Russia, Ukraine and US hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi; Prisoner exchange among key outcomes
Babushahi Bureau
Abu Dhabi (UAE), November 11, 2026: Russia, Ukraine and the United States have held two days of peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, renewing diplomatic efforts to end the nearly five-year-old war between Moscow and Kyiv. The discussions focused on humanitarian issues, security arrangements and possible steps towards de-escalation.
The negotiations, held on November 10 and 11, were the first round of US-mediated trilateral discussions since February. US President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to bring the two sides closer to an agreement after previous diplomatic efforts failed to produce a breakthrough.
The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Russia’s delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, while Ukraine was represented by a team headed by Rustem Umerov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the initial discussions as constructive and substantive. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also termed the first day’s negotiations productive, although he cautioned that ending the conflict would require further diplomatic engagement.
Prisoner exchange and humanitarian issues on agenda
Humanitarian concerns featured prominently in the discussions, including the possibility of exchanging prisoners of war and securing the return of Ukrainian civilians held in captivity, including children taken from Ukraine.
The delegations also discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and measures to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Following the negotiations, officials indicated progress towards a large-scale prisoner exchange. However, several major disagreements remain unresolved.
Territorial disputes remain major obstacle
Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, Russia and Ukraine continue to hold sharply different positions on the conditions for ending the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained demands involving Ukrainian territorial concessions, including the Donbas region, as well as restrictions on Ukraine’s military and its ambitions to join NATO.
Kyiv, meanwhile, has rejected territorial concessions under pressure and insists on credible security guarantees to prevent another Russian invasion.
The negotiations also took place against the backdrop of continued military attacks. Russian strikes have targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other facilities, while both countries have reported drone and missile operations.
European representatives from countries including Britain, France and Germany, along with officials from NATO and the European Commission, were also involved in consultations surrounding the Abu Dhabi negotiations.
European governments have expressed concern that decisions concerning Ukraine’s security and the wider European security framework should not be made without their participation.
The latest discussions mark another attempt by Washington to revive negotiations, but a comprehensive peace agreement remains uncertain as the two sides continue to disagree over territory, security arrangements and the future political and military position of Ukraine.