Russia accuses Ukraine of delaying prisoner, body exchanges

BRYANSK, RUSSIA - JUNE 08: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - 'RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - IMAGES BLURRED IN VIDEO SOURCE----) A screen grab capture from a video shows the Ukrainian side failing to arrive for an agreed-upon prisoner exchange and repatriation of soldiers' bodies, which was unexpectedly postponed indefinitely, in Bryansk, Russia, on June 08, 2025. Russian negotiator Medinsky stated that agreements had been reached with Ukraine on the delivery of 6,000 frozen bodies of soldiers and the exchange of severely wounded, ill, and under-25 prisoners of war. Russian negotiation team spokesman Lieutenant General Alexander Zorin stated on Saturday, June 7, that while the first convoy carrying 1,212 bodies had arrived at the exchange point, Ukraine had not confirmed a timeline for further transfers or the POW swap. Ukrainian officials, however, denied the claims, saying Russia had failed to follow the agreed procedures and was creating 'artificial obstacles' by submitting incomplete or incorrect POW lists. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for POWs asserted that Moscow's statements 'do not match the facts,' awaiting a response to corrections provided to Russia's lists. (Photo by Russian Ministry of Defense/Anadolu via Getty Images)