Abu Dhabi Ukraine Talks End: US Envoys to Meet Putin in Moscow
The Abu Dhabi talks ended without a breakthrough, but US envoys head to Moscow to meet Putin on Thursday and a large prisoner swap is in the works.
Image: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
ABU DHABI, Nov 11 — Two days of US-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia ended in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday without a clear breakthrough, but US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff said they will travel to Moscow on Thursday to meet President Vladimir Putin, then fly to Dublin to brief President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The second day lasted about two hours, far shorter than the four-hour first session, and top Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky gave little sign that Moscow's demands had changed. The delegations did agree to pursue a large-scale prisoner exchange soon, with a 1,000-for-1,000 or 1,500-for-1,500 format raised, though the final number is still being agreed.
Key Takeaways
- Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi ended Nov 11 with no breakthrough; day two lasted about two hours.
- Kushner and Witkoff meet Putin in Moscow on Thursday, Nov 12, then brief Zelenskyy in Dublin.
- A large prisoner exchange is planned soon, with a 1,000-for-1,000 or 1,500-for-1,500 format raised.
- Zelenskyy called day one "constructive and quite substantive."
What the Abu Dhabi Talks Produced: Prisoner Swap and Moscow Trip
Kushner announced the Moscow trip in Abu Dhabi, saying the envoys saw "some openings and some opportunities." "Steve and I are going to travel to Moscow tomorrow to meet with President Putin," he said.
After Moscow, the envoys will fly to Dublin to meet Zelenskyy, who will be attending an informal meeting of EU leaders on Nov 13.
Zelenskyy said after the first day that "possible parameters for humanitarian steps" had been discussed and that the release of prisoners was a priority.
What Ukraine and Russia Want From the Next Round of Talks
The talks opened with a session between the Ukrainian delegation, the American envoys and European and NATO representatives. Witkoff shared a statement saying any future deal must respect Ukraine's sovereignty and provide credible security guarantees.
Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said the talks would focus on a regional security framework, a United States proposal accepted by Russia. One open question is sequencing: Kyiv and its European allies want a ceasefire first, while Moscow wants the political questions settled in the same package.
Umerov said Ukraine's team held a mandate from President Zelenskyy, with a halt to the fighting, security guarantees, economic recovery and humanitarian measures as priorities. Kyiv hopes to discuss prisoner exchanges and a possible maritime and energy ceasefire.
Medinsky said Moscow hoped for progress. The talks opened days after President Donald Trump said a broad deal was possible, and Trump also expects a separate three-way meeting with Presidents Putin and Xi in Shenzhen next week, as a trilateral summit with Russia is also being prepared for the gathering.
How the Abu Dhabi Talks Fit Into Four Years of Failed Peace Efforts
The war has lasted more than four and a half years since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The earlier American-mediated rounds ended without a settlement, though the second produced a prisoner exchange.
| Round | Dates | Venue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Jan 23-24, 2026 | Abu Dhabi | First meeting |
| Second | Feb 4-5, 2026 | Abu Dhabi | 157 prisoners swapped |
| Third | Feb 17-18, 2026 | Geneva | No breakthrough |
| Fourth | Nov 10-11, 2026 | Abu Dhabi | No breakthrough; swap agreed; envoys to Moscow |
Russia stepped up attacks on Ukraine's energy grid before the talks, as strikes cut power to hundreds of thousands across the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions.
The next step is the Moscow meeting on Thursday. No joint statement was issued in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Abu Dhabi talks the first Ukraine-Russia talks since February 2026?
Yes. The last trilateral meeting was in Geneva on February 17-18, 2026. Two earlier rounds were held in Abu Dhabi in January and February 2026.
What security guarantees is Ukraine asking for in the Abu Dhabi talks?
Kyiv wants lasting security guarantees as part of any settlement, alongside a halt to the fighting. The statement shared by Witkoff said any deal must respect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independent decision-making.
Who is leading the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Abu Dhabi?
Ukraine's delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, with Kyrylo Budanov, Davyd Arakhamia and Sergiy Kyslytsya. Russia's is led by Vladimir Medinsky, with Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Ryabkov.
What happens after the Abu Dhabi Ukraine talks end?
Kushner and Witkoff travel to Moscow on Thursday, Nov 12, to meet Putin, then fly to Dublin to brief Zelenskyy, who is attending an informal meeting of EU leaders on Nov 13. No fifth round of talks has been scheduled, and no leaders' summit has been set.
