Ukraine, Russia discuss prisoner exchange involving up to 2,600 people: Zelenskyy

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Ukraine and Russia are discussing a large-scale prisoner exchange involving between 1,200 and 1,300 people from each side, Ukrainian ...

KYIV — Ukraine and Russia are discussing a large-scale prisoner exchange involving between 1,200 and 1,300 people from each side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday, describing the proposal as the main outcome of recent negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking at a news conference in Kyiv following visits to Denmark and Ireland, Zelenskyy said the talks also addressed the possibility of a ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure.

However, he said Russian negotiators told their Ukrainian counterparts that they lacked the authority to make decisions on the proposed arrangement.

Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Moscow's willingness to halt attacks on energy facilities, saying there were few indications that Russia was interested in such an agreement.

He said Ukraine had proposed discussing the issue directly between the two presidents, but Russian President Vladimir Putin had shown no willingness to meet.

The Ukrainian leader also addressed a proposed Russian "humanitarian mission" in the city of Kostiantynivka, an initiative he said Putin had raised.

Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, pointing to ongoing fighting in the city and warning that Russian forces could advance toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk if they captured Kostiantynivka.

Turning to broader peace negotiations, Zelenskyy revealed that US representatives had asked for the first time whether Ukraine would consider withdrawing from Donbas in exchange for NATO membership.

He reiterated that Ukraine would not voluntarily surrender its territory but indicated that he could seek public approval for such a proposal if it were accompanied by a comprehensive package of security guarantees.

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