Ukraine denies Russia’s allegations of delayed prisoner exchange

Kyiv: Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War dismissed Russia's claim that Kyiv is delaying the prisoner exchange agreed upon Monday.

According to the agency's statement on Saturday, Ukraine has provided Russia with the designated list of prisoners, including those who are seriously wounded or ill. However, Russia submitted different lists that "do not meet" the agreed parameters of the swap.

Ukraine has conveyed its concerns to Russia, and the next step is now expected from the Russian side.

The agency said Ukraine has given Russia relevant comments, and the next move is expected from the Russian side.

Earlier on Saturday, Russia accused Ukraine of indefinitely delaying a planned prisoner swap and the handover of fallen soldiers' bodies, according to Xinhua news agency.

Russia claimed Ukraine unexpectedly postponed the transfer, leaving more than 1,200 frozen Ukrainian bodies in refrigerated trucks at an exchange point with no one to collect them.

Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky stated in a Telegram post that Russia had provided Ukraine with the first list of 640 prisoners and begun transferring the bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers. However, Ukrainian negotiators did not arrive at the exchange site.

He urged Ukraine to "strictly adhere to the schedule and all agreements reached and to immediately begin the exchange."

During the second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, Russia and Ukraine had agreed to conduct additional prisoner exchanges over the weekend.

(inputs from IANS)