In a surprising move, Russia returned the bodies of 501 Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine. This is one of the largest repatriations of war dead since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Many of these soldiers lost their lives in the eastern Donetsk region, especially around the city of Avdiivka, which Russian forces took control of after a tough battle. Law enforcement and forensic experts will identify these victims, and their families will get to bury them.

The war has likely killed tens of thousands of soldiers from both sides, but there are no official numbers. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently shared parts of his 'victory plan. ' This plan aims to pressure Russia into ending the war through talks. A key part of this plan is Ukraine joining NATO, something Western allies are hesitant to consider until the war ends.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to talk peace, but he won't give up the four Ukrainian regions Moscow illegally claimed in 2022. Ukraine can't accept this. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Western allies, including U. S. President Joe Biden, met to discuss continued support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy claims that China, Iran, and North Korea are helping Russia. South Korea's spy agency even reported that North Korea sent troops to support Russia.

The fighting hasn't stopped. Russia recently launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine, using 135 Shahed drones and others. Most were intercepted, but no official casualty or damage reports are out yet. World leaders are still figuring out what to do next.

Russia Hands Over War Dead to Ukraine: What's Next?

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