US envoy Steve Witkoff announced on 5/2 that Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 314 prisoners during the second day of trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first prisoner exchange between the two nations since October 2025, an operation mediated by the US and UAE. Kyiv had accused Moscow in January of suspending these exchanges, which had been one of the rare areas of direct cooperation since the conflict began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later announced the release of 157 Ukrainian citizens, including both military personnel and civilians. Most of those released had been detained since 2022. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets stated that seven civilians released in this exchange were "illegally convicted by Russia". Kyrylo Budanov, an advisor to President Zelensky, added that among the released group were 19 Ukrainian citizens "illegally sentenced, 15 of whom received life imprisonment".

Russia's Ministry of Defense confirmed on the same day the return of 157 Ukrainian prisoners of war in exchange for 157 of its own military personnel. Additionally, three Russian citizens captured by Ukrainian forces during an offensive in Kursk province were also released.

Although a prisoner exchange agreement was reached, the trilateral talks in the UAE concluded without any signs of progress in resolving the main sticking point: territorial issues. Moscow wants Kyiv to withdraw from areas it still controls in the Donbass region, including Lugansk and Donetsk provinces, while Ukraine wants to freeze the current front line and refuses to withdraw troops unilaterally.

"This is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has maintained and will continue to maintain the most constructive stance possible", Zelensky said, referring to negotiation efforts. Envoy Witkoff acknowledged that much important work remains. Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov stated that the parties agreed to continue dialogue in the coming weeks.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)