What have the talks with Russia and the US in Abu Dhabi achieved for Ukraine?

Talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi produced an agreement on a major prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire. The humanitarian outcome offers a concrete reason to continue discussions, though it does not signal that the war is nearing an end.

US envoy Jared Kushner said the exchange’s numbers would be finalised, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had proposed swaps of 1,000 or 1,500 people for the same number. Russia said an exchange could happen within two to three weeks. Ukrainian officials welcomed the talks, while some analysts cautioned that positive diplomatic language is routine and judged the prospects for a peace deal or ceasefire this year or next at 19%.