Russian Defense Ministry: Russia's Proposal for Ceasefire in One Area to Transfer Ukrainian Soldiers' Bodies Rejected
On July 5, Xinhua News Agency reported from Moscow that the Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 5th that after the Russian military has completely controlled the city of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk region, the Russian side proposed a humanitarian action—handing over the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to the Ukrainian side under the condition of a ceasefire in the city, but the Ukrainian side rejected this proposal.
According to a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on social media, the Russian side proposed that the Ukrainian military cease shelling Konstantinovka from 12:00 to 18:00 Moscow time on the 6th, and inform the Russian side of their decision through contact channels between the intelligence agencies of both sides before 12:00 Moscow time on the 5th.
The statement said that more than 20 media outlets from different countries expressed their desire to go to Konstantinovka to witness the body handover after learning of this news. If the Ukrainian side agrees to the Russian proposal, the Russian Ministry of Defense is prepared to arrange for reporters to come. However, the Ukrainian side rejected the Russian proposal.
On the 3rd, Russian President Putin announced that the Russian military had taken control of Konstantinovka. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces responded on the 4th, stating that the news about the Russian military controlling Konstantinovka was untrue. The spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Kovalyov, issued a statement that day, saying that the Russian military is still trying to seize Konstantinovka, and although the situation is severe, the city remains under the control of the Ukrainian military.
Russia proposed a ceasefire in Konstantinovka on July 5, 2023, to facilitate the transfer of Ukrainian soldiers' bodies, but Ukraine rejected the offer. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that they had full control of Konstantinovka, a claim disputed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which maintain that the city is still under their control. Media outlets expressed interest in covering the proposed transfer.
- Russia proposed a ceasefire in Konstantinovka to transfer Ukrainian soldiers' bodies.
- Ukraine rejected the proposal for the ceasefire.
- Russian forces claim to have full control of Konstantinovka.
- Ukrainian Armed Forces dispute the claim of Russian control over the city.
- Over 20 media outlets expressed interest in witnessing the body transfer.