Russia and Ukraine reach major prisoner swap deal in Abu Dhabi talks

Russia and Ukraine have struck a deal to conduct a major prisoner exchange, following diplomatic negotiations facilitated by the United States, according to White House Special Envoy Jared Kushner.

The breakthrough came after two days of intensive talks hosted in Abu Dhabi, Kushner stated. The discussions in the United Arab Emirates capital brought together the two warring sides under American mediation to arrange the swap.

While specific figures and the precise timetable for the transfer have not yet been made public, Kushner described the forthcoming exchange as large in scale. Prisoner releases have periodically provided a rare avenue for bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Kyiv since the conflict began, though negotiations have often proved complex and delicate.

The United States served as the mediator during the two-day session in Abu Dhabi, helping to navigate terms between Russian and Ukrainian representatives. Further logistical details on how and when the captives will be transferred across borders remain pending following the announcement of the agreement.