The European Parliament appreciated Ukraine's refusal to accept the bodies of the dead soldiers

Ukraine should accept the bodies of its dead soldiers, which are being handed over by Russia. This shows the importance of the Istanbul process, which concerns not only the most important political and military issues, but also humanitarian issues. Such gestures can help strengthen mutual trust, European Parliament member Fernand Kartheiser told Izvestia.

Russia is ready to exchange prisoners and bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers: what is known

They plan to return more than 6 thousand dead to Ukraine.

"I hope that Ukraine will accept the bodies of the dead. The State must respect those who died fighting for it. It is important that military personnel see that the authorities respect them, even if they die. But above all, it is important for the families and friends of the victims. This gesture is an important humanitarian act, but by itself it cannot contribute to the settlement of the conflict," the politician said.

Recall that on June 7, Ukraine unexpectedly postponed indefinitely the reception of the bodies of the dead and the exchange of prisoners, said presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky. He stressed that Moscow is ready to work with the Ukrainian side, and the Russian Defense Ministry's contact group is already at the border.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Cancellation symptom: Ukraine continues to sabotage agreements with Russia