US-brokered talks pave way for largest Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap

Ukraine is preparing for what could be the largest prisoner exchange with Russia since the war began, with over 1,000 people from each side expected to be released, amid renewed US-led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Kyiv takes seriously American assurances the swap would be the biggest of the war, adding that intelligence agencies and coordination headquarters are working to make it happen. He emphasized the exchange's importance for thousands of Ukrainian families awaiting their relatives' return. The proposed swap follows separate meetings between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, covering humanitarian cooperation and next steps toward ending the conflict. Zelenskyy also highlighted a 645 million euro Danish defence package, including F-16 ammunition and energy assistance.