Kyiv: Ukraine on Sunday announced that Russia has returned the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian servicemen, marking the fourth exchange under an agreement established during recent direct talks in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War issued a statement confirming the return of the bodies in accordance with the agreement reached in Trkiye's largest city. The statement did not clarify whether any bodies were returned to the Russian side as part of the exchange.

The statement also mentioned that law enforcement investigators, alongside expert institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will soon begin the necessary examinations to identify the repatriated bodies. The headquarters expressed gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its assistance, highlighting the coordinated efforts of various Ukrainian institutions in facilitating the exchange.

Russia has not officially acknowledged the exchange. However, Russian state media, including the TASS news agency, reported that 1,200 bodies were handed over to Ukraine, citing a source within Moscow's negotiating team. The report noted that no bodies were returned to Russia.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov shared on Facebook that a total of 4,812 bodies have been returned to the Russian side throughout the swaps conducted this week. He emphasized the importance of the identification process, describing it as a complex and delicate task essential for providing families with the answers they deserve. Umerov expressed his gratitude to all involved in this humanitarian mission.

The exchange follows a series of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the second round held in Istanbul on June 2, following the initial round on May 16. During the latest talks, both parties agreed to further exchanges of prisoners of war, focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded, as well as the return of 6,000 soldiers' bodies from each side.

Last week, both Russia and Ukraine confirmed the first exchange under the deal, with Kyiv stating that 1,212 bodies were returned to Ukraine, while Moscow reported receiving the bodies of 27 Russian soldiers. Ukraine confirmed two additional swaps on Friday and Saturday, during which it reported returning the bodies of 1,200 Russian soldiers each time.