A major Ukraine‑Russia prisoner swap brought emotional scenes as freed Ukrainian soldiers returned home, calling loved ones and reuniting with families after long separations. Relatives waited anxiously, many still missing news of the disappeared. Russia received 157 prisoners in return. The exchange followed US‑brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, which both sides called productive, though President Zelenskiy said key security issues remain. Hours before, Russia struck Kyiv with drones.