Zelenskyy expects prisoner swap “in near future” as Ukraine, Russia, US hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced late Wednesday that Ukraine expects a prisoner swap with Russia to take place “in the near future,” as delegations from Kyiv, Moscow, and the United States hold a second round of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi. In a video address, Zelenskyy said he received a report from Ukraine’s negotiating team after the first day of discussions and that consultations with the U.S. side were also held.

Ongoing Negotiations and Prisoner Exchange Prospects

“We discussed the interim results of the negotiations for today. They will continue tomorrow. There will also be a significant step: we expect a POW exchange in the near future. Captives must be brought home,” Zelenskyy stated, without providing further details. The last major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine occurred in October 2025 as part of earlier talks hosted in Istanbul.

Second Round of Trilateral Talks

The current negotiations in Abu Dhabi mark the second round of three‑way discussions, following initial talks on January 23‑24 that were described by all sides as “constructive.” Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed on Thursday that working groups and trilateral consultations are continuing. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev also noted “progress” and “good, positive movement” toward a potential peace agreement, adding that Moscow is actively engaging with the Trump administration to restore economic ties with Washington.

Context of the Conflict

The talks come as the war between Russia and Ukraine approaches its fifth year later this month. The Abu Dhabi process represents one of the most sustained diplomatic efforts in recent months to explore a political settlement to the conflict.