2nd round of Russia, Ukraine and US peace talks in Abu Dhabi concludes

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - A second round of peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US in Abu Dhabi has concluded.

There were no official confirmations but Russian and Ukrainian media outlets reported the talks held on Wednesday and Thursday have ended.

Head of Ukraine's presidential office Kyrylo Budanov told the RBC-Ukraine news agency that the talks were "constructive."

Earlier, US envoy Steve Witkoff, who took part in the talks in the Emirati capital, wrote on US social media company X that Moscow and Kyiv agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war.

He said the negotiations were “detailed and productive.”

“While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine,” he said, adding that discussions will continue, with “additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks."

The Russian Defense Ministry later said 157 servicemen were exchanged from each side and three Russian civilians also returned.

“The United Arab Emirates and the United States provided humanitarian assistance in the return of Russian servicemen from captivity,” the ministry said.

Ukraine has yet to comment on the exchange, the first since October 2025, which was agreed during three rounds of talks in Istanbul.

An initial two days of consultations were held on Jan. 23-24, also in Abu Dhabi.