Russia and Ukraine have reached a preliminary agreement on a major prisoner-of-war exchange following two days of U.S.-mediated peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement could bring hundreds of captured soldiers home, marking a significant humanitarian development in a war that has continued for more than four years.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner announced that the final number of prisoners involved would be determined Thursday. The exchange could take place within the next two to three weeks.
Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that both countries had agreed in principle to the exchange, although the final arrangements have not been completed.
Despite progress on prisoner releases, negotiations failed to produce a major breakthrough toward ending the war.
Significant disagreements remain over Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, future security guarantees and Europe’s involvement in peace negotiations.
President Donald Trump’s administration continues pushing for a diplomatic settlement. Kushner and fellow U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Dublin for discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, fighting continues. Russian attacks have struck Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukrainian drones have targeted facilities inside Russia.
The proposed prisoner exchange offers hope to families waiting for loved ones to return. However, with territorial disputes unresolved and neither side announcing major concessions, a lasting peace agreement remains uncertain.
