Ukraine says swap of prisoners, soldiers' bodies with Russia next week

By Davit Kachkachishvili and Seda Sevencan

KYIV/ISTANBUL (AA) - Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's defense intelligence, said Sunday that Kyiv and Moscow could exchange prisoners and the remains of fallen soldiers as early as next week under a deal reached during recent negotiations in Istanbul.

On Telegram, Budanov said that Ukraine is “carefully adhering” to the terms agreed upon in talks with Russia in Istanbul.

“Who, when, and how to exchange should not be someone's sole decision,” Budanov said. “Careful preparation is ongoing. Pressure and manipulation are unacceptable here.”

“The start of repatriation activities based on the results of the negotiations in Istanbul is scheduled for next week, as authorized persons were informed about on Tuesday,” he said, and added: “Despite the enemy’s disinformation game, everything is proceeding according to plan.”