Belarus Facilitates Exchange of 275 Russian and Ukrainian Soldiers' Remains
Russia and Ukraine swapped the bodies of 275 fallen troops at the Novaya Guta crossing in Belarus, with 252 Russian and 23 Ukrainian remains returned.
At the Novaya Guta crossing in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine completed a reciprocal handover of 275 soldiers' remains, marking the latest humanitarian gesture amid ongoing hostilities. Russian forces delivered 252 bodies to Ukrainian officials, while Ukraine returned 23 to Russia. The exchange was described by Belarusian state news agency Belta as part of the country's humanitarian mission, with State Duma lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev of United Russia present.
Ukrainian military spokespeople confirmed the operation and credited their search units for continuing work despite the danger of drone strikes, remote mines and enemy shelling. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said law enforcement will identify the 252 Russian bodies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross assisted in the process. Such exchanges remain one of the few direct communication channels between the warring sides since the 2022 invasion ordered by President Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters
The swap provides closure for families and shows that diplomatic channels can still function despite the ongoing conflict.
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