Russia and Ukraine continue peace negotiations today in Abu Dhabi / The issue of territories and a prisoner exchange, the main topics on the agenda of the talks

Russia and Ukraine are continuing peace negotiations mediated by the United States in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, November 11, resumed after a break of approximately nine months. The second day of talks is primarily dedicated to the issue of territories, one of the most difficult matters standing in the way of an agreement.

The first meeting, held on Tuesday and concluded after approximately four hours, focused on a possible prisoner exchange, the release of civilians, and the return of Ukrainian children transferred to Russia. Kyiv announced progress regarding a new prisoner exchange, but no agreement was confirmed.

The negotiations’ agenda also includes reducing attacks on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine. The United States discussed the possibility of commitments similar to the mechanism provided for in Article 5 of NATO.

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky. Moscow is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the regions claimed in 2022, while Kyiv rejects ceding territories and is calling for credible guarantees. So far, no agreement on a ceasefire has been announced.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the peace talks during the first meeting were constructive, while Marco Rubio described them as “very productive”.