US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine result in a large-scale prisoner exchange agreement, while discussions on ending the conflict continue.
The United States hosted two days of negotiations in Abu Dhabi between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in an agreed-upon prisoner exchange. This agreement, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could lead to the largest humanitarian release of prisoners since the conflict began, with final numbers expected shortly. However, no breakthrough was reached regarding ending the nearly five-year conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed this progress but emphasized the need for European countries' involvement in negotiations concerning the continent’s security. Kyiv seeks future discussions to expand beyond the current trilateral format involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US. The US has expressed support for European participation, particularly on security guarantees, while Russia has questioned the necessity of European representatives in direct negotiations due to their support for Ukraine.
Kushner and Witkoff are scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday before traveling to Dublin to brief Zelenskyy on the discussions. Separately, reports indicate that Putin is open to contacts with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, although Berlin has reiterated that Europe must be involved in any settlement affecting its security.
Despite the prisoner-swap understanding, significant differences remain over territory, security guarantees, and Ukraine's future relationship with NATO.
Source:
Akashvani News
