In a significant development, Russia has returned the bodies of 501 soldiers to Ukraine, marking one of the largest repatriations of war dead since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022. The soldiers, who were predominantly killed in action in the eastern Donetsk region, particularly around the city of Avdiivka, were handed over to Ukrainian authorities for identification and subsequent transfer to their families for burial.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in a substantial loss of life, with tens of thousands of soldiers believed to have been killed on both sides, although precise figures remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently unveiled parts of his 'victory plan' aimed at pressuring Russia to engage in negotiations to end the conflict.
