Moscow seeks the return of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman jailed in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen dissident. The Russian government wishes to return him as part of a prisoner swap.

Moscow seeks the return of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman jailed in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen dissident. The Russian government wishes to return him as part of a prisoner swap. The Krelim raised Vadim Krasikov's name in the recent negotiations with the Western officials. In exchange, they have offered the release of prisoners, including Evan Gershkovich, a 31-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter accused of espionage and ex-US marine Paul Whelan, convicted of spying charges in 2020. He appeared on a Russian news channel a week ago. The former US Marine is serving a 16-year sentence in a penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia. The Biden administration claimed both men were innocent and their detention was politically motivated. The 58-year-old Russian assassin, Vadim Krasikov, received life imprisonment in December 2021 for the "state-ordered" assassination of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian national of Chechen heritage, in 2019. Krasikov shot him dead in a children's playground in Germany's Kleiner Tiergarten park. ALSO READ | India-Europe-Middle East Economic Corridor to change the face of the Middle East: Israel PM Khangoshvili allegedly led a 2004 raid by Chechens in which many security officials died. In 2012, Russia included his name in the 19 most wanted terrorists list, which it sent to other countries, including Germany. In 2016, Khangoshvili fled to Germany from Georgia. Although Germany rejected his "protection from arrest" appeal, he could still stay in the country. Krasikov travelled to Germany on a false passport in the name of Vadim Sokolov, as per the Telegraph. After the assassination, the authorities caught him trying to escape on an electric scooter after tossing a bike and gun in the River Spree and changing his disguise. Police convicted him as they found his fingerprints and DNA on the dumped objects. Krasikov insisted he was an innocent Russian tourist with no relation to Krelim. However, German prosecutors, aided by Kyiv authorities and investigative website Bellingcat, proved he was a veteran agent working for the secretive Vympel department of the Russian security service FSB. But Moscow condemned the trial, insisting that he was an innocent citizen and his arrest was politically motivated. Germany expelled two Russian diplomats soon after Krasikov's conviction. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russian President Vladimir Putin sought Krasikov's release briefly after his conviction. He asked his top security advisor, Nikolai Patrushev, to conduct the negotiations. Putin also seeks the release of other Russian agents. However, Krasikov remains his top priority. US President Joe Biden also confirmed his interest in a prisoner swap in July. But Germany's unwillingness to release Krasikov, who was convicted of murder on its land, might be an obstacle to Russia's plan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Vadim Krasikov? Assassin Russia wants in prisoner swap for US WSJ journalist

After months of negotiations Iran and the US are finally set for a prisoner swap. The swap of five prisoners from each side will take place under the Qatar and Oman mediated deal. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has also confirmed the unfreezing of the Assets in South Korea with six billion dollars.

Iran-US prisoner swap: Prisoner from both sides to transit through Qatar

The US Has allowed South Korea to unfreeze 6 billion dollars in Iranian funds. The white house says its prisoner swap with Tehran is going as planned. The US and Iran seem to be trying something new. Is this an emerging dynamic? Ghadi Francis explains.

US changing its IRAN strategy? US-Iran prisoner swap on track

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap. He expressed hope that the prisoner exchange would take place soon.

"Regarding the issue of prisoner swaps between Iran and the US, we have reached an agreement in the recent days and if everything goes well on the US side, I think we will witness a prisoner exchange in a short period," Amirabdollahian said.

"On our part everything is ready, while the US is currently working on the final technical coordination."&nbsp;

A White House official denied Amirabdollahian's statement about the prisoner swap with Washington, adding that the United States was committed to securing the release of Americans held in Iran.

"Claims by Iranian officials that we have reached a deal for the release of the U.S. citizens wrongfully held by Iran are false," a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said. &nbsp;

One of several Americans held in Iran is Siamak Namazi, a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for spying and cooperating with the US&nbsp;government.

Emad Sharghi, an Iranian-American businessman was first arrested in 2018 when he was working for a tech investment company, is also jailed in Iran, as is Iranian-American environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, who also holds British citizenship.

Iranian sources told Reuters that two regional countries were involved in the series of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington for the release of prisoners.

For years, Tehran has sought the release of more than a dozen Iranians in the United States, including seven Iranian-American dual nationals, two Iranians with permanent U.S. residency and four Iranian citizens with no legal status in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told the country's state television on Sunday (March 12) that Iran and the United States have reached an agreement for a prisoner swap. He expressed hope that the prisoner exchange would take place soon. "Regarding the issue of prisoner swaps between Iran and the US, we have reached an agreement in the recent days and if everything goes well on the US side, I think we will witness a prisoner exchange in a short period," Amirabdollahian said. "On our part everything is ready, while the US is currently working on the final technical coordination." A White House official denied Amirabdollahian's statement about the prisoner swap with Washington, adding that the United States was committed to securing the release of Americans held in Iran. "Claims by Iranian officials that we have reached a deal for the release of the U.S. citizens wrongfully held by Iran are false," a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said. One of several Americans held in Iran is Siamak Namazi, a businessman with dual US-Iranian citizenship, who was sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for spying and cooperating with the US government. Emad Sharghi, an Iranian-American businessman was first arrested in 2018 when he was working for a tech investment company, is also jailed in Iran, as is Iranian-American environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, who also holds British citizenship. Iranian sources told Reuters that two regional countries were involved in the series of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington for the release of prisoners. For years, Tehran has sought the release of more than a dozen Iranians in the United States, including seven Iranian-American dual nationals, two Iranians with permanent U.S. residency and four Iranian citizens with no legal status in the United States. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran says prisoner swap deal struck with US, Washington denies

The war in Ukraine is approaching its first anniversary. So far, the cycle of death, destruction and dislocation has failed to stop. Peace talks have been ruled out. But both sides have regularly freed prisoners in swap. In a fresh swap, Russia and Ukraine traded almost 200 prisoners of war. Moscow says 63 Russian troops have returned from Ukraine following the swap. Russia added the swap includes some 'special category' prisoners. The release of special category prisoners was secured following mediation by the UAE. Zelensky's aide said 116 Ukrainians have returned. As per the international committee of the red cross, prisoners of war must be released and repatriated at the end of active hostilities. But some factors like health, parole policies and special agreements among states can lead to earlier release. It is unclear if Russia and Ukraine arrived at some agreement, leading to the latest swap.

Russia & Ukraine exchange prisoners of war | World News | WION

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
The Ukrainian body dealing with prisoners has alleged that the Russian side cancelled a scheduled prisoner exchange between the two warring nations at the last moment on Saturday.&nbsp;Taking to Telegram, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said, “Another round of exchange of prisoners was planned today with the Russian side,” adding that the exchange “was cancelled at the last moment at the initiative of the Russian side.”

Watch |&nbsp;War in Ukraine: Russia launches fresh attack on Ukrainian cities, claims victory in Soledar

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Reuters reportedly tried to reach the office of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, however, Moscow did not comment on Ukraine’s claim.

Previously, the two nations have conducted multiple prisoner swaps, exchanging hundreds of Prisoners of War&nbsp;(PoW) captured during this conflict, which has already dragged on into its 11th month.&nbsp;The most recent one as per Reuters was on January 8.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-capital-more-attacks-expected-elsewhere-552596">Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 5 killed, 27 injured</a>

On Saturday, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova stated on the messaging app Telegram that Russian soldiers had reported instances of abuse at the hands of the Ukrainian side while in their custody. However, the claims are yet to be verified.

Ukraine, too, had during a recent meeting between the two sides voiced concerns over alleged Russian violations of the Geneva Convention in its treatment of Ukrainian POWs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-soledar-city-controlled-by-kyiv-fight-ongoing-says-report-552635">Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report</a>

On Wednesday, talking to the press, Mirjana Spoljaric, the new head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said she had been “speaking with Russian counterparts”. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously criticised the organisation in recent months for not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukrainian troops captured by Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian body dealing with prisoners has alleged that the Russian side cancelled a scheduled prisoner exchange between the two warring nations at the last moment on Saturday. Taking to Telegram, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said, “Another round of exchange of prisoners was planned today with the Russian side,” adding that the exchange “was cancelled at the last moment at the initiative of the Russian side.” Watch | War in Ukraine: Russia launches fresh attack on Ukrainian cities, claims victory in Soledar Reuters reportedly tried to reach the office of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova, however, Moscow did not comment on Ukraine’s claim. Previously, the two nations have conducted multiple prisoner swaps, exchanging hundreds of Prisoners of War (PoW) captured during this conflict, which has already dragged on into its 11th month. The most recent one as per Reuters was on January 8. Also read | Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 5 killed, 27 injured On Saturday, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Moskalkova stated on the messaging app Telegram that Russian soldiers had reported instances of abuse at the hands of the Ukrainian side while in their custody. However, the claims are yet to be verified. Ukraine, too, had during a recent meeting between the two sides voiced concerns over alleged Russian violations of the Geneva Convention in its treatment of Ukrainian POWs. Also read | Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report On Wednesday, talking to the press, Mirjana Spoljaric, the new head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said she had been “speaking with Russian counterparts”. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously criticised the organisation in recent months for not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukrainian troops captured by Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute

Ukraine presidency’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Wednesday that the government was able to secure the release of 64 members of their military in the latest prisoner swap with Russia. Reuters also reported that the people who were involved in the swap also included a United States citizen.

"Sixty-four soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who fought in Donetsk and Lugansk -- in particular participated in the defence of the city of Bakhmut -- are going home," Yermak said on social media.

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"It was also possible to free a US citizen who helped our people -- Suedi Murekezi," he added.

Murekezi was arrested by the Russian forces in the Donetsk region in June and the authorities charged him with attending anti-Russian protests and “ethnic hatred”. Russia's state-run TASS news agency also said that he was born in Rwanda before moving to the US with his family in 1994.

This was the first prisoner swap since US basketball star Brittney Griner was allowed to return home from the Russian prison. In exchange, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout returned to his country.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine shot down 13 kamikaze drones in Kyiv attack: Zelensky

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In the aftermath of the high-profile exchange, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was open to more prisoner exchanges if both Russia and US can reach proper understandings.

The Donetsk region has turned into the latest conflict zone between the two forces after Ukraine was able to regain control of major parts of Kherson. The resistance forces have recently destroyed a key bridge in the region and there were reports of Russian missile strikes on the banks of Dnipro River.

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Ukraine presidency’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Wednesday that the government was able to secure the release of 64 members of their military in the latest prisoner swap with Russia.

Ukraine presidency’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Wednesday that the government was able to secure the release of 64 members of their military in the latest prisoner swap with Russia. Reuters also reported that the people who were involved in the swap also included a United States citizen. "Sixty-four soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who fought in Donetsk and Lugansk -- in particular participated in the defence of the city of Bakhmut -- are going home," Yermak said on social media. Also read | US slams China's LAC intrusion attempt, lauds India's de-escalation efforts "It was also possible to free a US citizen who helped our people -- Suedi Murekezi," he added. Murekezi was arrested by the Russian forces in the Donetsk region in June and the authorities charged him with attending anti-Russian protests and “ethnic hatred”. Russia's state-run TASS news agency also said that he was born in Rwanda before moving to the US with his family in 1994. This was the first prisoner swap since US basketball star Brittney Griner was allowed to return home from the Russian prison. In exchange, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout returned to his country. WATCH | Ukraine shot down 13 kamikaze drones in Kyiv attack: Zelensky In the aftermath of the high-profile exchange, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was open to more prisoner exchanges if both Russia and US can reach proper understandings. The Donetsk region has turned into the latest conflict zone between the two forces after Ukraine was able to regain control of major parts of Kherson. The resistance forces have recently destroyed a key bridge in the region and there were reports of Russian missile strikes on the banks of Dnipro River.

Ukraine secures release of 64 soldiers and civilians in prisoner swap with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his government is in favour of more prisoner swaps with the United States. The comments were made in the aftermath of a high-profile prisoner exchange between the two countries featuring American basketball star Brittney Griner and Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

More prisoner swaps 'possible' with United States, says Russian President Vladimir Putin

American NBA star and two time Olympic-champion Brittney Griner is released from a Russian prison and has been welcomed by her fellow athletes and also the sporting community. However, many still wait behind bars. Watch this report

The debate over prisoner swap: Griner freed, many wait behind bars

American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to the United States after being released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap. The 32-year-old, who was arrested by the Russian authorities in Moscow for possession of cannabis oil, was released in exchange for the 55-year-old Russian arms dealer called Viktor Bout. Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the US authorities.

AFP reported the Griner was spotted on the runway after her flight landed in San Antonio, Texas. It also claimed that WNBA star will undergo medical checks at a military facility in Texas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-lawmakers-hail-bout-griner-prisoner-swap-as-putins-win-state-media-541528">Russian lawmakers hail Bout-Griner swap as Putin’s ‘win’, capitulation by US</a>

The prisoner exchange between the two authorities took place in Abu Dhabi with footage released by the Russian state media showing the basketball star without her dreadlocks. Bout and Griner crossed each other on the airport tarmac and were taken to their respective flights.

US President Joe Biden earlier said that she was in "good spirits" after suffering "needless trauma."

Biden met with Griner’s wife – Cherelle Griner – when the prison exchange was announced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-fire-reported-in-a-suburban-shopping-centre-in-moscow-541468">One dead in massive shopping centre fire in Moscow, arson suspected</a>

"I'm just standing here, overwhelmed with emotions," Cherelle Griner said. "Today my family is whole, but as you all are aware there's so many other families who are not whole."

While the news of Griner’s release was greeted with celebrations, several people expressed disappointment at former US Marine Paul Whelan not being part of the deal.

Whelan was detained by the Russian authorities on accusations of espionage.

"I don't understand why I'm still sitting here," Whelan told CNN in a phone call.

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American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to the United States after being released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap. The 32-year-old, who was arrested by the Russian authorities in Moscow for possession of cannabis oil, was released in exchange for the 55-year-old Russian arms dealer called Viktor Bout.

American basketball star Brittney Griner returned to the United States after being released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap. The 32-year-old, who was arrested by the Russian authorities in Moscow for possession of cannabis oil, was released in exchange for the 55-year-old Russian arms dealer called Viktor Bout. Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the US authorities. AFP reported the Griner was spotted on the runway after her flight landed in San Antonio, Texas. It also claimed that WNBA star will undergo medical checks at a military facility in Texas. Also read | Russian lawmakers hail Bout-Griner swap as Putin’s ‘win’, capitulation by US The prisoner exchange between the two authorities took place in Abu Dhabi with footage released by the Russian state media showing the basketball star without her dreadlocks. Bout and Griner crossed each other on the airport tarmac and were taken to their respective flights. US President Joe Biden earlier said that she was in "good spirits" after suffering "needless trauma." Biden met with Griner’s wife – Cherelle Griner – when the prison exchange was announced. Also read | One dead in massive shopping centre fire in Moscow, arson suspected "I'm just standing here, overwhelmed with emotions," Cherelle Griner said. "Today my family is whole, but as you all are aware there's so many other families who are not whole." While the news of Griner’s release was greeted with celebrations, several people expressed disappointment at former US Marine Paul Whelan not being part of the deal. Whelan was detained by the Russian authorities on accusations of espionage. "I don't understand why I'm still sitting here," Whelan told CNN in a phone call.

Basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home in US after Russia prisoner swap

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in the United Arab Emirates last week to discuss the possibility of a prisoner-of-war swap that would be linked to a resumption of Russian ammonia exports, which&nbsp;go to Asia and Africa, via a Ukrainian pipeline, three sources with knowledge of the meeting said.&nbsp;

The sources said the talks were being mediated by the Gulf Arab state and did not include the United Nations despite the U.N.'s central role in negotiating the ongoing initiative to export agricultural products from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. Ammonia is used to make fertilizer.&nbsp;

However, the talks aim to remove remaining obstacles in the initiative extended last week and ease global food shortages by unblocking Ukrainian and Russian exports, they added.&nbsp;

The sources asked not to be named in order to freely discuss sensitive matters.&nbsp;

The Russian and Ukrainian representatives travelled to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi on Nov. 17 where they discussed allowing Russia to resume ammonia exports in exchange for a prisoner swap that would release a large number of Ukrainian and Russian prisoners, the sources said.&nbsp;

Reuters could not immediately establish what progress was made at the talks.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, told Reuters that "releasing our prisoners of war is part of negotiations over opening Russian ammonia exports", adding "Of course we look for ways to do that at any opportunity". Bodnar said he was unaware if a meeting took place in the UAE.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-opposition-leader-anwar-ibrahim-appointed-prime-minister-536981">Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim named prime minister</a>

Putin said on Wednesday that Russian officials would work to unblock Russian fertilisers stuck in European ports and to resume ammonia exports.&nbsp;

The UAE's foreign ministry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.&nbsp;

Lana Nusseibeh, UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Abu Dhabi remains firmly committed to help keep channels of communication open, encourage dialogue and support diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"In times of conflict, our collective responsibility is to leave no stone unturned towards identifying and pursuing paths that bring about a peaceful and swift resolution of crises," Nusseibeh said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM.&nbsp;

Russia and Ukraine's defence and foreign ministries did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.&nbsp;

Asked if the United Nations were involved in the talks, a spokesperson for the organisation declined to comment.&nbsp;

WESTERN PRESSURE&nbsp;

The export of Russian ammonia would be via an existing pipeline to the Black Sea.&nbsp;

The pipeline was designed to pump up to 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia gas per year from Russia's Volga region to Ukraine's Black Sea port of Pivdennyi, known as Yuzhny in Russian, near Odesa for onward shipment to international buyers. It was shut down after Russia sent its troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24.&nbsp;

The export of ammonia was not part of the renewal of the U.N.-backed grains corridor deal that restored commercial shipping from Ukraine.&nbsp;

Last week, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of U.N. agency UNCTAD, who leads the negotiations on fertiliser, said she was optimistic Russia and Ukraine could agree to the terms for the export of Russian ammonia via the pipeline, without giving details.&nbsp;

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly set several conditions before allowing Russia to resume its ammonia exports via the pipeline, including a prisoner swap and reopening of Mykolaiv port in the Black Sea.&nbsp;

Neither Russia nor Ukraine have released official figures on how many prisoners of war they have taken since Russia invaded in February. On Oct. 29, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy said that since March, Russia had freed a total of 1,031 prisoners.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-clamps-lockdown-in-zhengzhou-following-violent-protests-at-iphone-factory-536945">China locks down Zhengzhou after iPhone plant protest, Foxconn apologises over hiring</a>

Russia and Ukraine have disclosed few details about direct meetings between representatives from the two countries following the abandonment of ceasefire talks in the first few weeks following Moscow’s invasion on February 24.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi's efforts follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia, which scored&nbsp;a diplomatic win&nbsp;by securing freedom for foreign fighters captured in Ukraine in September.&nbsp;

The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, is a member of the OPEC+ oil alliance that includes Russia and has also maintained good ties with Moscow despite Western pressure to help isolate Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls its "special military operation".&nbsp;

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Moscow last month where he discussed with President Vladimir Putin the possibility of Abu Dhabi mediating for an ammonia deal, two of the sources said.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a major producer of grains and oilseeds. Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter and a major supplier of fertilisers to global markets.&nbsp;

Since July, Moscow has repeatedly said its shipments of grain and fertilisers, though not directly targeted by sanctions, are constrained because sanctions make it harder for exporters to process payments or to obtain vessels and insurance.&nbsp;

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Representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in the United Arab Emirates last week to discuss the possibility of a prisoner-of-war swap that would be linked to a resumption of Russian ammonia exports, which go to Asia and Africa, via a Ukrainian pipeline, three sources with knowledge of the meeting said.

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in the United Arab Emirates last week to discuss the possibility of a prisoner-of-war swap that would be linked to a resumption of Russian ammonia exports, which go to Asia and Africa, via a Ukrainian pipeline, three sources with knowledge of the meeting said. The sources said the talks were being mediated by the Gulf Arab state and did not include the United Nations despite the U.N.'s central role in negotiating the ongoing initiative to export agricultural products from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. Ammonia is used to make fertilizer. However, the talks aim to remove remaining obstacles in the initiative extended last week and ease global food shortages by unblocking Ukrainian and Russian exports, they added. The sources asked not to be named in order to freely discuss sensitive matters. The Russian and Ukrainian representatives travelled to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi on Nov. 17 where they discussed allowing Russia to resume ammonia exports in exchange for a prisoner swap that would release a large number of Ukrainian and Russian prisoners, the sources said. Reuters could not immediately establish what progress was made at the talks. The Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, told Reuters that "releasing our prisoners of war is part of negotiations over opening Russian ammonia exports", adding "Of course we look for ways to do that at any opportunity". Bodnar said he was unaware if a meeting took place in the UAE. Also read | Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim named prime minister Putin said on Wednesday that Russian officials would work to unblock Russian fertilisers stuck in European ports and to resume ammonia exports. The UAE's foreign ministry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. Lana Nusseibeh, UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Abu Dhabi remains firmly committed to help keep channels of communication open, encourage dialogue and support diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine. "In times of conflict, our collective responsibility is to leave no stone unturned towards identifying and pursuing paths that bring about a peaceful and swift resolution of crises," Nusseibeh said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM. Russia and Ukraine's defence and foreign ministries did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Asked if the United Nations were involved in the talks, a spokesperson for the organisation declined to comment. WESTERN PRESSURE The export of Russian ammonia would be via an existing pipeline to the Black Sea. The pipeline was designed to pump up to 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia gas per year from Russia's Volga region to Ukraine's Black Sea port of Pivdennyi, known as Yuzhny in Russian, near Odesa for onward shipment to international buyers. It was shut down after Russia sent its troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. The export of ammonia was not part of the renewal of the U.N.-backed grains corridor deal that restored commercial shipping from Ukraine. Last week, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of U.N. agency UNCTAD, who leads the negotiations on fertiliser, said she was optimistic Russia and Ukraine could agree to the terms for the export of Russian ammonia via the pipeline, without giving details. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly set several conditions before allowing Russia to resume its ammonia exports via the pipeline, including a prisoner swap and reopening of Mykolaiv port in the Black Sea. Neither Russia nor Ukraine have released official figures on how many prisoners of war they have taken since Russia invaded in February. On Oct. 29, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy said that since March, Russia had freed a total of 1,031 prisoners. Also read | China locks down Zhengzhou after iPhone plant protest, Foxconn apologises over hiring Russia and Ukraine have disclosed few details about direct meetings between representatives from the two countries following the abandonment of ceasefire talks in the first few weeks following Moscow’s invasion on February 24. Abu Dhabi's efforts follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia, which scored a diplomatic win by securing freedom for foreign fighters captured in Ukraine in September. The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, is a member of the OPEC+ oil alliance that includes Russia and has also maintained good ties with Moscow despite Western pressure to help isolate Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls its "special military operation". UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Moscow last month where he discussed with President Vladimir Putin the possibility of Abu Dhabi mediating for an ammonia deal, two of the sources said. Ukraine is a major producer of grains and oilseeds. Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter and a major supplier of fertilisers to global markets. Since July, Moscow has repeatedly said its shipments of grain and fertilisers, though not directly targeted by sanctions, are constrained because sanctions make it harder for exporters to process payments or to obtain vessels and insurance.

Russia, Ukraine met in UAE to discuss prisoner swap and ammonia: Report

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin will be willing to talk more seriously with Washington about a potential prisoner swap to secure the release of U.S. basketball star Brittney&nbsp;Griner.

"My hope is, now that the election is over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about prisoner exchange," Biden told reporters at a press conference. "My intention is to get her home," he added.

Biden's Democratic Party performed better than expected in the Nov. 8 midterms, with the Republicans appearing to fall short of the sweeping "red wave" victory they had sought. The Biden administration in late July proposed a prisoner swap with Russia to secure&nbsp;Griner's release, as well as that of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan who is also jailed there, but said Moscow had yet to respond positively.

Griner, 32, a star of the Women's National Basketball Association's Phoenix Mercury, was arrested on Feb. 17. Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent souring of ties between Washington and Moscow have complicated the talks.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist was arrested at a Moscow airport when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is banned in Russia, were found in her luggage. She was sentenced on Aug. 4 to nine years in a penal colony on charges of possessing and smuggling drugs. She had pleaded guilty, but said she had made an "honest mistake" and had not meant to break the law.

Last week, Russian authorities transferred&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;from a detention center outside Moscow and she is now on her way to an undisclosed penal colony, her legal team said on Wednesday. The move drew anger from the Biden administration.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;was being transferred to a "remote penal colony" and that the United States expects Russian authorities to provide its embassy officials with access to&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;and other Americans detained in Russia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketball-star-brittney-griner-on-her-way-to-penal-colony-reveal-lawyers-532549">Basketball star Brittney Griner on her way to penal colony in Russia, reveal lawyers</a>

"NEVER-ENDING NIGHTMARE"

The WNBA, in a statement, said it was "crushed" by the move, calling it a "scary, seemingly never-ending nightmare," adding "the lack of clarity and transparency in the process compounds the pain." Neither her current location nor her final destination are known, her legal team said and added that in line with Russian procedures, her attorneys and the U.S. Embassy should be notified upon her arrival, but that it would take up to two weeks for that to happen.

Russia did not notify the United States that&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;was being moved, according to a senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Reuters has requested comment from Russia's federal prison service on where&nbsp;Griner&nbsp;is being taken and where she is now. Transfers to penal colonies can be time-consuming as groups of prisoners are assembled and moved to different locations across the world's largest country.

Russia has refused to comment on the state of negotiations, saying such diplomacy should not be conducted in public. "Despite a lack of good-faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels," White House spokeswoman Karinne Jean-Pierre said.

Discussions over the proposed swap have "not been a static process," the senior State Department official added. Griner's lawyers have not yet said if they will attempt a further appeal against her conviction after a Russian court rejected an attempted appeal on Oct. 25.

Inmates in Russian penal colonies face a harsh regime of tedious manual work, poor hygiene and lack of adequate access to medical care. "Our primary concern continues to be BG's health and well-being,"&nbsp;Griner's agent, Lindsay Colas, said in a separate statement, referring to the player by her initials. "As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public's support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her," Colas said.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin will be willing to talk more seriously with Washington about a potential prisoner swap to secure the release of U.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin will be willing to talk more seriously with Washington about a potential prisoner swap to secure the release of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner. "My hope is, now that the election is over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about prisoner exchange," Biden told reporters at a press conference. "My intention is to get her home," he added. Biden's Democratic Party performed better than expected in the Nov. 8 midterms, with the Republicans appearing to fall short of the sweeping "red wave" victory they had sought. The Biden administration in late July proposed a prisoner swap with Russia to secure Griner's release, as well as that of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan who is also jailed there, but said Moscow had yet to respond positively. Griner, 32, a star of the Women's National Basketball Association's Phoenix Mercury, was arrested on Feb. 17. Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent souring of ties between Washington and Moscow have complicated the talks. The two-time Olympic gold medallist was arrested at a Moscow airport when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is banned in Russia, were found in her luggage. She was sentenced on Aug. 4 to nine years in a penal colony on charges of possessing and smuggling drugs. She had pleaded guilty, but said she had made an "honest mistake" and had not meant to break the law. Last week, Russian authorities transferred Griner from a detention center outside Moscow and she is now on her way to an undisclosed penal colony, her legal team said on Wednesday. The move drew anger from the Biden administration. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said Griner was being transferred to a "remote penal colony" and that the United States expects Russian authorities to provide its embassy officials with access to Griner and other Americans detained in Russia. ALSO READ | Basketball star Brittney Griner on her way to penal colony in Russia, reveal lawyers "NEVER-ENDING NIGHTMARE" The WNBA, in a statement, said it was "crushed" by the move, calling it a "scary, seemingly never-ending nightmare," adding "the lack of clarity and transparency in the process compounds the pain." Neither her current location nor her final destination are known, her legal team said and added that in line with Russian procedures, her attorneys and the U.S. Embassy should be notified upon her arrival, but that it would take up to two weeks for that to happen. Russia did not notify the United States that Griner was being moved, according to a senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Reuters has requested comment from Russia's federal prison service on where Griner is being taken and where she is now. Transfers to penal colonies can be time-consuming as groups of prisoners are assembled and moved to different locations across the world's largest country. Russia has refused to comment on the state of negotiations, saying such diplomacy should not be conducted in public. "Despite a lack of good-faith negotiation by the Russians, the U.S. government has continued to follow up on that offer and propose alternative potential ways forward with the Russians through all available channels," White House spokeswoman Karinne Jean-Pierre said. Discussions over the proposed swap have "not been a static process," the senior State Department official added. Griner's lawyers have not yet said if they will attempt a further appeal against her conviction after a Russian court rejected an attempted appeal on Oct. 25. Inmates in Russian penal colonies face a harsh regime of tedious manual work, poor hygiene and lack of adequate access to medical care. "Our primary concern continues to be BG's health and well-being," Griner's agent, Lindsay Colas, said in a separate statement, referring to the player by her initials. "As we work through this very difficult phase of not knowing exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we ask for the public's support in continuing to write letters and express their love and care for her," Colas said.

US President Joe Biden expects Russia to get more serious about prisoner swap for basketballer Brittney Griner

Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Monday (September 19) freed Mark Freirich, an American engineer in a prisoner swap. US in turn released Taliban-linked Afghan tribal leader Bashir Noorzai. US President Joe Biden granted clemency to the convicted drug smuggler who was detained since 2005.

Freirich was abducted in 2020 while working in Afghanistan. The prisoner exchange took place at Kabul airport.

Biden said Frerichs' release was the culmination of work by US officials and other governments. His administration has been under pressure from the families of Americans detained by hostile foreign governments and Biden says he wants to increase efforts for their release.

"Bringing the negotiations that led to Mark’s freedom to a successful resolution required difficult decisions, which I did not take lightly," Biden said in a statement, without confirming the release of Noorzai.

Reuters quoted an unnamed US official who said that Noorzai was given clemency by Biden.

Noorzai was detained under charges of drug smuggling of more than USD 50 million.

He was found guilty following a jury trial in New York in September 2008 and sentenced to life in prison in 2009.

Noorzai's lawyer had denied that his client was a drug dealer and argued that the charges should be dismissed because US&nbsp;officials duped him into believing he would not be arrested.

Frerichs is an engineer and US&nbsp;Navy veteran from Lombard, Illinois, who worked in Afghanistan for a decade on development projects. He was kidnapped in February 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Monday (September 19) freed Mark Freirich, an American engineer in a prisoner swap. US in turn released Taliban-linked Afghan tribal leader Bashir Noorzai.

Taliban regime in Afghanistan on Monday (September 19) freed Mark Freirich, an American engineer in a prisoner swap. US in turn released Taliban-linked Afghan tribal leader Bashir Noorzai. US President Joe Biden granted clemency to the convicted drug smuggler who was detained since 2005. Freirich was abducted in 2020 while working in Afghanistan. The prisoner exchange took place at Kabul airport. Biden said Frerichs' release was the culmination of work by US officials and other governments. His administration has been under pressure from the families of Americans detained by hostile foreign governments and Biden says he wants to increase efforts for their release. "Bringing the negotiations that led to Mark’s freedom to a successful resolution required difficult decisions, which I did not take lightly," Biden said in a statement, without confirming the release of Noorzai. Reuters quoted an unnamed US official who said that Noorzai was given clemency by Biden. Noorzai was detained under charges of drug smuggling of more than USD 50 million. He was found guilty following a jury trial in New York in September 2008 and sentenced to life in prison in 2009. Noorzai's lawyer had denied that his client was a drug dealer and argued that the charges should be dismissed because US officials duped him into believing he would not be arrested. Frerichs is an engineer and US Navy veteran from Lombard, Illinois, who worked in Afghanistan for a decade on development projects. He was kidnapped in February 2020. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taliban release US engineer in a prisoner swap

The Russian government could be trying to extract significant concessions from America through a basketball player. 6 months ago, Russia had arrested Brittney Griner. She has been found guilty of smuggling and sentenced to 9 years in jail. The Biden administration is now under pressure to ensure Griner's release. Washington has offered a prisoner to the Kremlin. The question is will Putin accept Biden's offer?

US offers prisoner swap to Russia | Fate of WNBA player hangs in balance

According to reports, the U.S. government is prepared to swap notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner, two Americans currently jailed in Russia. Molly Gambhir tells you all about this prisoner swap.

WION Fineprint: Arms dealer Viktor Bout could be freed in a prisoner swap

In a massive prisoner exchange, 144 soldiers, most former defenders of the Azovstal steelworks in the southern port city of Mariupol, had been freed in a prisoner swap with Moscow on Wednesday, Ukrainian officials said, as reported by AFP.

"This is the largest exchange since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion," the main intelligence directorate of Ukraine's defence ministry said on Telegram. "Of the 144 freed, 95 are Azovstal defenders," he added.&nbsp;

It did not specify when and where the swap took place or how many Russian prisoners were released as part of the exchange. But Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin said 144 soldiers from Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic -- the name of the breakaway region recognised by Moscow -- had "returned home".

The Ukrainian ministry statement said most of their exchanged soldiers had been seriously wounded by bullets or shell fragments, while others were suffering from burns and fractures.&nbsp;

It said that 43 of the freed servicemen belonged to the Azov regiment, a former paramilitary unit that is now integrated into the Ukrainian army.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-stock-market-slips-as-consumer-confidence-plummets-493036">Global stock market slips as consumer confidence plummets</a>

Russia considers the unit a neo-Nazi organisation and has previously said its soldiers should stand trial.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmygal confirmed the exchange on Telegram, saying only that the work to free the prisoners had been "complicated".

Moscow and Kyiv have exchanged prisoners several times since Russia invaded on February 24.

The most recent previous exchange took place on Tuesday and involved 17 Ukrainian prisoners.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In a massive prisoner exchange, 144 soldiers, most former defenders of the Azovstal steelworks in the southern port city of Mariupol, had been freed in a prisoner swap with Moscow on Wednesday, Ukrainian officials said, as reported by AFP.

In a massive prisoner exchange, 144 soldiers, most former defenders of the Azovstal steelworks in the southern port city of Mariupol, had been freed in a prisoner swap with Moscow on Wednesday, Ukrainian officials said, as reported by AFP. "This is the largest exchange since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion," the main intelligence directorate of Ukraine's defence ministry said on Telegram. "Of the 144 freed, 95 are Azovstal defenders," he added. It did not specify when and where the swap took place or how many Russian prisoners were released as part of the exchange. But Pro-Russian separatist leader Denis Pushilin said 144 soldiers from Russia and the Donetsk People's Republic -- the name of the breakaway region recognised by Moscow -- had "returned home". The Ukrainian ministry statement said most of their exchanged soldiers had been seriously wounded by bullets or shell fragments, while others were suffering from burns and fractures. It said that 43 of the freed servicemen belonged to the Azov regiment, a former paramilitary unit that is now integrated into the Ukrainian army. Also Read: Global stock market slips as consumer confidence plummets Russia considers the unit a neo-Nazi organisation and has previously said its soldiers should stand trial. Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmygal confirmed the exchange on Telegram, saying only that the work to free the prisoners had been "complicated". Moscow and Kyiv have exchanged prisoners several times since Russia invaded on February 24. The most recent previous exchange took place on Tuesday and involved 17 Ukrainian prisoners. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Massive Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, 144 Ukrainian soldiers freed

It is soon going to be 90 days since Russia chose to invade Ukraine. Residents and local fighters have been held captive and some have even been brought to Russia as prisoners. So authorities in Kyiv are trying to strike a deal with Moscow on how to bring Ukrainians back home

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-stranded-in-irans-chabahar-seek-govt-help-for-repatriation-397916">Iranian</a> government on Tuesday confirmed it has been holding talks with the United States on a prisoner swap deal.

"Negotiations are underway on the exchange of prisoners between Iran and America, and we will issue more information if Iranian prisoners are released and the country's interests are secured and the talks reach a conclusion," Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei said.

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Rabiei added that the government was ready to exchange all American political prisoners in exchange for all Iranian prisoners held in US jails.

The development comes as Iran engages with world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna.

The US envoy to&nbsp;Iran, Robert Malley had said earlier that the Biden administration is not ready to accept a "partial deal" on the release of prisoners.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said foreign minister Zarif had put forward a plan on prisoner swap with the US government.

In June last year under the Trump administration, Iran had freed US Navy veteran Michael White as the US government had set free an Iranian scientist Majid Teheri.

In 2016, Iran had freed four Americans as the US government freed seven Iranians after the nuclear deal was clinched under the Obama administration.

In May, Iran had denied media reports suggesting a prisoner swap deal with the United States, however, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh had said: "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued".

Iran and the US do not have official diplomatic relations since 1980.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Iranian government on Tuesday confirmed it has been holding talks with the United States on a prisoner swap deal. "Negotiations are underway on the exchange of prisoners between Iran and America, and we will issue more information if Iranian prisoners are released and the country's interests are secured and the talks reach a conclusion," Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei said.

The Iranian government on Tuesday confirmed it has been holding talks with the United States on a prisoner swap deal. "Negotiations are underway on the exchange of prisoners between Iran and America, and we will issue more information if Iranian prisoners are released and the country's interests are secured and the talks reach a conclusion," Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei said. Watch: Rabiei added that the government was ready to exchange all American political prisoners in exchange for all Iranian prisoners held in US jails. The development comes as Iran engages with world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna. The US envoy to Iran, Robert Malley had said earlier that the Biden administration is not ready to accept a "partial deal" on the release of prisoners. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said foreign minister Zarif had put forward a plan on prisoner swap with the US government. In June last year under the Trump administration, Iran had freed US Navy veteran Michael White as the US government had set free an Iranian scientist Majid Teheri. In 2016, Iran had freed four Americans as the US government freed seven Iranians after the nuclear deal was clinched under the Obama administration. In May, Iran had denied media reports suggesting a prisoner swap deal with the United States, however, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh had said: "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued". Iran and the US do not have official diplomatic relations since 1980. (With inputs from Agencies)

Negotiations underway on exchange of prisoners with US, confirms Iran

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. 
 
On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, told reporters at the end of a meeting with Kamel that members of the group discussed with the Egyptian security delegation the ceasefire with Israel and the process of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. 
 
Palestinian sources, close to Hamas, told Xinhua that Kamel discussed with the movement`s leader a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel. 
 
The sources said that Kamel, who on Sunday met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, carried an Israeli message that links between reconstruction and the missing Israelis in Gaza. 
 
"In regards to the issue of a prisoner exchange with the occupation (Israel), it is an independent subject and we will never accept linking it to the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip," al-Hayya said. 
 
Meanwhile, Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy chief of Hamas abroad, said that the movement completely rejects linking the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip with the issue of the release of the Israelis held in the enclave.

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, told reporters at the end of a meeting with Kamel that members of the group discussed with the Egyptian security delegation the ceasefire with Israel and the process of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources, close to Hamas, told Xinhua that Kamel discussed with the movement`s leader a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel. The sources said that Kamel, who on Sunday met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, carried an Israeli message that links between reconstruction and the missing Israelis in Gaza. "In regards to the issue of a prisoner exchange with the occupation (Israel), it is an independent subject and we will never accept linking it to the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip," al-Hayya said. Meanwhile, Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy chief of Hamas abroad, said that the movement completely rejects linking the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip with the issue of the release of the Israelis held in the enclave.

Hamas rejects linking Gaza reconstruction to prisoner swap

A senior White House official denied reports from Tehran that an agreement had been reached with Iran for the release of four Americans detained there. White House chief of staff Ron Klain said "there is no agreement to release these four Americans. We're working very hard to get them released".

US denies reports Iran poised to free four Americans

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks.

On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners.

"Under pressure from the (US) Congress and the need for immediate results" in the nuclear file, "the Americans agreed to pay $7 million and release four Iranians... in exchange for four American spies," the source reportedly said.

"The reports from informed sources are not confirmed, as it was said in the past," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference.

But he added that "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued", without elaborating.

A senior White House official had also denied the report on Sunday.

"There is no agreement to release these four Americans," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation".

"We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-zarif-apologises-on-same-day-khamanei-calls-leaked-remarks-a-big-mistake-382336">Iran: Zarif apologises on same day Khamanei calls leaked remarks 'a big mistake'</a>

Iranian state broadcaster also said that British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe would be freed. She has been imprisoned in Iran from 2016.

However, British officials played down the report of her release.

The reports came as Iran takes part in talks with world powers over reviving the 2015 deal over its nuclear programme.

On Saturday, negotiators meeting in the Austrian capital Vienna expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution.

The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then-US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks. On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners.

Iran denied media reports suggesting that a prisoner swap deal had been reached with the US parallely with nuclear deal talks. On Sunday, media outlets including Iranian state television had quoted "informed" source to say that Tehran and Washingtion would swap prisoners. "Under pressure from the (US) Congress and the need for immediate results" in the nuclear file, "the Americans agreed to pay $7 million and release four Iranians... in exchange for four American spies," the source reportedly said. "The reports from informed sources are not confirmed, as it was said in the past," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference. But he added that "there are always plans and ideas to be pursued", without elaborating. A senior White House official had also denied the report on Sunday. "There is no agreement to release these four Americans," White House chief of staff Ron Klain said on CBS's "Face the Nation". "We're working very hard to get them released. So far there is no agreement to bring these four Americans home," he said. Also Read | Iran: Zarif apologises on same day Khamanei calls leaked remarks 'a big mistake' Iranian state broadcaster also said that British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Radcliffe would be freed. She has been imprisoned in Iran from 2016. However, British officials played down the report of her release. The reports came as Iran takes part in talks with world powers over reviving the 2015 deal over its nuclear programme. On Saturday, negotiators meeting in the Austrian capital Vienna expressed "cautious and growing optimism" for a solution. The agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been on life support since then-US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran denies reports of prisoner swap with US

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce.

The formerly warring sides exchanged a total of 35 prisoners in the small southwestern town of Shwairif under the auspices of a Joint Military Commission (JMC) set up under the hard-won ceasefire, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said late Tuesday.

The two sides completed a first prisoner swap in the same town late last month.

"This second official exchange of detainees is the result of the steadfast commitment by the JMC to move forward with the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement," the UN mission said.

"In this spirit, UNSMIL calls on both parties to swiftly finalise ongoing negotiations to reopen the coastal road."

The main highway along Libya's Mediterranean coast linking the capital Tripoli in the west with second city Benghazi in the east has long been severed by the front line between the opposing administrations.

The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) controls Tripoli and most of the west while a rival administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar controls Benghazi and the east.

The fragile ceasefire between the two sides has largely held despite a threat by Haftar last month to resume fighting.

The next major test of the truce is a January 23 deadline for all foreign troops and mercenaries to leave Libya.

Turkey has deployed troops and Syrian militia allies in support of the GNA.

Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have dispatched military advisers and private contractors in support of Haftar.

UN chief Antonio Guterres proposed last month that international monitors be deployed to support the ceasefire amid hopes Libya can finally turn the page on a decade of war since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce.

The UN mission in Libya has welcomed a second exchange of prisoners between the country's rival administrations and called for faster progress on other parts of an October truce. The formerly warring sides exchanged a total of 35 prisoners in the small southwestern town of Shwairif under the auspices of a Joint Military Commission (JMC) set up under the hard-won ceasefire, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said late Tuesday. The two sides completed a first prisoner swap in the same town late last month. "This second official exchange of detainees is the result of the steadfast commitment by the JMC to move forward with the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement," the UN mission said. "In this spirit, UNSMIL calls on both parties to swiftly finalise ongoing negotiations to reopen the coastal road." The main highway along Libya's Mediterranean coast linking the capital Tripoli in the west with second city Benghazi in the east has long been severed by the front line between the opposing administrations. The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) controls Tripoli and most of the west while a rival administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar controls Benghazi and the east. The fragile ceasefire between the two sides has largely held despite a threat by Haftar last month to resume fighting. The next major test of the truce is a January 23 deadline for all foreign troops and mercenaries to leave Libya. Turkey has deployed troops and Syrian militia allies in support of the GNA. Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have dispatched military advisers and private contractors in support of Haftar. UN chief Antonio Guterres proposed last month that international monitors be deployed to support the ceasefire amid hopes Libya can finally turn the page on a decade of war since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

UN hails new Libya prisoner swap under October truce

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday.

The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014.

"A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-woman-among-casualties-in-nagorny-karabakh-heavy-fighting-330622">Also read:&nbsp;Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting</a>

The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source.

"It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. &nbsp;

A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement.

The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member.&nbsp;

The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families.

Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it."

The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018. The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014. "A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity. Also read: Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source. "It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement. The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member. The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families. Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it." The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen prisoner swap agreed: govt, rebel sources

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-russia-separatists-ukraine-to-swap-prisoners-270746">all-for-all prisoner swap</a>, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday.

The agreement was concluded by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris in December.

The swap is taking place at a check point near the industrial town of Horlivka in the Donetsk region.

Russia's RIA news agency, citing a local official from the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic, said Kiev would hand over 87 separatists, while Donetsk would return 55 pro-central government fighters.

Kiev's forces have been battling separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Sporadic fighting continues despite a ceasefire agreement.

There have been several prisoner exchanges between Kiev and the rebels. In the last swap, conducted in December 2017, Ukraine handed over about 300 captives to pro-Russian separatists and took back around 70.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and its subsequent support for separatists in the eastern Donbass region.

President Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the conflict.

Widely criticized domestically for his plan to grant special status to Donbass to help end the five-year conflict, Zelenskiy's latest actions have given rise to cautious optimism.

In September, after a carefully negotiated rapprochement, Russia and Ukraine swapped dozens of prisoners. The move brought Western praise and hopes that relations between Moscow and Kiev could thaw.

The released Ukrainians included sailors detained by Russia during a clash in waters off Crimea last year, and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, jailed in Russia.

The meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, German and French leaders earlier this month in Paris renewed optimism for a resolution to the conflict, and confirmed the relevance of an early peace agreement signed in Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015.

Relations between the two countries are also unlikely to be aggravated by a dispute in the gas sector, where Kiev and Moscow are arguing about a new transit contract to replace the current agreement which expires at the end of the year.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of using natural gas supplies to put pressure on the neighbouring state, but last week the parties managed to agree on the main points of a new deal.

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an all-for-all prisoner swap, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday.

Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have started an all-for-all prisoner swap, after which all remaining prisoners of the five-year conflict should return home, the office of Ukraine's president said on Sunday. The agreement was concluded by Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris in December. The swap is taking place at a check point near the industrial town of Horlivka in the Donetsk region. Russia's RIA news agency, citing a local official from the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic, said Kiev would hand over 87 separatists, while Donetsk would return 55 pro-central government fighters. Kiev's forces have been battling separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine since 2014 in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Sporadic fighting continues despite a ceasefire agreement. There have been several prisoner exchanges between Kiev and the rebels. In the last swap, conducted in December 2017, Ukraine handed over about 300 captives to pro-Russian separatists and took back around 70. Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and its subsequent support for separatists in the eastern Donbass region. President Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the conflict. Widely criticized domestically for his plan to grant special status to Donbass to help end the five-year conflict, Zelenskiy's latest actions have given rise to cautious optimism. In September, after a carefully negotiated rapprochement, Russia and Ukraine swapped dozens of prisoners. The move brought Western praise and hopes that relations between Moscow and Kiev could thaw. The released Ukrainians included sailors detained by Russia during a clash in waters off Crimea last year, and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, jailed in Russia. The meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, German and French leaders earlier this month in Paris renewed optimism for a resolution to the conflict, and confirmed the relevance of an early peace agreement signed in Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015. Relations between the two countries are also unlikely to be aggravated by a dispute in the gas sector, where Kiev and Moscow are arguing about a new transit contract to replace the current agreement which expires at the end of the year. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of using natural gas supplies to put pressure on the neighbouring state, but last week the parties managed to agree on the main points of a new deal.

Ukraine begins all-for-all prisoner swap with separatists

Russia called on the United States on Monday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-underestimating-russias-hybrid-warfare-pentagon-white-paper-232075">free Russian pilot Konstantin</a> Yaroshenko and proposed a prisoner swap with Washington to win the release of any American national held in Russia, Interfax news agency reported.

The comments may fuel speculation that Moscow is seeking a prisoner exchange involving Paul Whelan, a former US Marine arrested and held in Russia on spying charges that he denies and that he has likened to a political kidnap.

Yaroshenko is a pilot serving 20 years in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-will-do-all-it-can-to-improve-ties-with-us-231474"> United States for conspiracy to smuggle </a>cocaine into the country. He was arrested by US special forces in Liberia in 2010.

"Free Yaroshenko, swap him for an American or Americans who are serving their sentence here," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Interfax.

In later comments on the proposal carried by RIA news agency, Ryabkov said it would not be right to discuss exchanging Whelan given that he had yet to face trial in Russia. He said he had other US nationals in mind as possible swaps.

Whelan, who holds US, British, Canadian and Irish passports, was detained in a Moscow hotel room on December 28th.

Appearing in court last month, he appealed to US President Donald Trump to intervene to help him, saying "we cannot keep America great unless we aggressively protect" US nationals wherever they are.

Whelan said in May that he was being threatened in prison and subjected to humiliation.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Monday it had asked the Russian government to allow an independent assessment of his condition, but that the request had been denied and that Whelan's condition had worsened.

Ryabkov also urged the United States on Monday to return confiscated Russian diplomatic properties as a first step towards mending battered relations between the countries.

Ryabkov spoke a few days after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of a G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka.

Russia called on the United States on Monday to free Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko and proposed a prisoner swap with Washington to win the release of any American national held in Russia, Interfax news agency reported.

Russia called on the United States on Monday to free Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko and proposed a prisoner swap with Washington to win the release of any American national held in Russia, Interfax news agency reported. The comments may fuel speculation that Moscow is seeking a prisoner exchange involving Paul Whelan, a former US Marine arrested and held in Russia on spying charges that he denies and that he has likened to a political kidnap. Yaroshenko is a pilot serving 20 years in the United States for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the country. He was arrested by US special forces in Liberia in 2010. "Free Yaroshenko, swap him for an American or Americans who are serving their sentence here," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Interfax. In later comments on the proposal carried by RIA news agency, Ryabkov said it would not be right to discuss exchanging Whelan given that he had yet to face trial in Russia. He said he had other US nationals in mind as possible swaps. Whelan, who holds US, British, Canadian and Irish passports, was detained in a Moscow hotel room on December 28th. Appearing in court last month, he appealed to US President Donald Trump to intervene to help him, saying "we cannot keep America great unless we aggressively protect" US nationals wherever they are. Whelan said in May that he was being threatened in prison and subjected to humiliation. The US embassy in Moscow said on Monday it had asked the Russian government to allow an independent assessment of his condition, but that the request had been denied and that Whelan's condition had worsened. Ryabkov also urged the United States on Monday to return confiscated Russian diplomatic properties as a first step towards mending battered relations between the countries. Ryabkov spoke a few days after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of a G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka.

Russia proposes prisoner swap with US: Report

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