulating the numbers for propaganda purposes possibly to inflate Ukrainian casualty figures He questioned the Kremlins sincerity in ongoing diplomatic discussions stating President Putin only participates in talks under international pressure .
Ongoing Drone Strikes and “Targeted Terror”
Despite active negotiations Russia has escalated drone attacks on Ukrainian cities Zelenskyy described these assaults as acts of targeted terror and urged Western nations to strengthen sanctions against Russia in response .
Ukraines Defense Strategy and Foreign Support
In response Ukraine is advancing domestic defense technologies particularly drone interceptor systems Zelenskyy called on Western allies to allocate 025 percent of their GDP toward Ukraines defense industry and to initiate joint weapons production including partnerships with Germany Canada Norway and others .
Looking Ahead
President Zelenskyy is preparing to attend the upcoming NATO summit while continuing diplomatic engagement with US figures including Donald Trump With additional prisoner exchanges and repatriations expected the war remains tense but lines of communication remain cautiously open .