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Kushner Says U.S. Working Toward ‘Largest Prisoner Exchange’ of Russia’s War in Ukraine
Jared Kushner says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to include European partners in the next round of US-brokered peace talks, which are expected to address territorial disputes and Europe’s postwar security. He also said Washington is working towards what could be the war’s largest prisoner exchange, potentially reuniting thousands of people with their families.
The talks follow three days of diplomacy, including negotiations in Abu Dhabi and meetings with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin. Zelensky welcomed European participation and said ceasefires and de-escalation should be on the agenda. Kushner said progress had been made but significant differences remained; no comprehensive agreement is expected until the interconnected issues are addressed.
In short
- European partners are to join the next round of peace talks.
- Kushner says a prisoner exchange could reunite thousands with family.
- Territorial disputes and security guarantees remain key issues.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Including European partners could make negotiations more legitimate and durable, since Europe would be directly affected by any settlement and has a stake in Ukraine’s security. Addressing territory and postwar security together may help negotiators reach a workable package, while a large prisoner exchange would bring urgent relief to thousands of families.
The case against
Bringing more parties into talks could make already difficult negotiations slower and harder to manage, while discussion of territorial disputes and postwar security risks pressing Ukraine to accept terms it considers unjust or unsafe. Some may also worry that focusing on a prospective prisoner exchange could create an impression of progress before the major disagreements are resolved.