The exchange of the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled for next week. Despite information pressure and attempts to influence the process by the Russian Federation, Ukraine continues its preparations for the repatriation of the dead, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Kyrylo Budanov.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Russia is trying to impose its own terms regarding the exchange parameters, resorting to manipulative tactics. He emphasized that decisions about whom, when, and how to exchange must not be made unilaterally. Any attempts at pressure or propaganda exploitation of the process are unacceptable, he added.
Budanov particularly noted the cynicism of Russian propagandists who are attempting to exploit human grief for their own narratives—grief they themselves have caused—especially on the holy day of Trinity Sunday, which is celebrated in Ukraine today.
The intelligence chief stated that the Coordination Headquarters is working on organizing the exchange based on the agreements reached during negotiations in Istanbul. Authorized officials were informed of the planned start of repatriation activities back on Tuesday.
Budanov stressed that, despite Russia’s disinformation campaign, all preparations are proceeding according to plan.
Earlier we wrote that Budanov answered whether the Russian Federation will reduce the number of its armed forces after the war.