Russia has transported the remains of 1,212 Ukrainian soldiers to a designated exchange point, in line with agreements made during talks in Istanbul, according to Lieutenant General Alexander Zorin, a representative of Russia’s negotiating delegation.

Despite Russia’s action, Zorin said Ukraine has yet to respond, resulting in a delay in both the transfer of the bodies and a pending prisoner exchange. “We are still waiting for official contact from the Ukrainian side,” he said, according to Xinhua news agency.

Some international media representatives at the exchange site were allowed to inspect the refrigerated trucks transporting the bodies. Zorin also mentioned that additional trains carrying more bodies of Ukrainian servicemen are en route to the border, pending Kyiv’s confirmation for next week’s transfer.

The handover comes amid growing tension over a stalled prisoner swap. Russia accused Ukraine of postponing a planned exchange over the weekend. In response, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War denied any delay, stating that while both sides had agreed to the exchange of fallen soldiers’ remains, no specific date had been finalized.

Earlier this week in Istanbul, Russia had reportedly agreed to return as many as 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers.

The disagreement underscores broader diplomatic tensions as military operations escalate on both sides. Analysts warn that these exchanges—essential for humanitarian purposes—are increasingly being caught in political crossfire, raising further doubts about the prospects for renewed peace negotiations.