After the talks in Abu Dhabi, Zelensky announced the exchange of prisoners. They had been missing for four months
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Office of the president)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new exchange of prisoners of war after the first day of a new round of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi. The head of state said this in a statement in an evening address.

"There will also be a significant step: we expect the exchange of prisoners of war in the near future. We need to return the prisoners home," the president said.

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The latest exchange for now was held on October 2, 2025, – at that time, 205 Ukrainian military and civilians returned from Russian captivity.

Zelenskyy also said that the delegation had reported to him on the results of meetings in the capital of the United Arab Emirates: there was both a trilateral format and contacts with Washington.

"The report was made by [the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, head of the delegation] Rustem Umerov, [head of the presidential Office] Kyrylo Budanov, [head of the ruling faction Servant of the people] David Arakhamia. The guys were in touch. We discussed the interim results of the talks on this day. We will continue tomorrow," the head of state added.

Earlier, Umerov reported that during the talks "the work was meaningful and productive, with a focus on concrete steps and practical solutions." However, he did not disclose the details of the discussions.

  • Zelenskyy explained that Russia had stopped the prisoner exchange process because it did not feel benefits for itself.
  • On January 29, Ukraine and Russia took place exchange of bodies of the dead. Previous one passed on December 19.