Russian officials on Sunday accused Ukraine of delaying a planned exchange of fallen soldiers, a sensitive component of the recent peace framework negotiated in Istanbul earlier this month.

According to a statement from Russia’s chief negotiator, Ukraine has failed to respond after more than 1,200 Ukrainian bodies were transported to a designated border site for repatriation. In total, Moscow says over 12,000 bodies both Russian and Ukrainian are meant to be returned as part of the agreement.

“We are ready to proceed by road and rail, in batches, to fulfill this humanitarian obligation,” said a Russian delegation spokesperson. “The delay is deeply concerning and affects thousands of grieving families.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly denied the accusations, calling them “political manipulation” and reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to returning both its fallen soldiers and prisoners of war (POWs). “We are doing everything to bring our people home. These delays are not on us,” Zelenskyy said during a press briefing in Kyiv.

The exchange deal had been touted as a breakthrough during the recent peace negotiations in Istanbul, signaling tentative steps toward de-escalation. However, both sides continue to trade accusations, suggesting deep mistrust remains.

No timeline has been set for when the exchanges might resume.