Russia and Ukraine agree to swap 314 prisoners in Abu Dhabi talks

Thursday 05 February 2026 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia and Ukraine agree to swap 314 prisoners in Abu Dhabi talks

U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations reached an agreement Thursday to exchange 314 prisoners of war, the first such swap in five months and a tangible outcome from ongoing peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the deal on X, stating that "this result came from detailed and productive peace talks." He added, "While much work remains, steps like this show sustained diplomatic engagement yields concrete results and advances efforts to end the war in Ukraine." Witkoff thanked the United Arab Emirates for hosting and praised President Donald Trump's leadership in making it possible. The exchange is the first between Moscow and Kyiv since October 2025.

The prisoner swap accord came on the second day of the latest trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine's lead negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed Thursday that working groups and trilateral consultations continue, using the same formats as the previous day.

Russia's presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev told state media there is "progress" and "good positive forward movement" in the negotiations. He criticized attempts by European nations and Britain to "disrupt progress," noting active work to restore economic ties between Moscow and Washington.

Major hurdles persist, however. The most contentious issue remains territorial concessions, with Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw forces from the entire eastern Donbass region, including areas still held by Ukrainian troops. Ukraine rejects any unilateral troop pullback and insists on freezing the conflict along current front lines.

The United Arab Emirates have played a pivotal mediation role. Since the conflict began, they have facilitated 17 prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, freeing 4,641 detainees. Current talks follow a first round in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, deemed "constructive" by all sides despite no breakthroughs on core issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at expecting a prisoner swap after the first day of this week's talks. "Captives must return home," he said in a Wednesday evening video address. Witkoff noted discussions will continue, with further progress anticipated in coming weeks.