Ukraine-Russia Talks End First Day Without Agreement

U.S.-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi ended their first day on November 10 without an announced agreement, after nearly four hours of discussion. Ukrainian officials said the talks were scheduled to resume November 11, with humanitarian steps, security guarantees and de-escalation among the issues discussed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was briefed by his negotiating team, described the discussions as constructive and substantive. He said negotiators addressed possible humanitarian measures, the substance of security guarantees for Ukraine and steps to reduce tensions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the session productive, while saying considerable work remained before a comprehensive settlement could be reached.

Zelensky said the teams discussed a possible exchange of either 1,000 or 1,500 prisoners of war per side. No exchange arrangement was announced. He also said Russia’s delegation raised territorial issues, which he described as matters for leaders to decide. The discussions did not resolve the parties’ competing positions over territory.

A U.S. official said the two sides had shown some private flexibility on territorial...