Russia–Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi end with a big prisoner swap but no peace breakthrough; US envoys meet Putin today
Zelenskyy says up to 1,000–1,200 prisoners each could be exchanged. Territory and security guarantees remain unresolved.
- Talks: 2 days, first in 9 months
- Swap discussed: 1,000–1,200 each (not final)
- European summit in Dublin: ~50 leaders
How the talks ended
Two days of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine, their first face-to-face meeting in nine months, ended in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Both sides confirmed a large prisoner exchange, which US envoy Jared Kushner called the biggest humanitarian release of prisoners, but he also said there is still no trust between the sides. Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said the swap was agreed in principle; President Zelenskyy said Kyiv was waiting for Moscow's answer on 1,000 for 1,000, possibly up to 1,200.
What's next
Kushner and Steve Witkoff were due to meet President Putin in Moscow on Thursday, then fly to Dublin to brief Zelenskyy at a summit of about 50 European leaders. The big issues, including territory, security guarantees after the war and Europe's role, are still open.
