Zelenskyy says Ukraine, Russia preparing prisoner exchange after 4-month pause

Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a new prisoner exchange that would mark the first such swap in four months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

He added Ukraine’s delegation involved in talks with the United States and Russia in Abu Dhabi briefed him on the latest round of discussions. Ukrainian officials also held separate contacts with the American side.

“Today we discussed the interim results of the negotiations. They will continue tomorrow. An important step is also expected: we anticipate a prisoner exchange in the near future. Prisoners must return home,” Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that Ukraine’s position remains clear - the war must end in reality, and Russia must be ready for that outcome.

“Partners must be ready to ensure this with real guarantees - security guarantees and real pressure on the aggressor - so that the Ukrainian people feel that the situation is truly moving toward peace and the end of the war, and not toward Russia using everything to its own advantage and continuing attacks,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that there should be no “reward for the aggressor”, warning that otherwise Russia would ultimately undermine any agreement.

The last prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place in October 2025, when 185 defenders and 20 civilians returned home.