Russia and Ukraine Agree During Abu Dhabi Peace Talks
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ABU DHABI, November 12, 2026: Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement in principle on a major prisoner-of-war exchange following two days of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
The discussions represent an important humanitarian development in the ongoing conflict, although major disagreements over territory and security arrangements remain unresolved.
Potential exchange of 1,000 to 1,500 prisoners
During the negotiations, representatives discussed an exchange that could involve approximately 1,000 to 1,500 prisoners from each side.
US envoy Jared Kushner described the proposed arrangement as a significant humanitarian release. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also indicated that the exchange could be substantial.
The final number of prisoners and the exchange schedule were yet to be confirmed as of November 12.
No major breakthrough on ending the war
Despite the progress on prisoner exchanges, the talks did not produce a major breakthrough on ending the war.
The key disagreements include:
- Territorial control in eastern Ukraine.
- Post-war security guarantees.
- The future of occupied Ukrainian territories.
- Europe’s participation in future negotiations.
Ukraine has maintained that it will not accept territorial concessions as a condition for peace.
What happens next?
US representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They are also expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin.
The discussions could help prepare another round of diplomatic negotiations.
