Russia and Ukraine conducted their first large-scale prisoner exchange in nearly five months on Thursday, with each side returning 157 detainees, after the second round of U.S.-brokered talks concluded in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said those released included both military personnel and civilians.
In a statement issued earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed cooperation between Russia and Ukraine on the prisoner exchange, saying it demonstrated the UAE's role as a reliable mediator in easing the crisis and promoting constructive dialogue.
U.S. President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said representatives from the United States, Ukraine and Russia reached a consensus on a prisoner swap, describing the discussions as "specific and constructive". He added, however, that greater efforts would be required to advance a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.
In the second round of U.S.-brokered talks, Russia and Ukraine failed to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire.
According to Ukraine, the talks were conducted trilaterally before moving to group consultations. Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said the Ukrainian delegation sought a "dignified and lasting peace", without disclosing specific outcomes.
The talks ended with no joint political or security statement, underscoring persistent differences between Russia and Ukraine on key matters, including territorial disputes, ceasefire arrangements, and security guarantees.
No timetable or arrangements for the next round of talks were announced, highlighting continued uncertainty in the political settlement process.
Zelensky said Thursday that the next peace talks with the delegations of the U.S. and Russia will be held soon. "Further meetings are planned in the near future, likely in the United States," Zelensky said in his evening address.
Russia, Ukraine carry out first large-scale prisoner exchange in 5 months
