Ukraine and Russia discuss exchange of thousands of prisoners
Volodymyr Zelensky says the exchange would involve 1,200 to 1,300 people on each side, but the exact number has not yet been settled.
Follow-up to: Europe may join next Ukraine talks Friday, 13 November 2026, 01:49
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Ukraine and Russia have discussed a large prisoner exchange, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky says the two countries could exchange around 1,200 to 1,300 people. According to Zelensky, the arrangements have not yet been implemented and the precise number is still being established.
The possible exchange followed talks in Moscow between American negotiators and Russian representatives, according to Zelensky. He said agreement had been reached on an exchange of more than a thousand people on each side. According to Zelensky, it is a humanitarian arrangement within broader diplomatic contacts over the war.
According to AP, the president made his comments public on Friday, but their publication was delayed until Saturday. Zelensky said the exact number was still being determined. No independent confirmation from the Russian side of the exchange’s scale or timetable can be found in the available public sources.
The talks in Abu Dhabi covered several subjects, according to Zelensky. He said Ukraine wanted, among other things, a ceasefire around energy infrastructure, the reopening of shipping in the Black Sea and preparations for discussions between the leaders. According to him, the Russian delegation lacked a mandate to take decisions on some issues.
The prisoner exchange therefore does not mean that an agreement on a ceasefire or peace settlement has been reached. The American talks are taking place alongside discussion of a possible new European security framework. Zelensky warned that Russia could, in his view, use that discussion to challenge the security order in Europe and NATO’s role.
For the Netherlands and other European countries, the key point is that Europe must be directly involved in future negotiations, according to Zelensky. The humanitarian arrangement could support confidence in the talks, but as long as its implementation and the numbers have not been confirmed, it remains a proposed exchange rather than a completed one.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Zelensky says that a large prisoner exchange was discussed in contacts with American negotiators.
- The exact number and implementation of the exchange have not yet been confirmed.
- The talks form part of broader negotiations over the war and the European security order.
Left
Arguments A large prisoner exchange is first and foremost a humanitarian step and should be expanded into a ceasefire and protection for civilians.
Values Human security, international law and diplomacy over military pressure.
Consequences A successful exchange can build trust, but without a broader ceasefire its impact will remain limited.
Centre
Arguments The exchange should be carried out in a practical and verifiable manner, while security negotiations can continue in parallel.
Values Institutional reliability, verification and feasibility.
Consequences A step-by-step approach can produce results without pre-empting a comprehensive peace agreement.
Right
Arguments Ukraine must prevent a humanitarian arrangement from being used to force concessions on territory or NATO membership.
Values National sovereignty, deterrence and security guarantees.
Consequences Caution may prevent Russia from gaining time, but could also reduce the chances of further exchanges.
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 is based on AP and clearly describes an announced exchange that has not yet been carried out. The estimated number is attributed to Zelensky and is not presented as an established fact.
- confirmed Zelensky refers to a possible exchange of 1,200 to 1,300 people on each side. — AP quotes Zelensky giving this estimate. source
- confirmed The exact number and implementation have not yet been established. — AP reports that the exact number was still being determined. source
- confirmed Zelensky says European countries should participate directly in future talks. — AP describes this appeal and the European countries mentioned. source
Editor's note
The scale of the exchange is Zelensky’s estimate and has not been independently confirmed; its implementation and exact numbers remain unknown.Sources
The story so far
- Thursday, 12 November 2026, 20:48 European leaders discuss role in peace talks
- Thursday, 12 November 2026, 22:48 Zelensky discusses support and peace talks in Dublin
- Friday, 13 November 2026, 01:49 Europe may join next Ukraine talks
- Friday, 13 November 2026, 19:13 Five countries and EU to represent Europe in Ukraine talks
- Saturday, 14 November 2026, 10:45 Ukraine launches heavy drone attack during peace talks
- Saturday, 14 November 2026, 13:00 Ukraine and Russia discuss exchange of thousands of prisoners (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „oekraïne rusland”
- Het Parool — „oekraïne rusland”
- Trouw — „oekraïne rusland”