Russia and Ukraine have agreed in principle to a large prisoner exchange following two days of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, although major disagreements over ending the war remain unresolved.
The negotiations concluded on Wednesday, November 11, with Ukrainian and Russian representatives confirming the planned exchange. US envoy Jared Kushner said the final number of prisoners would be determined on Thursday.
No ceasefire or territorial settlement was announced. Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and Russia’s Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the exchange agreement without providing a final timetable for its implementation.
The diplomatic effort continued on Thursday as Kushner and fellow US negotiator Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported. The envoys also planned to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ireland.
The negotiations have not halted fighting. Reuters reported explosions in Kyiv early on Thursday, while Moscow’s mayor said Russian air defences had intercepted drones approaching the capital.
The United Arab Emirates hosted the negotiations, which began on November 10. Its foreign ministry said the country was supporting US efforts to facilitate dialogue and a political solution, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan attending the opening.
The prisoner agreement represents a humanitarian step rather than a settlement of the wider conflict. The next diplomatic meetings are expected to address issues that remained outstanding after Abu Dhabi, including territory and security arrangements.
