Collected photoKYIV, Ukraine, Feb 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukraine and Russia have conductedtheir first prisoner exchange in months, each releasing at least 157 people,both countries said Thursday, amid US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi aimed atending the war. On Thursday, amid three-way talks in Abu Dhabi, the countries swapped 157captured soldiers and civilians each in an exchange mediated by Washington --the first since October. "Today's exchange came after a long pause, and it is critical that we wereable to make it happen. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said among the 157 Ukrainians released"are seven civilians and those whom the Russians unlawfully convicted." Russia, who said the United States and United Arab Emirates acted asmediators for the exchange, announced earlier it had handed over 157Ukrainian soldiers and that 157 Russian servicemen were returned.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 05, 2026 14:53 UTC