Following a meeting with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that preparations were under way for the largest-ever exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, the talks in Abu Dhabi had yielded progress and offered hope for an end to the war, whilst Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to involve European representatives in the next round of diplomatic talks.
- Zelenskyy has announced the largest exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia.
- The dates of the exchange and the final number of those released have not yet been announced.
- Putin has agreed to the participation of European representatives in the forthcoming talks.
- The President of Ukraine announced that progress had been made following the meetings in Abu Dhabi.
Ukraine and Russia are preparing a large-scale prisoner exchange
Whilst speaking to journalists in Ireland on 12 November Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv and Moscow had reached an agreement on a large-scale release of prisoners of war. The preparations for the exchange were the main practical outcome tripartite talks Ukraine, the USA and Russia, which took place on 10–11 November in Abu Dhabi.
«There will be the largest prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the Russian Federation,» the president said.
Zelenskyy did not specify the exact number of servicemen due to be repatriated. The date of the exchange also remains unknown, as the parties continue to agree on the lists and organisational details.
American special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the agreement reached following a meeting with Putin at the Kremlin. He said that the exchange is due to take place in the near future, and that the parties also discussed other humanitarian issues.
Putin has agreed to allow Europe to take part in the peace talks
Another outcome of the diplomatic contacts was an agreement on the possible expansion of the negotiating format to include European countries.
According to Zelenskyy, US officials informed him of their agreement Putin to involve Europe in the next round of negotiations.
Vitkoff also stated that European partners would take part in the next meeting. Jared Kushner He clarified that Washington had already begun discussions with European states on the future security architecture on the continent and on long-term relations between Ukraine, Russia and Europe.
At the same time, Moscow continues to oppose deployment of European troops on Ukrainian territory following a possible ceasefire. During talks in the Kremlin, Putin once again described such a scenario as unacceptable to Russia.
The talks in Abu Dhabi have raised hopes that the war will come to an end
Zelenskyy welcomed the outcome of the talks, which had resumed direct trilateral dialogue between Ukraine, the US and Russia after a nine-month hiatus.
The President emphasised that the meetings in Abu Dhabi had led to progress and created opportunities for further diplomatic steps. Following talks with Putin, the American envoys travelled to Ireland, where they personally briefed the Ukrainian President on Moscow’s position.
Despite the agreements on prisoners of war, key differences remain unresolved. These primarily concern Russia’s territorial claims, security guarantees for Ukraine and the conditions for a ceasefire.
The Russian delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi for the talks with strict instructions. Moscow continues to demand the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas, whilst Kyiv rejects territorial concessions as a precondition for peace.
