In brief
In a significant yet tense moment in the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine exchanged a total of 157 prisoners each after prolonged peace discussions in Abu Dhabi. The exchange included both military personnel and civilians, with Ukrainian President Zelensky expressing frustration over the lack of breakthroughs in the negotiations concerning critical issues of territory and security assurances. The exchange is seen as a small step amidst continuing strained relations and renewed aggression from Russia.
Ukraine and Russia have conducted a rare exchange of prisoners of war and civilians after two days of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
A total of 157 Ukrainians - seven of them civilians - and 157 Russian soldiers were returned home in the first such swap in four months.
Russian, Ukrainian and US teams took part in the talks in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with the main sticking points believed to be territorial concessions Ukraine is under pressure to make and security guarantees for it to prevent further Russian attacks if a deal is agreed to end the four-year war.
No breakthrough has been reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the talks had not been easy and he wanted faster results.
In a post on social media, Zelensky wrote that Thursday's prisoner exchange took place after a long pause - referring to the previous such swap last October.
Russian authorities stated that three civilians were also among the exchanged, who they claimed were illegally held. These individuals were residents of the Kursk region, portions of which were occupied by Ukraine during the 2024-25 conflict.
The negotiations, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, are part of President Trump’s efforts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing war. While the talks have been described as detailed and productive, significant issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding territory and security guarantees for Ukraine.
The situation remains critical as Russia has resumed its assaults on Ukraine, causing widespread hardship during the harsh winter months.
