Ukraine and Russia end talks without breakthrough
The two countries do agree in principle to a major exchange of prisoners of war.
Follow-up to: Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine enter second day Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:54
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Two days of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi produced no major breakthrough on ending the war. Both sides did say they wanted to carry out a major exchange of prisoners of war.
According to AP, the talks were mediated by the United States and were the first meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in nine months. AP said the meeting ended on Wednesday after a session lasting almost two hours; on Tuesday, the delegations had spoken for about four hours.
According to the negotiators involved, the announced prisoner exchange has been agreed in principle. The arrangement therefore remains provisional. It is a concrete humanitarian outcome, but not an agreement on a ceasefire or a peace settlement.
Key points of dispute remain the future of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and security guarantees after any potential agreement. According to AP, Ukraine wants to prevent Russia from attacking again. European governments believe, according to AP, that talks on European security arrangements can begin only after a ceasefire.
Europe's role was itself part of the dispute. Russia said European representatives could eventually join the talks, but argued that European statements showed no willingness to bring peace closer. European countries and Ukraine, by contrast, do not want Russia to gain influence over European security arrangements without first having clarity on a ceasefire.
The US government says it wants to continue its mediation efforts. At the same time, the talks show that the parties remain far apart on the substance of a political settlement. For the Netherlands, Europe's position and Ukraine's future security could have implications for decisions on military and financial support.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The talks took place in Abu Dhabi and were mediated by the United States.
- The delegations agreed in principle to a prisoner exchange.
- There was no breakthrough on ending the war.
- Territory, security guarantees and Europe's role remain unresolved.
Left
Arguments This perspective emphasises that lasting peace requires security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe's involvement, so that an agreement does more than merely pause the current fighting.
Values International law, the protection of civilians and solidarity with Ukraine.
Consequences A quick deal without guarantees could, in this view, lead to a new war; support and diplomacy should therefore be maintained.
Centre
Arguments The institutional approach emphasises a phased process: humanitarian arrangements first, followed by a ceasefire and only then the most difficult security issues.
Values Feasibility, diplomatic continuity and verifiable agreements.
Consequences That could produce small results without immediately resolving the core of the conflict.
Right
Arguments This perspective emphasises that peace will be credible only if Russia is deterred and Ukraine does not remain indefinitely dependent on foreign support.
Values National security, deterrence and responsibility for its own defence.
Consequences A weak agreement could, in this view, reward Russia and put Europe's security under further pressure.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text distinguishes the concrete humanitarian outcome from the absence of a political breakthrough. The positions of Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the United States were checked against AP and Reuters.
- confirmed The talks ended without a major breakthrough on ending the war. — AP describes the end of the two days of talks as producing no major breakthrough. source
- confirmed Russia and Ukraine agreed in principle to a major prisoner exchange. — AP reports confirmation by both delegations and the provisional status. source
- confirmed Territory and security guarantees remain key points of dispute. — AP identifies both issues as the main obstacles still remaining. source
Editor's note
The prisoner exchange has been confirmed by both delegations, but according to AP has only been agreed in principle. There is no indication of a ceasefire or peace agreement.Sources
The story so far
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 06:20 Ukraine talks begin as Europe remains outside the room
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 14:51 Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 07:24 New Russian attack hits Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 09:23 Two Russian missiles cross Moldovan airspace
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 10:25 Russia and Ukraine discuss major prisoner exchange
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:54 Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine enter second day
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 18:24 Ukraine and Russia end talks without breakthrough (this article)