Progress in Prisoner Swap Amid U.S.-Led Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Ukraine and Russia, with U.S. mediation, concluded a second day of talks in Abu Dhabi, focusing on a significant prisoner swap. Both sides agreed to exchange 314 prisoners, marking progress in diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Tensions remain due to ongoing military actions and territorial control disputes.

In Abu Dhabi, Ukraine and Russia wrapped up two days of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending Europe's most destructive conflict since World War Two. The discussions culminated in the agreement of a significant prisoner swap, where both nations will exchange 314 prisoners, their first such exchange in five months.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, declared the talks 'detailed and productive' on X, while highlighting that consistent diplomatic efforts were yielding results. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov and Russia's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, echoed this optimism, citing meaningful progress.

Despite these diplomatic advancements, military tensions persist. Russia recently conducted air strikes across Ukraine, while the Ukrainian General Staff reported successful retaliatory strikes on a Russian missile launch site. The fate of the fiercely contested eastern Donetsk region remains a critical and complex issue in ongoing negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)