Russia, Ukraine exchanged dead soldiers for the first time

Ukraine and Russia have exchanged the bodies of 160 soldiers each, for the first time since the military conflict began. According to Ukrainian authorities, the exchange took place at a communication line in the Zaporizhzhia region on June 2.

In an interview with Newsmax on May 31, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed every day in the fighting reached nearly 100 people and about 500 others were injured.

“The situation in eastern Ukraine (Donbass) is very difficult. Every day we lose between 60 and 100 soldiers killed and about 500 wounded in combat.” President Zelensky said.

Meanwhile, the Russian military has confirmed that about 1,351 service members were killed and 3,825 wounded in March.

Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, which started on February 24, has now entered phase 2, focusing on Eastern battlefields.

In the field, after severe street fighting, Ukraine said its forces had “recaptured” part of Sievierodonetsk, the large city in the Lugansk region, where Russia has stepped up its offensive recently.

Ukraine warns that alternative routes for grain exports will not be enough to avert a global food crisis, as Russia continues to blockade ports in the Black Sea. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow does not stand in the way of Ukraine’s grain exports, and is ready to assist Kiev in the transportation process.

“We will support peaceful shipping, we will ensure the security of approaches to these ports. We will assist in calling foreign ships and facilitating their navigation at sea. Azov and the Black Sea”said President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 3 that Russia has achieved certain results in the special military operation in Ukraine and will continue until all the set goals are achieved.

“Many areas have been liberated and now people there can begin to return to their normal lives. These efforts will be continued until we have achieved all the objectives of the special military operation.” Mr. Peskov said.