US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded in Abu Dhabi after two days of discussions, the first between the two sides since February. The primary tangible result of the meetings was an agreement for a large-scale prisoner exchange, described by US envoy Jared Kushner as the biggest ever. While the specific numbers are to be finalized, both nations confirmed the decision, marking the largest humanitarian release since the war began in 2022.
Despite the prisoner exchange, no major breakthrough was achieved regarding a broader peace agreement, a ceasefire, or territorial disputes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the meetings as very productive, and President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions constructive and substantive, praising changes in the approach by US mediators. However, the Russian delegation remained resistant to the idea of a ceasefire, with Russia's chief negotiator stating that mutual understanding was reached on some issues but not others.
The talks, led by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, highlighted a deepening split between US and European visions for approaching Russia. Washington called for a new security framework, while President Zelensky noted that political changes have created a window of opportunity for peace. To continue the diplomatic effort, Kushner and Witkoff are scheduled to visit Moscow on Thursday to meet with President Vladimir Putin, followed by a meeting with President Zelensky in Dublin.