Zelenskyy says trilateral talks discussed potential exchange of up to 1,500 prisoners per side

Speaking to reporters in Denmark on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said the possibility of an exchange had been raised and that US representatives would take the proposal to Russia.

“We discussed the possibility of an exchange. They want to do 1,000 for 1,000, maybe 1,500 for 1,500. Some kind of large-scale exchange. The Americans will go to Russia with this agenda,” he said.

Zelenskyy added that the Russian delegation raised territorial issues, but reiterated that such matters should be addressed at the leaders’ level.

He accused Moscow of presenting an inaccurate picture of the battlefield situation, saying Russian representatives had claimed to control half of the Donbas region, despite Ukrainian forces maintaining positions there.

He also questioned whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was receiving accurate information about developments on the battlefield.

He said the sides would discuss de-escalation measures, energy issues, the situation in the Black Sea, a possible prisoner exchange and the prospect of a trilateral leaders’ meeting, if possible on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of European participation in the negotiations, saying Ukraine sought to develop a common position with the European Union and the US.

Asked whether the latest negotiations could produce a different outcome from previous diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy said: “We don't trust, but we hope.”

He argued that additional pressure on Russia was necessary, saying: “We need more pressure, less business with these guys.”

A new round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine commenced in the Emirati capital earlier Tuesday and will resume on Wednesday.

Moscow and Kyiv last held US-mediated peace talks earlier this year, with three rounds taking place on Jan. 23-24, Feb. 4-5, and Feb. 17-18. The first two were held in Abu Dhabi, while the third took place in Geneva.