Russia, Ukraine Swap Prisoners After Peace Talks Stall

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Russia and Ukraine have carried out a rare exchange of prisoners of war and civilians after two days of peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi failed to produce a lasting agreement to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Under the US-brokered framework hosted in the United Arab Emirates capital, both sides agreed to release a total of 314 captives 157 from each country in one of the first swaps of its kind in several months. The releases, involving both military personnel and civilians held in captivity, provided a rare humanitarian respite amid pervasive hostilities.

The talks, involving delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States, concluded without any major breakthrough on the central issues that continue to fuel the war. Key points of contention including Moscow’s demands regarding territorial control in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv’s insistence on respect for its sovereignty remained unresolved by the end of the session.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described the negotiations as “detailed and productive,” acknowledging that much work lies ahead before a comprehensive peace settlement can be reached. He underscored that the prisoner exchange demonstrates the value of sustained diplomatic engagement, even if broader political accord remains elusive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the release of prisoners, expressing gratitude to all parties who facilitated the swap, but reiterated the challenges that still shadow the peace process. The exchange marked the first such transfer since last October, when a previous deal was struck under different mediation.

Despite the lack of a breakthrough at the negotiating table, both Kyiv and Moscow indicated a willingness to continue dialogue. Preparations are reportedly underway for further meetings, potentially on U.S. soil, as diplomats seek incremental progress on ending the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.

For now, the prisoners’ return stands as the most tangible outcome of the latest round of talks, offering hope to families separated by war even as the broader prospects for peace remain uncertain.