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Title card: Russia and Ukraine: the war and the peace talks

Russia and Ukraine: the talks, the public positions and unresolved questions

U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10–11 produced a prisoner-exchange agreement in principle. This page separates the documented talks from government claims and unresolved questions.

By Last updated

Developing

Checked against sources retrieved on Nov. 13, 2026. Statements and figures are dated below.

Built from published records and reports; we show what each claim rests on, not a verdict of our own.

About this format and its limits

This page sets out the war and the current talks one claim at a time. Each claim says who makes it, what kind of evidence backs it, and links to the sources we read.

Wartime figures from either government, such as casualties, drones shot down, strike results and who controls a town, are labeled as that government's claim. We state them as fact only where an independent body confirms them.

Official transcripts establish what officials said, not whether their claims are true. News reports are attributed where independent confirmation is unavailable. Sources were retrieved on Nov. 13, 2026; excerpts are shorter than 25 words.

At a glance

  • Russia began its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. The UN General Assembly demanded its withdrawal and later rejected its claimed annexation of four regions. UN0UN1UN2
  • U.S.-mediated talks took place in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10–11, 2026, the first direct round since February. Negotiators confirmed a prisoner exchange agreed in principle, without final numbers or a date in the Nov. 11 reports. W1W2W3
  • AP reports that Russia demands Ukrainian withdrawal from four regions it claims, while Ukraine rejects handing over territory Russia has not captured and calls for an immediate ceasefire. W6
  • After meeting Putin on Nov. 12, Witkoff told CNN that a new meeting had been set. Peskov said on Nov. 13 that a decision on an expanded format depended on Europe's intentions. W4K1
  • Al Jazeera and the Wall Street Journal report ISW estimates of roughly 117–119 sq km gained by Russia in Ukraine from January through October 2026. These are estimates, not verified territorial totals. W9W10
  • Ukrainian officials report Russian strikes on energy facilities and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. The UN monitoring mission said the Nov. 2 Russian attack on an aid-distribution site appeared to violate humanitarian law. UN3W12W20

Timeline

  1. Full-scale invasion begins Putin announces a 'special military operation' during a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. UN0 3 related claims: Background
  2. UN vote demands withdrawal The General Assembly votes 141 to 5 to demand that Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine. UN1 3 related claims: Background
  3. UN rejects claimed annexation The General Assembly votes 143 to 5 that Russia's attempted annexation of four regions is illegal. UN2 3 related claims: Background
  4. Geneva round Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva end without a breakthrough. Euronews reports the next direct round came nine months later. W2W1 5 related claims: The talks
  5. Komyshuvakha strike The UN monitoring mission reports that glide bombs hit a school used for aid distribution in Komyshuvakha and says the attack appears to have violated humanitarian law. UN3W18 2 related claims: Civilian harm
  6. Abu Dhabi talks, day one About four hours of U.S.-mediated talks. European officials meet the U.S. and Ukrainian teams separately. W5U2 5 related claims: The talks
  7. Prisoner exchange agreed in principle The second day ended after just under two hours. Medinsky, Umerov and Kushner confirmed a planned prisoner exchange, with Medinsky describing agreement in principle. W1W3U3 4 related claims: Prisoner exchange
  8. Putin meets U.S. envoys The Kremlin records Putin’s meeting with Witkoff and Kushner. CNN reports they also met Zelensky in Dublin; Witkoff told CNN that a new meeting had been set. K1K2W4 5 related claims: The talks
  9. Starshield limits return, Kyiv says Zelensky says systematic speed restrictions of 161 km/h are again affecting units along the front. W14W16U5 1 related claim: Starshield
  10. Kremlin noncommittal on Europe Peskov says a decision on an expanded format will follow once Moscow understands Europe's intentions. W4U7 3 related claims: Europe's seat
  11. Mass drone attack and Moscow car bomb AP reports Russia’s claim that it downed 1,198 Ukrainian drones overnight. BBC reports that investigators said a Moscow car bomb injured former Azarov aide Sergei Zavorotny. W16W19U8 3 related claims: Long-range strikes

Claims

Each claim shows the kind of evidence behind it and how well it is sourced. Sourcing describes the reporting, not whether a claim is true. Open Details for who says so, excerpts and sources.

Showing 31 of 31 claims

Background 3 claims

  1. C1

    Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, when Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation'.

    OfficialOfficial record2 sources

    Details for claim C1
    Who says so
    UN News record of the Security Council meeting
    Status
    Finding
    Evidence type
    Official finding or record
    Topic
    Background
    “President Putin announced in Moscow that a 'special military operation' in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region had commenced”
    UN News, Feb. 2022. UN0

    Sources UN0 UN News, 24 Feb 2022 UN1 UN News, 2 Mar 2022

  2. C2

    On March 2, 2022, the UN General Assembly voted 141 to 5, with 35 abstentions, to demand that Russia withdraw all its forces from Ukraine.

    OfficialOfficial record2 sources

    Details for claim C2
    Who says so
    UN General Assembly
    Status
    Finding
    Evidence type
    Official finding or record
    Topic
    Background

    UN guidance says General Assembly resolutions are recommendations and are not legally binding on member states.

    “A total of 141 countries voted in favour of the resolution”
    UN News, March 2022. UN1

    Sources UN1 UN News, 2 Mar 2022 X1 United Nations, 13 Nov 2026

  3. C3

    On Oct. 12, 2022, the General Assembly voted 143 to 5, with 35 abstentions, to call Russia's attempted annexation of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions illegal and to ask states not to recognize it.

    OfficialOfficial record4 sources

    Details for claim C3
    Who says so
    UN General Assembly
    Status
    Finding
    Evidence type
    Official finding or record
    Topic
    Background

    Putin signed federal constitutional laws on Oct. 5, 2022, claiming the four regions as Russian territory. AP reports Russia never fully captured them.

    “adopted by a recorded vote of 143 in favour to 5 against”
    UN press release GA/12458. UN2

    Sources UN2 United Nations (press release GA/12458), 12 Oct 2022 X2 Al Jazeera, 5 Oct 2022 X3 PBS News (AP), 5 Oct 2022 W6 PBS NewsHour (AP), 9 Nov 2026

The talks 5 claims

  1. C4

    U.S.-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations were held in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10 and 11, 2026: about four hours on day one and just under two hours on day two.

    DocumentaryMultiple reports4 sources

    Details for claim C4
    Who says so
    News reports
    Status
    Evidence reported
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    The talks
    “The session lasted four hours and another is scheduled for a second day Wednesday.”
    NPR, Nov. 10. W5
    “The second day of trilateral talks in the capital of the United Arab Emirates ended after a little less than two hours.”
    RFE/RL, Nov. 11. W1

    Sources W5 NPR (AP), 10 Nov 2026 W1 RFE/RL, 11 Nov 2026 W3 PBS NewsHour (AP), 11 Nov 2026 U2 Unbiased Headlines, 10 Nov 2026

  2. C5

    The Abu Dhabi round was the first face-to-face meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials since a round in Geneva in February 2026 that ended without a breakthrough.

    DocumentaryMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C5
    Who says so
    News reports
    Status
    Context
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    The talks
    “the first face-to-face meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials since February”
    RFE/RL, Nov. 11. W1
    “following an earlier round in Geneva in February this year that failed to produce a breakthrough”
    Euronews, Nov. 11. W2

    Sources W1 RFE/RL, 11 Nov 2026 W2 Euronews, 11 Nov 2026 W3 PBS NewsHour (AP), 11 Nov 2026

  3. C13

    On Nov. 12, Putin met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the Kremlin. In the published transcript, Putin says there is 'only one line of demarcation – the state border'.

    OfficialOfficial record2 sources

    Details for claim C13
    Who says so
    Kremlin transcript
    Status
    Evidence reported
    Evidence type
    Official finding or record
    Topic
    The talks

    The transcript is an official record of what was said; the statements in it are Russia's position.

    “For us, there is only one line of demarcation – the state border.”
    Kremlin transcript, Nov. 12. K1

    Sources K1 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 W4 CNN, 13 Nov 2026

  4. C16

    Witkoff told CNN after the Nov. 12 Putin meeting: 'We've restarted it. We've set a new meeting.' The CNN report reviewed does not supply a date or venue for that round.

    TestimonyMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C16
    Who says so
    Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    The talks
    “We've restarted it. We've set a new meeting.”
    Witkoff to CNN at Vnukovo Airport, Nov. 12. W4

    Sources W4 CNN, 13 Nov 2026 K1 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 U8 Unbiased Headlines, 13 Nov 2026

  5. C20

    Ushakov said Putin planned to meet President Trump at the APEC summit in Shenzhen and separately mentioned a China-organized 'trilateral summit'. China's government says the APEC leaders' meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18–19.

    TestimonySingle report5 sources

    Details for claim C20
    Who says so
    Yury Ushakov (Kremlin); dates from China's government
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    The talks

    Kyiv Independent reports that Ushakov earlier said the leaders may hold trilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kyiv Post reported on Nov. 12 that the White House had not confirmed Trump's attendance; Anadolu reported on Nov. 13 that a possible Trump-Xi-Putin summit remained unconfirmed.

    “the planned meeting with him on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Shenzhen”
    Kremlin statement, Nov. 12. K2
    “China will hold the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen from Nov. 18 to 19.”
    Xinhua via gov.cn. CN1

    Sources K2 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 CN1 Government of China (gov.cn, Xinhua), 10 Sep 2026 X14 Kyiv Independent, 12 Nov 2026 X13 Kyiv Post, 12 Nov 2026 X15 Anadolu Agency, 13 Nov 2026

Prisoner exchange 4 claims

  1. C6

    On Nov. 11, Medinsky, Umerov and Kushner confirmed a planned large prisoner exchange, with Medinsky describing agreement in principle. Euronews reported that final numbers and timing were not provided.

    DocumentaryMultiple reports4 sources

    Details for claim C6
    Who says so
    Medinsky, Umerov and Kushner (on the record)
    Status
    Evidence reported
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    Prisoner exchange
    “We have reached an agreement in principle on a new large-scale prisoner exchange.”
    Medinsky to Russian journalists, via RFE/RL. W1
    “neither side provided further details on its timing or scale”
    Euronews, Nov. 11. W2

    Sources W1 RFE/RL, 11 Nov 2026 W2 Euronews, 11 Nov 2026 W3 PBS NewsHour (AP), 11 Nov 2026 U3 Unbiased Headlines, 11 Nov 2026

  2. C7

    Zelensky said negotiators had discussed exchanging 1,000 prisoners from each side, possibly rising to 1,500 each.

    TestimonyMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C7
    Who says so
    Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Prisoner exchange

    A figure stated by one party; not confirmed by Russia.

    “negotiators had been discussing an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, potentially rising to 1,500 each”
    Euronews, Nov. 11. W2

    Sources W2 Euronews, 11 Nov 2026 W7 RFE/RL, 12 Nov 2026

  3. C8

    A Russian General Staff officer, Alexander Zorin, told Russian state TV that the exchange could take place within two or three weeks.

    TestimonySingle report1 source

    Details for claim C8
    Who says so
    Alexander Zorin, Russian General Staff
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Prisoner exchange
    “The latest exchange could take place in the next two or three weeks, he said.”
    AP via PBS, Nov. 11. W3

    Sources W3 PBS NewsHour (AP), 11 Nov 2026

  4. C21

    The Kremlin says 35 prisoner exchanges have taken place since 2025, involving about 5,000 people from each side.

    TestimonySingle report1 source

    Details for claim C21
    Who says so
    Yury Ushakov (Kremlin)
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Prisoner exchange

    A Kremlin total, not independently verified in this review.

    “since 2025, there have been 35 prisoner exchanges, involving approximately 5,000 individuals on each side”
    Kremlin statement, Nov. 12. K2

    Sources K2 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026

Territory 5 claims

  1. C9

    AP reports that Putin's terms include Ukrainian withdrawal from four regions claimed by Moscow, abandoning NATO membership, military limits and dropping restrictions on the Russian language and Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church. AP reports that he rejects a general ceasefire before a comprehensive deal.

    TestimonyMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C9
    Who says so
    Vladimir Putin, as summarized by AP
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Territory
    “wants Ukraine to pull its troops back from the four regions that Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured”
    AP via PBS, Nov. 9. W6

    Sources W6 PBS NewsHour (AP), 9 Nov 2026 W2 Euronews, 11 Nov 2026 U1 Unbiased Headlines, 9 Nov 2026

  2. C10

    AP reports that Zelensky rejects handing over territory Russia has not captured. It reports that Ukraine calls for an immediate ceasefire and a direct Putin-Zelensky meeting to settle territorial issues. Zelensky said on Oct. 21 that Ukraine was ready to freeze the conflict along the current front line, Anadolu reported.

    TestimonyMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C10
    Who says so
    AP and Anadolu, reporting Ukrainian positions
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Territory
    “Ukraine argues that an immediate ceasefire is the first step toward negotiating a wider settlement”
    AP via PBS, Nov. 9. W6

    Sources W6 PBS NewsHour (AP), 9 Nov 2026 X23 Anadolu Agency, 21 Oct 2026

  3. C11

    Euronews reported on Nov. 11 that Russia continued to demand Ukrainian withdrawal from territory in the eastern Donbas still held by Kyiv, while Zelensky said territorial decisions required a leaders' meeting.

    TestimonySingle report1 source

    Details for claim C11
    Who says so
    Euronews, reporting Russian and Ukrainian positions
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Territory
    “Russia continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw from territory in the eastern Donbas region still under Kyiv's control”
    Euronews, Nov. 11. W2

    Sources W2 Euronews, 11 Nov 2026

  4. C14

    Putin proposed an observed evacuation of the 400 to 500 civilians he said remain in Kostiantynivka (Konstantinovka in Russian), saying it would show who controls the town. He said he believes Russian troops control it.

    DisputedOfficial record4 sources

    Details for claim C14
    Who says so
    Vladimir Putin (Kremlin transcript)
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Disputed / unverified
    Topic
    Territory

    This is Putin's claim. ISW said on Nov. 12 that the claim is false, citing at least 41 Ukrainian positions observed in and around the town since Sept. 1. The Wall Street Journal on Nov. 7 described Kostiantynivka as a Ukrainian-fortified city.

    “I believe this town is controlled by Russian troops.”
    Kremlin transcript, Nov. 12. K1

    Sources K1 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 K2 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 X6 Institute for the Study of War, 12 Nov 2026 W10 Hindustan Times (WSJ), 7 Nov 2026

  5. C32

    U.S. officials said on Nov. 9 that Washington had asked Moscow to accept security guarantees for Ukraine modeled on NATO's Articles 4 and 5. One official said any U.S. guarantee would ultimately depend on Trump and Zelensky.

    TestimonyMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C32
    Who says so
    Unnamed U.S. officials, as reported by RFE/RL and the Financial Times
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Territory

    Background briefing by unnamed officials; no public U.S. text of a guarantee has been released.

    “Washington had asked Moscow to accept security guarantees for Ukraine modeled on NATO's Articles 4 and 5”
    RFE/RL, Nov. 9. X20

    Sources X20 RFE/RL, 9 Nov 2026 X21 Kyiv Post, 11 Nov 2026

Security demands 1 claim

  1. C15

    Ushakov said Putin restated Russia's 2021 proposals: no NATO expansion, no threatening weapons near Russia's borders, and a return to the alliance-force configuration at the signing of the Russia-NATO Founding Act.

    TestimonyOfficial record3 sources

    Details for claim C15
    Who says so
    Yury Ushakov, Kremlin aide (official statement)
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Security demands

    The NATO-Russia Founding Act was signed on May 27, 1997. When Russia raised its December 2021 proposals in January 2022, NATO's secretary general said allies reaffirmed NATO's open-door policy.

    “the non-expansion of the NATO bloc, the non-deployment of threatening weapons systems near Russia's borders”
    Kremlin statement, Nov. 12. K2

    Sources K2 President of Russia (Kremlin), 12 Nov 2026 X5 NATO, 27 May 1997 X4 NATO, 12 Jan 2022

Europe's seat 3 claims

  1. C17

    Kushner said Russia and Ukraine agreed to European participation in the next round. The Kremlin has not confirmed this: its spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said a decision would come once Moscow understands Europe's intentions.

    DisputedMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C17
    Who says so
    Jared Kushner; Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Disputed / unverified
    Topic
    Europe's seat
    “Once we understand their actual intentions and their willingness to contribute to the peace process, we can then make a decision”
    Peskov via CNN, Nov. 13. W4

    Sources W4 CNN, 13 Nov 2026 U7 Unbiased Headlines, 13 Nov 2026 U8 Unbiased Headlines, 13 Nov 2026

  2. C18

    Officials from Britain, France, Germany and Italy, NATO and the EU were in Abu Dhabi, but they met the U.S. and Ukrainian teams separately and were not part of the talks with Russia.

    DocumentaryMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C18
    Who says so
    News reports
    Status
    Evidence reported
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    Europe's seat
    “their consultations with US representatives have been separate from the trilateral negotiations with Russia”
    RFE/RL, Nov. 11. W1

    Sources W1 RFE/RL, 11 Nov 2026 W3 PBS NewsHour (AP), 11 Nov 2026 U3 Unbiased Headlines, 11 Nov 2026

  3. C19

    EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe must insist on a ceasefire before talks go further. Putin's stated order is the reverse: a full settlement before any halt in fighting.

    TestimonyMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C19
    Who says so
    Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Europe's seat
    “If we start to talk about what Russia is asking regarding the security architecture, we actually walk into the traps”
    Kallas in Dublin, via AP/PBS. W16

    Sources W16 PBS NewsHour (AP), 13 Nov 2026 U8 Unbiased Headlines, 13 Nov 2026 W6 PBS NewsHour (AP), 9 Nov 2026

Front line and losses 3 claims

  1. C22

    Al Jazeera reported an ISW estimate of 117.38 sq km gained by Russia in January–October 2026. The Wall Street Journal reported 46 square miles, about 119 sq km. Al Jazeera's 2025 total of 5,304 sq km includes 473 sq km retaken inside Russia's Kursk region.

    DocumentaryMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C22
    Who says so
    Al Jazeera and Wall Street Journal, citing ISW
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    Front line and losses

    Reported mapping estimates, not a verified territorial total or a like-for-like annual comparison.

    “Territory seized by Russian forces in the first 10 months of 2026 amounts to 117.38 sq km”
    Al Jazeera, citing ISW. W9

    Sources W9 Al Jazeera, 6 Nov 2026 W10 Hindustan Times (WSJ), 7 Nov 2026

  2. C23

    United24 and Al Jazeera report that Ukraine's General Staff estimated 54,400 Russian personnel killed or wounded in October 2026, its highest monthly estimate. This review has not independently verified the figure.

    DisputedMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C23
    Who says so
    Ukraine's General Staff and Defense Ministry
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Disputed / unverified
    Topic
    Front line and losses

    The Wall Street Journal separately reports a rounded 54,000 attributed to Zelensky and says it could not verify that estimate.

    “54,400 Russian troops killed or wounded”
    United24, citing the General Staff. W11
    “The estimate couldn't be verified.”
    WSJ via Hindustan Times. W10

    Sources W11 United24 Media (Ukrainian state media), 3 Nov 2026 W9 Al Jazeera, 6 Nov 2026

  3. C31

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 11 that Russia had been losing more than 40,000 troops killed or seriously wounded a month, and that early reporting suggested October exceeded 50,000.

    TestimonyMultiple reports2 sources

    Details for claim C31
    Who says so
    Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Front line and losses

    Rutte did not give a source for the figures; they have not been independently verified.

    “Here in one month, Russia, dead or seriously wounded, 40,000.”
    NV, Nov. 12, quoting Rutte. X11

    Sources X11 NV (The New Voice of Ukraine), 12 Nov 2026 X12 Kyiv Post, 12 Nov 2026

Civilian harm 2 claims

  1. C24

    On Nov. 2, multiple glide bombs struck a school building in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, where civilians had gathered for announced aid distribution. The UN mission says the attack 'seems to have violated' international humanitarian law.

    OfficialOfficial record5 sources

    Details for claim C24
    Who says so
    UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine
    Status
    Finding
    Evidence type
    Official finding or record
    Topic
    Civilian harm

    This is a UN monitoring assessment, not a court ruling. CNN reported on Nov. 10 that Russia had not commented on the strike itself; Russia's Defense Ministry told state media it attacked Ukrainian military units in the area that day.

    “this attack seems to have violated the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law”
    Danielle Bell, head of the UN mission. UN3

    Sources UN3 UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, 3 Nov 2026 W17 CNN, 3 Nov 2026 W18 PBS NewsHour (AP), 3 Nov 2026 U10 Unbiased Headlines, 4 Nov 2026 X16 CNN, 10 Nov 2026

  2. C25

    The UN mission said local authorities reported at least 31 civilians killed as of Nov. 3 and that verification was continuing. CBS reported on Nov. 8 that Zelensky put the death toll at 55.

    TestimonyMultiple reports5 sources

    Details for claim C25
    Who says so
    Ukrainian local authorities, via the UN mission; Zelensky
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Civilian harm

    The UN mission said it was still verifying the number of casualties; no final UN-verified toll was found as of Nov. 13.

    “at least 31 civilians had been killed and five injured in the attack”
    UN mission, citing local authorities, Nov. 3. UN3
    “The death toll has risen to 55 people, Zelenskyy said.”
    CBS News, Nov. 8. W20

    Sources UN3 UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, 3 Nov 2026 W20 CBS News, 8 Nov 2026 U11 Unbiased Headlines, 8 Nov 2026 X25 AP via NewsNation, 8 Nov 2026 X16 CNN, 10 Nov 2026

Long-range strikes 3 claims

  1. C26

    Kyiv Post reported that Ukraine's General Staff said it targeted at least nine Russian refineries between Oct. 30 and Nov. 11, naming Omsk, Kirishi, Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl among the country's largest.

    TestimonyMultiple reports4 sources

    Details for claim C26
    Who says so
    Ukraine's General Staff
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Long-range strikes

    This is a Ukrainian military claim. Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed drone hits on Kirishi's industrial zone and a refinery fire on Nov. 9.

    “Between Oc. 30 and Nov. 11, Ukrainian forces targeted at least nine Russian refineries”
    Kyiv Post, citing the General Staff. W12

    Sources W12 Kyiv Post, 12 Nov 2026 X8 Kyiv Post, 9 Nov 2026 X9 Meduza, 9 Nov 2026 X10 Al Jazeera, 9 Nov 2026

  2. C27

    The Moscow Times reported on Nov. 13 that Volgograd Governor Andrei Bocharov said four workers were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the southern industrial zone, revising his earlier report of fires without casualties.

    TestimonySingle report1 source

    Details for claim C27
    Who says so
    Andrei Bocharov, Volgograd governor
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Long-range strikes
    “He initially said at around 1:00 a.m. local time that falling drone debris caused “localized fires””
    The Moscow Times, Nov. 13. W13

    Sources W13 The Moscow Times, 13 Nov 2026

  3. C28

    AP reported that Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed 1,198 Ukrainian long-range drones overnight into Nov. 13. AP's 9:58 a.m. EST report cited local officials reporting seven deaths; later reports cited different totals.

    TestimonyMultiple reports3 sources

    Details for claim C28
    Who says so
    Russian Defense Ministry; Russian local officials
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Long-range strikes
    “1,198 Ukrainian long-range drones between late Thursday and early Friday”
    AP via PBS, Nov. 13. W16

    Sources W16 PBS NewsHour (AP), 13 Nov 2026 W4 CNN, 13 Nov 2026 W19 BBC, 13 Nov 2026

Starshield 1 claim

  1. C29

    Zelensky said on Nov. 12 that renewed Starshield restrictions affected Ukrainian units along the front, limiting the speed at which connected equipment could operate to 161 km/h (100 mph). This refers to equipment movement, not internet bandwidth.

    TestimonyMultiple reports5 sources

    Details for claim C29
    Who says so
    Volodymyr Zelensky
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Party testimony
    Topic
    Starshield

    CNN's Nov. 13 update says SpaceX had previously said its service had not changed. In October, Musk wrote that Starshield limits are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately the president.

    “Zelensky stressed that the disruptions are not "random errors" but systematic restrictions.”
    Kyiv Independent, Nov. 12. W14

    Sources W14 Kyiv Independent, 12 Nov 2026 W16 PBS NewsHour (AP), 13 Nov 2026 W4 CNN, 13 Nov 2026 U5 Unbiased Headlines, 12 Nov 2026 W15 NPR, 24 Oct 2026

Attacks inside Russia 1 claim

  1. C30

    BBC reported on Nov. 13 that Russia's Investigative Committee said a car bomb injured Sergei Zavorotny, a former aide to Mykola Azarov, in Moscow. BBC also reported that a car bomb killed a Russian military officer in St. Petersburg the previous day.

    DocumentarySingle report3 sources

    Details for claim C30
    Who says so
    BBC, citing the Russian Investigative Committee
    Status
    Allegation
    Evidence type
    Documentary, physical or recorded
    Topic
    Attacks inside Russia

    The committee statement quoted by BBC does not assign responsibility. The Moscow Times and Meduza also reported the St. Petersburg car bombing. Russian authorities had not publicly named a suspect.

    “He was taken to one of the city hospitals, where he is receiving medical care”
    Investigative Committee statement via BBC. W19

    Sources W19 BBC, 13 Nov 2026 X18 The Moscow Times, 12 Nov 2026 X19 Meduza, 12 Nov 2026

Dates to watch

  • Nov. 18-19 China lists the APEC leaders' meeting for Nov. 18–19 in Shenzhen. Ushakov says Putin plans to meet Trump there; the White House had not confirmed as of Nov. 13. CN1K2X13
  • No date set Witkoff told CNN a new meeting had been set. The report reviewed does not supply its date or venue. W4U8

Our coverage

  • Nov. 13: Ukraine Says It Has Hit All Five of Russia's Largest Refineries Since Oct. 30 U6
  • Nov. 13: Car Bomb Injures Ex-Azarov Aide in Moscow a Day After St. Petersburg Blast U7
  • Nov. 13: Ukraine Launches Nearly 1,200 Drones at Russia as Kallas Warns Against Moscow's 'Traps' U8
  • Nov. 12: Witkoff Says New Round of Talks Agreed After Putin Meeting; Europe's Seat Still Unsettled U4
  • Nov. 12: Zelensky Says 100 mph Starshield Speed Cap Is Back U5
  • Nov. 11: Abu Dhabi Talks End With Prisoner Swap Agreed in Principle, No Ceasefire U3
  • Nov. 10: Abu Dhabi Talks End Day One After Four Hours U2
  • Nov. 9: White House Says It Is 'Cautiously Optimistic' as U.S., Russia and Ukraine Open Abu Dhabi Talks Tuesday U1
  • Nov. 8: Russian Strikes Cut Power to Over 600,000 in Dnipropetrovsk; Komyshuvakha Toll Rises to 55 U11
  • Nov. 7: Russia Gained 46 Square Miles in Ukraine in 10 Months of 2026, ISW Says U9
  • Nov. 4: Komyshuvakha Strike Toll Rises to 33, UN Mission Says Attack Appears to Violate Humanitarian Law U10

What is not known

  • Territory. The Nov. 11 reports reviewed do not document agreed territorial terms. Euronews reports conflicting Russian and Ukrainian positions. W2
  • Security guarantees. U.S. officials said Washington asked Moscow to accept Article 4- and 5-style guarantees for Ukraine; one said any U.S. guarantee depends on Trump and Zelensky. No decision has been announced. X20X21
  • Prisoner exchange. The Nov. 11 reports do not give final exchange numbers or a date; the Nov. 12 Kremlin statement says parameters were being finalized. W2W3K2
  • Casualties. This review does not independently establish military casualty totals. Al Jazeera says it cannot independently verify the casualty claims it reports. W9
  • Europe's role. Kushner said European representatives would join future talks; Peskov’s Nov. 13 comments made an expanded format conditional. The sources reviewed do not establish a final participant list. W4W16
  • Refinery damage. How much refining capacity is offline is not independently established. W12
  • Starshield. Who imposed the restrictions has not been established. Musk says the U.S. government controls Starshield; Trump said he did not think he or Musk was responsible. W14W4W15
  • Car bombs. The Investigative Committee statement quoted by BBC does not identify who was responsible for the Moscow explosion. W19
  • Kostiantynivka. Putin claimed Russian control on Nov. 12; ISW called that claim false the same day. No neutral body has confirmed who controls the town. K1X6
  • Shenzhen. Kremlin aide Ushakov has named Chinese President Xi Jinping as the possible third leader. As of Nov. 13, the White House had not confirmed a Trump-Putin meeting or a three-way summit. K2X14X13X15

Sources (58)

  1. U1
    Unbiased Headlines White House Says It Is 'Cautiously Optimistic' as U.S., Russia and Ukraine Open Abu Dhabi Talks Tuesdayunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  2. U2
    Unbiased Headlines Abu Dhabi Talks End Day One After Four Hoursunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  3. U3
    Unbiased Headlines Abu Dhabi Talks End With Prisoner Swap Agreed in Principle, No Ceasefireunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  4. U4
    Unbiased Headlines Witkoff Says New Round of Talks Agreed After Putin Meeting; Europe's Seat Still Unsettledunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  5. U5
    Unbiased Headlines Zelensky Says 100 mph Starshield Speed Cap Is Backunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  6. U6
    Unbiased Headlines Ukraine Says It Has Hit All Five of Russia's Largest Refineries Since Oct. 30unbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  7. U7
    Unbiased Headlines Car Bomb Injures Ex-Azarov Aide in Moscow a Day After St. Petersburg Blastunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  8. U8
    Unbiased Headlines Ukraine Launches Nearly 1,200 Drones at Russia as Kallas Warns Against Moscow's 'Traps'unbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
Show all 58 sources
  1. U9
    Unbiased Headlines Russia Gained 46 Square Miles in Ukraine in 10 Months of 2026, ISW Saysunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  2. U10
    Unbiased Headlines Komyshuvakha Strike Toll Rises to 33, UN Mission Says Attack Appears to Violate Humanitarian Lawunbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  3. U11
    Unbiased Headlines Russian Strikes Cut Power to Over 600,000 in Dnipropetrovsk; Komyshuvakha Toll Rises to 55unbiasedheadlines.com (opens in a new tab)Our own coverage.
  4. K1
    President of Russia (Kremlin) Meeting with US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (transcript)en.kremlin.ru (opens in a new tab)Official Russian government transcript; statements are Russian positions.
  5. K2
    President of Russia (Kremlin) Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov's commentary following the meeting with Witkoff and Kushneren.kremlin.ru (opens in a new tab)Official Russian government statement; claims are Russian positions.
  6. UN0
    UN News As Security Council meets on Ukraine crisis, Russia announces start of 'special military operation'news.un.org (opens in a new tab)United Nations reporting or official record; not UBH reporting.
  7. UN1
    UN News General Assembly resolution demands end to Russian offensive in Ukrainenews.un.org (opens in a new tab)United Nations reporting or official record; not UBH reporting.
  8. UN2
    United Nations (press release GA/12458) With 143 votes in favour, General Assembly adopts resolution condemning Russian Federation's annexation of four eastern Ukraine regionspress.un.org (opens in a new tab)United Nations reporting or official record; not UBH reporting.
  9. UN3
    UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine Mass casualty attack in Zaporizhzhia region shows the devastating impact of glide bombsukraine.un.org (opens in a new tab)United Nations reporting or official record; not UBH reporting.
  10. CN1
    Government of China (gov.cn, Xinhua) APEC CEO Summit 2026 to be held in Shenzhen from Nov. 17 to 18english.www.gov.cn (opens in a new tab)Chinese state outlet, used only for event dates.
  11. W1
    RFE/RL US Envoys To Meet Putin And Zelenskyy Following Abu Dhabi Talksrferl.org (opens in a new tab)
  12. W2
    Euronews Abu Dhabi peace talks end with prisoner exchange agreement as US envoys prepare to meet Putineuronews.com (opens in a new tab)
  13. W3
    PBS NewsHour (AP) Russia and Ukraine agree to a large prisoner exchange as talks end with no major breakthroughpbs.org (opens in a new tab)
  14. W4
    CNN Russia evasive after the US says Europe will join next Ukraine talkscnn.com (opens in a new tab)
  15. W5
    NPR (AP) U.S. mediates Russia-Ukraine talks for 4 hours in Abu Dhabinpr.org (opens in a new tab)
  16. W6
    PBS NewsHour (AP) Russia-Ukraine peace talks led by U.S. will look at security guaranteespbs.org (opens in a new tab)
  17. W7
    RFE/RL Abu Dhabi Talks Advance Diplomacy, Not Peace, As Russia Seeks Broader Security Bargainrferl.org (opens in a new tab)
  18. W9
    Al Jazeera Russia's land gains in Ukraine dwindle as its diesel reportedly goes unsoldaljazeera.com (opens in a new tab)
  19. W10
    Hindustan Times (WSJ) Ten Months of War to Gain 46 Square Miles: How Russia Is Failing on the Battlefieldhindustantimes.com (opens in a new tab)
  20. W11
    United24 Media (Ukrainian state media) Russia Suffered Its Worst Month of the War, Losing 54,400 Troopsunited24media.com (opens in a new tab)Ukrainian state outlet; repeats Ukrainian military figures.
  21. W12
    Kyiv Post Ukraine strikes five of Russia's largest oil refinerieskyivpost.com (opens in a new tab)
  22. W13
    The Moscow Times Ukrainian drone attack kills 4 workers, sparks fire at Volgograd oil refinerythemoscowtimes.com (opens in a new tab)
  23. W14
    Kyiv Independent Starshield speed restrictions return, hampering efforts to intercept Russian drones, Zelensky sayskyivindependent.com (opens in a new tab)
  24. W15
    NPR Musk says SpaceX did restrict Starlink, as Ukraine says the tech has been restorednpr.org (opens in a new tab)
  25. W16
    PBS NewsHour (AP) Ukraine fires nearly 1,200 drones at Russia as U.S.-led talks consider wider European securitypbs.org (opens in a new tab)
  26. W17
    CNN Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia school used as aid hubcnn.com (opens in a new tab)
  27. W18
    PBS NewsHour (AP) Russian strikes on Ukrainian aid site kill at least 31 people, with dozens still missingpbs.org (opens in a new tab)
  28. W19
    BBC Car bomb injures former Azarov aide in Moscowbbc.co.uk (opens in a new tab)
  29. W20
    CBS News Russian strikes cut power in Ukrainecbsnews.com (opens in a new tab)
  30. X1
    United Nations How decisions are made at the UNun.org (opens in a new tab)UN explainer on the legal effect of General Assembly resolutions.
  31. X2
    Al Jazeera Putin signs laws annexing four Ukrainian regionsaljazeera.com (opens in a new tab)
  32. X3
    PBS News (AP) Putin finalizes annexation of Ukrainian regions as Russian forces struggle to maintain controlpbs.org (opens in a new tab)
  33. X4
    NATO Press conference by NATO Secretary General following the NATO-Russia Councilnato.int (opens in a new tab)Official transcript.
  34. X5
    NATO NATO-Russia Founding Actnato.int (opens in a new tab)Official text.
  35. X6
    Institute for the Study of War Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 12, 2026understandingwar.org (opens in a new tab)Independent research group; open-source assessment.
  36. X8
    Kyiv Post Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Second-Largest Oil Refinery and Iskander Missile Fuel Plantkyivpost.com (opens in a new tab)
  37. X9
    Meduza Ukrainian drones strike Russia’s Leningrad region, sparking fire at one of the country’s largest oil refineriesmeduza.io (opens in a new tab)
  38. X10
    Al Jazeera At least four people killed as Russia and Ukraine trade strikes overnightaljazeera.com (opens in a new tab)
  39. X11
    NV (The New Voice of Ukraine) Monthly Russian troop losses rival 14 years of U.S. Vietnam War deaths, Rutte saysenglish.nv.ua (opens in a new tab)
  40. X12
    Kyiv Post Russia Loses Vietnam-War-Level Troop Numbers in a Month, Rutte Sayskyivpost.com (opens in a new tab)
  41. X13
    Kyiv Post Trump, Putin to Meet at APEC in China as Europe Seeks Seat at Ukraine Talkskyivpost.com (opens in a new tab)
  42. X14
    Kyiv Independent Trump, Putin to discuss Ukraine peace settlement during meeting in China, Kremlin sayskyivindependent.com (opens in a new tab)
  43. X15
    Anadolu Agency Trade, technology and possible Putin talks: What awaits Trump in Asia?aa.com.tr (opens in a new tab)
  44. X16
    CNN New Ukrainian footage shows how a Russian strike turned a civilian shelter into a mass graveedition.cnn.com (opens in a new tab)
  45. X18
    The Moscow Times St. Petersburg car blast kills Russian Aerospace Forces officerthemoscowtimes.com (opens in a new tab)
  46. X19
    Meduza Russian colonel killed in St. Petersburg car bombingmeduza.io (opens in a new tab)
  47. X20
    RFE/RL US Sees "Real Shot" At Ukraine Peace Progress As Abu Dhabi Talks Beginrferl.org (opens in a new tab)
  48. X21
    Kyiv Post US asks Russia about NATO-like guarantees for Ukraine – FTkyivpost.com (opens in a new tab)Summarizes a Financial Times report.
  49. X23
    Anadolu Agency Zelenskyy says Ukraine ready to freeze conflict along current front line, move to diplomacyaa.com.tr (opens in a new tab)
  50. X25
    AP via NewsNation Russia targets emergency crews at the site of a deadly strike in southern Ukrainenewsnationnow.com (opens in a new tab)AP report, syndicated copy.

Updates and corrections

  • First version.
  • Recovery review: restored and attributed items on territory, NATO history, refineries, Starshield, Shenzhen, casualties and car bombs with added sources.
  • Final review: removed items resting on a single report, anonymous sourcing or a company estimate.

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