Abu Dhabi Talks: Territorial Disputes and Agreement on Prisoner Exchange
World
Two days of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States have ended in Abu Dhabi, where territory and security guarantees were discussed. Ukraine rejected a US proposal to redraw the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, The Telegraph reported. The sides also agreed to prepare a major prisoner exchange.
The talks were held on November 10–11 under US mediation. According to The Telegraph, envoys of US President Donald Trump floated a compromise under which Russia could claim control of all Donbas along the current frontline, while Ukraine would retain the cities it still holds. A Ukrainian source said Kyiv had not discussed ceding occupied territory and would not recognise it de facto or de jure. Moscow’s demand for about 5,000 square kilometres in Donetsk and Luhansk regions remains a key obstacle.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky said European security architecture was the central topic. He said some issues showed common ground, but talks would continue. He called for a security system that did not disadvantage states and criticised Europe for offering no concrete peace proposals.
Medinsky also announced an agreement on a large-scale prisoner exchange. A “1,000 for 1,000” format was discussed; details remain to be finalised. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the meetings had established a basis for further work.
Ukrainian media reported that Moscow demanded NATO halt enlargement, reduce its presence in countries that joined after 1997, and limit cooperation with Ukraine and other post-Soviet states. Russia links these demands to its security guarantees.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner said they would travel to Moscow on November 12 to meet President Vladimir Putin, then continue to Dublin for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kyiv said it would withhold details until there was a result. No ceasefire or territorial agreement was announced after the Abu Dhabi meetings. EU officials also consulted Kyiv’s team, despite Moscow’s objections to their role in talks. Further talks are set.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky said European security architecture was the central topic. He said some issues showed common ground, but talks would continue. He called for a security system that did not disadvantage states and criticised Europe for offering no concrete peace proposals.
Medinsky also announced an agreement on a large-scale prisoner exchange. A “1,000 for 1,000” format was discussed; details remain to be finalised. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the meetings had established a basis for further work.
Ukrainian media reported that Moscow demanded NATO halt enlargement, reduce its presence in countries that joined after 1997, and limit cooperation with Ukraine and other post-Soviet states. Russia links these demands to its security guarantees.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner said they would travel to Moscow on November 12 to meet President Vladimir Putin, then continue to Dublin for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kyiv said it would withhold details until there was a result. No ceasefire or territorial agreement was announced after the Abu Dhabi meetings. EU officials also consulted Kyiv’s team, despite Moscow’s objections to their role in talks. Further talks are set.
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