FM: Russia returns thousands of bodies to Ukraine, seeks lasting peace

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed that Russia has returned more than 11,000 bodies of servicemen to Ukraine, while receiving 201 bodies in exchange.

Speaking during a “roundtable” at the Russian embassy on Ukrainian affairs, Lavrov also noted that nearly 2,500 individuals from each side were able to return home as a result of prisoner exchanges, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

In a separate statement, Lavrov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff resolved all misunderstandings between Russia and the United States during their most recent meeting, which had arisen following the pause after the Alaska summit.

Lavrov warned that there are currently numerous disinformation campaigns surrounding the Ukrainian settlement, aimed at complicating diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that US President Donald Trump genuinely seeks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means, a position Russia welcomes, though he stressed that goodwill alone is insufficient.

“We insist on reaching a package of agreements for a lasting, sustainable, long-term peace with security guarantees for all involved countries,” Lavrov said. He added, “Ukraine must once again become a non-aligned, neutral, and nuclear-free state.”

Lavrov further cautioned that Europe is already attempting to “sow the seeds” of a new conflict, underscoring the continued geopolitical tensions surrounding the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva