Ukraine and Russia discuss prisoner swap deal during ‘constructive’ talks

Ukrainian and Russian delegations held direct talks in Abu Dhabi that Kyiv characterized as constructive, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcoming the session. The discussions centered on a prisoner exchange, though the specific number of detainees involved was not immediately disclosed. The meeting marks one of the few direct diplomatic engagements between the two sides since the war began. A successful swap would serve as a rare confidence-building measure and could pave the way for further humanitarian arrangements. What to watch next is whether the exchange is finalized and whether the positive tone carries into subsequent rounds of negotiation.