The participants of the trilateral meeting in the UAE have agreed to prepare a large-scale prisoner exchange
The head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky stated that Russia does not intend to exchange occupied territories. The statement followed a two-day round of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia that concluded on November 11, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by Glavcom, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
During the meeting, which was the first of its kind in nine months, the parties discussed ending military hostilities, security guarantees for Ukraine, and humanitarian issues. Despite the discussions, Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the immutability of the Russian position regarding the seized territories, employing rhetoric about the “steadfastness of the Russian flag” on occupied lands.
Details of Russia’s position at the talks
The Russian negotiator also referenced a thesis previously voiced by Vladimir Putin, asserting that any territory entered by the Russian army becomes Russian. Experts compare such statements to Nazi propaganda from the Second World War era, particularly phrases used during the Battle of Stalingrad.
Outcomes of the meeting in the UAE
Despite a lack of consensus on territorial issues, the participants reached an agreement to prepare a prisoner exchange. The head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov and Vladimir Medinsky confirmed their intent to conduct such an exchange, though specific timelines and the number of individuals involved have not been disclosed.
Prospects for further consultations
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the primary condition for proceeding to security agreement discussions remains the cessation of military hostilities. Meanwhile, US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who participated in the meeting, noted that territorial settlement remains the most contentious issue. Following the conclusion of the round in Abu Dhabi, the American diplomats expressed an intention to visit Moscow for further consultations with the Russian side.
Photo: росЗМІ
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