Story perspectives

Zelenskyy: Peace Talks Yield Prisoner Exchange Amid Ongoing Conflict

2/5/2026

41 6

Summary

Story summary

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, said second round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi produced an agreement restarting prisoner exchanges.
He noted progress but said peace remains elusive.
The talks included technical-military teams from both sides, while Russia's land demands, including Zaporizhzhia power station, remain contentious.
Amid negotiations, Russian attacks continued, causing civilian casualties in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky warned against rewarding aggression and said Russia could violate any agreement.

History

Historical Context

The Budapest Memorandum, signed in 1994 by the U.S., U.K., and Russia, guaranteed Ukraine's sovereignty. However, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 breached this agreement, escalating tensions. Currently, peace talks in Abu Dhabi highlight Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, particularly in contested areas like Zaporizhzhia, with potential implications for international responses to territorial violations and Ukraine's future sovereignty.

1 of 2

Story summary

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, said second round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi produced an agreement restarting prisoner exchanges.
He noted progress but said peace remains elusive.
The talks included technical-military teams from both sides, while Russia's land demands, including Zaporizhzhia power station, remain contentious.
Amid negotiations, Russian attacks continued, causing civilian casualties in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky warned against rewarding aggression and said Russia could violate any agreement.

1 / 2