Zelensky: We expect prisoner exchange in near future

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his evening video address published on Telegram, according to Ukrinform correspondent.

"There was a report from our delegation after today’s meetings – there was a trilateral format. There were also contacts between our team and the American side. Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, and Davyd Arakhamia reported back. The guys were in touch. We discussed the interim results of today's negotiations. They will continue tomorrow," Zelensky said.

He also said that a significant step was expected.

"There will also be an important step: we expect a prisoner exchange in the near future. Our prisoners must be brought home," he said.

Commenting on Ukraine's overall position, Zelensky stressed that it was very clear.

"Overall, our Ukrainian position is very clear: the war must be ended for real. It is Russia that must be ready for this," Zelensky said.

He also noted that partners must ensure the reality of this process.

"Our partners must be ready to ensure this for real with real guarantees – security guarantees – and with real pressure on the aggressor," Zelensky said.

He added that there must be no rewards for the aggressor, as any concessions would eventually lead Russia to undermine any agreement.

Another round of trilateral meetings involving representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia began on Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates.

Following the trilateral meeting, the negotiation process continued in a working-group format involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.