Breakthrough in Abu Dhabi: 314 Prisoners Swapped Between Russia and Ukraine via UAE-U.S. Mediation

The trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi achieved a major humanitarian milestone today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, with the exchange of 314 prisoners of war. In a "157-for-157" swap, the first in five months, both Moscow and Kyiv released soldiers under the mediation of the UAE and the United States. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff praised the move as a tangible result of "detailed and productive" diplomatic engagement.

While the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that its released servicemen are currently in Belarus for medical care, the talks in Abu Dhabi continue to address broader issues. Beyond humanitarian swaps, the delegations are discussing a formal ceasefire mechanism, territorial disputes, and economic cooperation. This progress signals a significant shift in the conflict's dynamics, offering a glimmer of hope for a comprehensive resolution to the war in Europe.