Kushner announces resumption of direct talks and plans for prisoner exchange

Special envoy to US President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, published the outcomes of a three-day diplomatic cycle in Abu Dhabi. According to him, meetings with representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and European states allowed for the resumption of direct contact after a several-month pause and the achievement of an understanding regarding next steps.

Resumption of dialogue and Europe's role

As Kushner noted in his post on X, intensive work over three days facilitated progress in discussing mutual concerns, potential solutions, and a plan of action. A key agreement was the decision by Ukraine and Russia to involve European partners in the next round of negotiations. This will allow for discussions not only on territorial aspects between Kyiv and Moscow but also on the broader post-war security architecture in Europe.

Conditions for a ceasefire

The special envoy emphasised that ensuring a sustainable cessation of hostilities requires a comprehensive system, which must include:

• reliable security guarantees;
• conflict prevention mechanisms;
• mutual commitments by the parties to de-escalation.

At the same time, Kushner stressed that Washington would maintain close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US side confirmed that no broader security arrangements in Europe would be agreed upon without taking into account Ukraine's security interests.

Outlook and humanitarian initiatives

According to Kushner, interrelated issues would be discussed in parallel, but no final agreement would be reached until the parties agree on a comprehensive package of solutions (excluding humanitarian measures). Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that work is currently underway to organise the largest exchange of prisoners of war since the start of the full-scale war.

The US plans to publish the main directions of negotiations, the schedule, and additional details in the near future. Although Kushner acknowledged the existence of significant differences between the parties, he assessed the progress achieved as a basis for optimism. Donald Trump, according to the special envoy, remains committed to ending the war, and Washington will continue diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement.