By — Bassam Hatoum, Associated Press Bassam Hatoum, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/russia-and-ukraine-agree-to-a-large-prisoner-exchange-as-talks-end-with-no-major-breakthrough Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Russia and Ukraine agree to a large prisoner exchange as talks end with no major breakthrough World Nov 11, 2026 5:59 PM EST ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Russia and Ukraine agreed to a large exchange of prisoners of war, both sides said Wednesday as two days of U.S.-mediated talks concluded with no major breakthrough on ending Moscow's nearly 5-year-old full-scale invasion. Hopes had been low for any significant development in the first meeting in nine months between the delegations. Russia and Ukraine have from time to time swapped POWs but have remained far apart in their demands for accepting a peace settlement. READ MORE: Russia and Ukraine hold nearly 4 hours of U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi U.S. officials say they are determined to revive Washington's peace efforts that so far have failed to deliver significant results. Along with postwar security guarantees for both countries, other key hurdles…
Russia and Ukraine agree to a large prisoner exchange as talks end with no major breakthrough
In short
The two-day session concluded with delegates agreeing in principle to free captured troops, an operation expected to materialize within two to three weeks. However, substantive negotiations broke down over the status of Russian-occupied territories and whether European allies should participate in future discussions. U.S. representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are continuing mediation efforts by traveling directly to Moscow and Dublin to consult with heads of state.
Key points
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will refuse to cede any o…: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will refuse to cede any occupied territory to secure peace.
- American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff plan to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow and…: American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff plan to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin.
- Moscow continues to oppose the immediate direct inclusion of European nations in negotiat…: Moscow continues to oppose the immediate direct inclusion of European nations in negotiations despite pushback from Ukraine and the United States.