Update 28 October 2026, 10:35: Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Norway’s Prime Minister spoke to Vladimir Putin by phone on 27 October. The call lasted an hour and a half and was meant to prepare the ground for ceasefire negotiations. According to the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister, talks in a Ukraine–Russia–US format are due to take place after 4 November, probably in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland would support efforts to reach a ceasefire before winter, but that the security of the EU’s eastern and northern flank is not up for negotiation. Sources: gov.pl (27 October 2026), Euronews (27 October 2026).
Russia and Ukraine are expected to sit down for another round of peace talks, probably in mid-November in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The information came from the Kremlin spokesman, the Associated Press reports (24 October).
This would be the fourth round of talks involving the US administration. The previous one took place in Geneva in February. US envoy Steve Witkoff secured both sides’ agreement after meeting President Zelensky in Oslo and Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg.
Kyiv and Moscow have also agreed to a local ceasefire in the Kherson region next week. It is meant to allow aid to reach a cut-off town (reportedly Oleshky).
The obstacles, however, are significant. Russia is demanding, among other things, the whole of Donbas, the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and that Ukraine give up on NATO. Kyiv wants security guarantees and a ceasefire along the current front line. Putin says he is ready to negotiate but that his military objectives will be achieved. At the same time, Russia carried out a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv.
What it means for you
- Polish and Ukrainian families in the UK: the talks are a sign of hope, but they do not mean a quick end to the war or changes to UK visa schemes.
- Businesses: any progress in the talks affects energy and fuel prices and plans for Ukraine’s reconstruction, in which Polish and British companies want to take part.
Our assessment
A local ceasefire for humanitarian aid is a concrete, small step. A peace agreement, however, is still far off – the positions on territory and security guarantees are contradictory. We expect lengthy talks rather than a breakthrough in November.
What to do
- Do you have family or business in Ukraine? Check the latest travel advice GOV.UK – Ukraine travel advice.
- Businesses interested in reconstruction: follow updates from UK Export Finance.
More on this topic: Talks in Oslo: Zelensky, the US envoy and Europeans discuss ending the war.
Source: Associated Press via MPR News, ‘Ukraine and Russia eye new peace talks, but steep obstacles remain’ (24 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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