Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement in principle on what could become the largest prisoner-of-war exchange since the conflict began, following two days of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi. However, the discussions, which concluded on November 11, failed to produce a significant breakthrough toward ending the war, with both sides remaining divided over territorial disputes, security guarantees and Europe’s role in future negotiations.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner, who participated alongside fellow envoy Steve Witkoff, said officials would finalize the number of prisoners eligible for release on Thursday. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky and Ukrainian delegation leader Rustem Umerov confirmed the preliminary agreement, although the details remain unresolved. The negotiations marked the first direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations since February, representing a renewed diplomatic effort despite continuing hostilities.
Kushner described the proposed exchange as an important humanitarian development that could reunite families and help establish confidence between the two countries. He said the discussions were detailed and substantive, with both delegations presenting proposals aimed at narrowing their differences. Following the Abu Dhabi meetings, Kushner and Witkoff are expected to travel to Moscow on Thursday for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin, Ireland.
Despite progress on the prisoner exchange, major disagreements remain over the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, postwar security arrangements and the participation of European governments in negotiations. Ukraine continues to seek binding guarantees against future Russian aggression, while Moscow has opposed direct European involvement and demanded restrictions on NATO’s military presence near its borders. Umerov said Ukrainian representatives would separately consult European Union and NATO officials in Abu Dhabi, while Kushner indicated that European participation would be necessary in future discussions concerning regional security guarantees.
The diplomatic efforts unfolded amid continued military escalation. Ukrainian authorities reported that three people were killed and 11 injured in a Russian strike on a market in the southern Odesa region, while overnight attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv injured seven civilians. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces intercepted 627 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 150 near St. Petersburg. Regional officials also reported a drone-related fire at the major oil-export port of Ust-Luga, where three workers were injured.
The negotiations concluded without a ceasefire agreement or a clear framework for resolving the conflict. Although the proposed prisoner exchange represents a potential humanitarian achievement, substantial differences over territorial sovereignty, military security and international involvement continue to complicate efforts to reach a lasting peace settlement.
