White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff issued a [https://x.com/SEPeaceMissions/status/2019463618857754744] readout at the conclusion of the joint U.S.-Ukraine-Russia talks yesterday which he described as positive. “Over February 4 and 5, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation met for the second trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The discussions were constructive and focused on how to create the conditions for a durable peace,” he reported. “The delegations reached agreement whereby the Russian Federation and Ukraine will each release 157 Prisoners of War. This is the first exchange in the last five months.”
In fact, the exchange did occur on Feb. 5. The Russian Defense Ministry reported in a statement that it had returned 157 Ukrainian POWs in return for 157 Russian POWs and three civilian residents of the Kursk region.
“The United States and Russia also agreed to establish a military-to-military dialogue to be led by General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command. This channel of communication was suspended prior to the onset of this conflict and is crucial to achieving and maintaining peace,” Witkoff coninued. “Over the two days, the delegations had wide-ranging discussions on the remaining open issues including methods to implement a ceasefire and monitor the cessation of military activities.
