Talks between Ukraine and Russia have yielded their first humanitarian breakthrough in five months, though vast work remains before the war can be brought to an end. The delegations have agreed to exchange more than 300 detainees.
As reported by Hvylya, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the development on X.
According to the American diplomat, the parties agreed to swap 314 prisoners. Witkoff emphasized that this outcome was made possible by detailed and productive peace negotiations, which also included a delegation from the United States.
"While significant work remains, these steps demonstrate that consistent diplomatic engagement yields tangible results and advances efforts to end the war in Ukraine," the special envoy noted.
Witkoff also expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the talks and to President Donald Trump for the leadership that "made this agreement possible."
The diplomat added that discussions are ongoing.
"Discussions will continue, and additional progress is expected in the coming weeks," Witkoff concluded.
The Russian side also confirmed progress was being made, while characteristically accompanying the statement with accusations against Ukraine's Western partners. As reported by Reuters, Russian Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev stated that the talks are seeing "positive forward movement."
However, he complained about so-called "warmongers" from Europe and the UK, who, in his view, are "constantly trying to interfere in this process."
"And the more such attempts there are, the more we see that progress undoubtedly exists. There is positive forward movement," Dmitriev concluded.
We reported earlier that Putin has put forward new conditions for ending the war.