In Abu Dhabi, Russia and Ukraine swap prisoners for the first time in five months
World
For the second time, trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. were held in Abu Dhabi, focused on finding ways to end the war in Ukraine. The main outcome was a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kyiv — the first in five months.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the exchange took place under the “157 for 157” formula, totaling 314 individuals. U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff noted that the result was achieved through detailed and productive peace negotiations. “While much work remains, steps like these show that ongoing diplomatic contacts yield tangible results,” he wrote on X.
Prisoner exchanges had already been discussed after the first day of talks, as President Volodymyr Zelensky had mentioned. Earlier Russia-Ukraine meetings took place in Turkey in spring and summer 2025, but the U.S. did not participate at that time.
Kyiv’s Presidential Office Chief Kirill Budanov described the talks as “truly constructive” and thanked the U.S. and the UAE for quality mediation and organization.
According to Witkoff, discussions will continue, with further progress expected in the coming weeks. TASS, citing a source, reported that new meetings will be scheduled by the capitals.
Prisoner exchanges had already been discussed after the first day of talks, as President Volodymyr Zelensky had mentioned. Earlier Russia-Ukraine meetings took place in Turkey in spring and summer 2025, but the U.S. did not participate at that time.
Kyiv’s Presidential Office Chief Kirill Budanov described the talks as “truly constructive” and thanked the U.S. and the UAE for quality mediation and organization.
According to Witkoff, discussions will continue, with further progress expected in the coming weeks. TASS, citing a source, reported that new meetings will be scheduled by the capitals.
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