Russia and Ukraine discuss major prisoner exchange
A possible exchange of prisoners of war and other detainees was raised during US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi.
There is news on this story (Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:54): Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine enter second day
Follow-up to: Russia attacks Ukraine during peace talks Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 14:51
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
Russia and Ukraine discussed a major prisoner exchange during their talks in Abu Dhabi. A Ukrainian official said the details would be worked out further in the coming days, while an agreement on a ceasefire is still not in sight.
The delegations from Russia and Ukraine spoke for about four hours in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. They were the first US-mediated talks between the two countries in nine months. A second day of talks was scheduled for Wednesday.
According to a Ukrainian official, who was not authorised to speak publicly, a major prisoner exchange was discussed. The official gave no figures or timetable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, according to AP, that the talks focused mainly on humanitarian issues, including prisoners, Ukrainian civilians being held and children taken from Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the meeting ‘very productive’, but at the same time warned that a solution should not be expected within 24 hours. The US delegation included envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Trump and Zelensky were not present themselves.
According to Reuters, Kushner said earlier contacts had narrowed the differences between Moscow and Kyiv. Reuters writes, however, that the parties remain far apart over the terms of a peace settlement. Russian troops control about one-fifth of Ukraine, according to that source, one of the key points in negotiations over security and territory.
The talks are therefore a diplomatic channel, not a peace agreement. A prisoner exchange could have humanitarian significance, but in itself says nothing about a ceasefire or a political settlement to the war. Nor has it been independently confirmed how many people might be involved in a possible exchange or when it might take place.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The talks took place with US mediation.
- A possible major prisoner exchange was discussed, but details are lacking.
- There is no confirmed ceasefire or peace agreement.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that humanitarian agreements and the protection of civilians must take priority over quick geopolitical deals.
Values International law, protection of civilians and human security.
Consequences Fears that a settlement without firm guarantees would leave Ukrainians exposed to a new war.
Centre
Arguments Sees the prisoner exchange and talks as useful interim steps, but wants concrete verification and the involvement of European institutions.
Values Diplomacy, verifiability and institutional stability.
Consequences Emphasises that small agreements can build trust, but must not be confused with peace.
Right
Arguments Emphasises that Ukraine must use a strong negotiating position to secure safety and compliance.
Values Deterrence, national sovereignty and the aggressor’s responsibility.
Consequences Fears that concessions made too quickly would give Russia room to recover militarily and economically.
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 core facts have been confirmed by AP and Reuters. Unconfirmed figures and a timetable are explicitly presented as uncertain.
- confirmed Russia and Ukraine held talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 November. — AP and Reuters report the talks and the location. source
- confirmed A major prisoner exchange was discussed. — AP bases this on a Ukrainian official. source
- confirmed A peace agreement has not yet been reached. — Reuters describes major differences that remain; AP reports that further work is needed. source
Editor's note
The talks and the discussion of a possible prisoner exchange have been confirmed. Numbers, timing and an agreement on the exchange have not yet been confirmed.Sources
- Russia and Ukraine hold talks in Abu Dhabi with US mediation — AP News
- Russia and Ukraine hold first peace talks for nine months — Reuters via MarketScreener
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 (this article)
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 11:54 Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine enter second day
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „rusland oekraïne”
- de Volkskrant — „rusland oekraïne”
- RTL Nieuws — „rusland oekraïne”