World · World News Bureau
Russia, Ukraine reach prisoner swap deal in first talks since February
Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine held talks in Abu Dhabi, marking their first direct engagement in months. The discussions resulted in an agreement on the exchange of prisoners held by both sides.
LSN World News ·

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in the United Arab Emirates capital for negotiations that yielded a prisoner exchange accord, signaling a rare moment of diplomatic progress in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The talks in Abu Dhabi represented the first direct engagement between officials from Moscow and Kyiv since February, according to reports of the meeting. The discussions centered on humanitarian concerns, with both sides committing to terms for the reciprocal release of detainees.
Details regarding the scope and timeline of the prisoner exchange were not immediately disclosed. The agreement underscores the potential for limited cooperation on humanitarian matters despite the broader military and political tensions between the two countries.
The UAE has positioned itself as a neutral venue for such discussions, hosting various diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns arising from the conflict. International observers noted the significance of maintaining channels for negotiation, particularly on issues affecting civilian populations and prisoners of war.