Russia and Ukraine have carried out a prisoner exchange even as their latest round of peace talks concluded without a breakthrough, highlighting the limited but ongoing cooperation between the two sides amid continued fighting.
Officials from both countries confirmed that soldiers and civilians were released as part of the swap, though exact numbers were not immediately disclosed. The exchange was facilitated with the help of international mediators and humanitarian channels, a process that has continued intermittently despite stalled negotiations.
The prisoner exchange came as diplomatic efforts failed to narrow deep divisions over key issues such as territorial control, ceasefire conditions, and long-term security guarantees. Negotiators acknowledged progress on humanitarian matters but said political and military disagreements remain significant.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the return of Ukrainian captives, calling it a relief for families who had waited months for news. Russian officials also confirmed the return of their personnel, describing the exchange as a necessary humanitarian step.
Observers say prisoner swaps have become one of the few areas where limited consensus is still possible, even as broader peace efforts struggle. Analysts noted that such exchanges can help build confidence, but have so far failed to translate into meaningful diplomatic momentum.
Fighting continued along multiple front lines as talks wrapped up, underscoring the gap between humanitarian cooperation and political settlement. International mediators urged both sides to maintain dialogue and expand confidence-building measures to prevent further escalation.
While the exchange offered a rare moment of relief, the lack of progress in negotiations has reinforced concerns that the conflict may continue without a clear path to resolution.