Overview
- Direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations began Tuesday in Abu Dhabi under U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and resumed for a brief session Wednesday.
- Delegations reported agreement in principle on a large prisoner exchange, potentially 1,000 to 1,500 people per side, with concrete details to be negotiated next.
- Major gaps remain on territory and sequencing because Russia pressed for Ukrainian withdrawals from Donetsk while Kyiv says it will only consider movement in return for strong, long-term security guarantees.
- The second day of talks lasted under two hours and ended without a ceasefire as fighting and strikes continued, including attacks on Ukraine’s energy network that raise urgent humanitarian and winter-supply risks.
- President Zelensky used the talks to press for European involvement and secured Nordic support in Copenhagen, including roughly €600 million in military aid and €20 million for energy, which could shape any future security architecture.