Russia, Ukraine exchange bodies of fallen soldiers

Russia and Ukraine carried out a new exchange of bodies in Belarus' Gomel region, Belarusian state news agency Belta reported Thursday.

According to the agency, Russia transferred the bodies of 261 Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine and received the bodies of 24 Russian soldiers.

Belta also reported Thursday that Russia and Ukraine exchanged civilian prisoners at the Belarus-Ukraine border.

Ukraine released eight people, while Russia released seven, the agency said.

Meanwhile, a United Nations human rights group says civilian deaths in Ukraine hit a new high last month as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies.

Speaking to reporters in New York, a UN spokesperson says "the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission verified at least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in Ukraine in July."

However, the spokesperson says the actual figure is likely higher.