A major diplomatic win has emerged from Abu Dhabi, where US, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 314 captives. Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, shared the news on X, crediting it to fruitful peace talks.
‘This is a result of thorough and productive peace discussions,’ Witkoff posted. ‘There’s still a lot to do, but these actions prove that consistent diplomacy delivers concrete outcomes and propels Ukraine war resolution forward.’ He anticipates advancements in the coming weeks post the positive Abu Dhabi session.
Wednesday’s meeting in the UAE capital included Ukraine’s top security official Rustem Umerov, alongside US mediators and envoys from Moscow and Kyiv. Building on last month’s UAE talks that inched forward without resolving core disputes, this two-day round focused on humanitarian gestures amid stalled comprehensive negotiations.
Land remains the sticking point, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed out last week. Russia demands Ukraine cede the entire eastern Donbas, even parts it holds. Kyiv rebuffs this, but Zelenskyy has floated compromises such as partial eastern pullbacks and a buffer zone.
Experts view the swap as a confidence-building measure that could unlock further talks. With global stakes high, this development underscores the value of neutral venues like Abu Dhabi in fostering dialogue. As delegations depart, the focus shifts to translating this goodwill into lasting peace, potentially reshaping Europe’s security landscape.