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Russia, Ukraine Reach Deal on Prisoner of War Exchange in Abu Dhabi
(MENAFN) An agreement has been reached between Russia and Ukraine to carry out a prisoner-of-war exchange involving 314 detainees following three-way discussions held in Abu Dhabi, according to statements made Thursday by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
Announcing the outcome in an online post, Witkoff said: “Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months.”
It has not yet been clarified whether the figure represents the combined total number of prisoners to be exchanged or the amount each side is expected to release.
The most recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Kyiv took place on Oct. 2, 2025, under arrangements finalized during negotiations in Istanbul, a city that hosted three rounds of direct peace talks earlier that year.
Speaking about the US-brokered discussions, Witkoff characterized the negotiations as “detailed and productive.” He added: “While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.”
He also indicated that talks are set to continue, with “additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks,” while expressing appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the meetings and to US President Donald Trump for “his leadership in making this agreement possible.”
The announcement coincided with the start of the second day of a new round of talks involving delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in the Emirati capital. Earlier discussions were held on Jan. 23 and 24 at the same location, according to reports.
Announcing the outcome in an online post, Witkoff said: “Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months.”
It has not yet been clarified whether the figure represents the combined total number of prisoners to be exchanged or the amount each side is expected to release.
The most recent prisoner swap between Moscow and Kyiv took place on Oct. 2, 2025, under arrangements finalized during negotiations in Istanbul, a city that hosted three rounds of direct peace talks earlier that year.
Speaking about the US-brokered discussions, Witkoff characterized the negotiations as “detailed and productive.” He added: “While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.”
He also indicated that talks are set to continue, with “additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks,” while expressing appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the meetings and to US President Donald Trump for “his leadership in making this agreement possible.”
The announcement coincided with the start of the second day of a new round of talks involving delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in the Emirati capital. Earlier discussions were held on Jan. 23 and 24 at the same location, according to reports.
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