Russia has returned the bodies of 501 soldiers to Ukraine, marking the largest repatriation of war dead since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country began in February 2022, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The bodies, mostly of soldiers killed in the eastern Donetsk region, are now set to undergo identification by forensic experts before being handed over to family members for burial.
Most of the deceased are believed to have fallen during the protracted battle for Avdiivka, a city in Donetsk that Russian forces captured in February following intense fighting. The repatriation was managed by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the proper identification and repatriation of the bodies.
France vows support for Ukraine's plan to end Russian invasion
Ukraine's 'Victory Plan' Unveiled
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently disclosed parts of his 'victory plan', aimed at pressuring Russia into peace negotiations. Central to the plan is the hope that Ukraine's Western partners will continue their military and financial support, which has been crucial to Kyiv’s efforts to counter Moscow's advances.
One significant aspect of Zelenskyy's proposal includes Ukraine's formal invitation to join NATO, a prospect Western backers have been reluctant to discuss while the conflict is ongoing. Nonetheless, the plan is being considered by Ukraine’s key allies as they mull over next steps.
Russia's Position on Peace Talks
In response to Zelenskyy's proposals, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is open to peace talks, but with conditions. Putin said previous peace proposals from China and Brazil could serve as a starting point for negotiations, although these initiatives have failed to persuade Kyiv. He ruled out any negotiations over the four Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia — which Russia illegally annexed in September 2022, declaring them to be "Russian territories."
This stance remains unacceptable to Ukraine, whose sovereignty over these regions is internationally recognised, and remains a core issue in any potential negotiations.
Global Leaders' Reactions
US President Joe Biden met with European leaders in Berlin on Friday, emphasising the need for continued support for Ukraine. Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing military and financial aid to Kyiv for as long as necessary. European leaders also echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of collective Western support to counter Russia’s aggression.
10,000 North Koreans could join Russian forces in Ukraine: Zelenskyy
Reports of North Korean Troop Involvement
Further complicating the situation, Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that North Korea is sending troops to support Russia’s war effort. The head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Thursday that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are currently training in Russia. Among them, 2,600 soldiers are reportedly preparing to reinforce Russian forces stationed in the Kursk region, where fighting has intensified.
South Korea's spy agency corroborated these claims, suggesting North Korean involvement in Russia’s military campaign is growing.
Drone Attacks Continue
Even as world leaders debate their next steps, fighting on the ground shows no signs of abating. On Thursday night, Russia launched 135 Shahed drones along with several other unidentified drones across various parts of Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force intercepted most of the drones, but details regarding casualties or damage remain unclear.
The ongoing violence underscores the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to bring about an end to the war, which has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides. As the conflict rages on, any road to peace appears fraught with obstacles, including deeply entrenched territorial disputes and international rivalries.