Russia-Ukraine War: New Peace Talks Planned as Fighting Continues

October 25, 2026

Efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war are gaining renewed diplomatic attention, with both countries signaling readiness for another round of negotiations while fighting and long-range attacks continue.

According to Reuters and The Associated Press, Ukrainian, Russian and US representatives are expected to pursue technical-level peace discussions in the first half of November. Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has been identified as a possible venue, although arrangements could still change.

Local ceasefire planned for humanitarian relief

One immediate development concerns Oleshky, a Russian-occupied town in Ukraine's Kherson region. Reuters reported on October 23 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a temporary local ceasefire scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. local time on October 27.

The arrangement is intended to enable humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations through designated safe corridors. The White House said the town's remaining population was estimated at between 1,700 and 2,000 people, down from approximately 24,000 before the war.

Residents have faced serious shortages of food, medicine and clean water. The planned operation is a limited humanitarian measure, not a nationwide ceasefire or a comprehensive peace agreement.

Major disagreements remain

Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, the two sides remain far apart on key conditions for ending the war.

Russia continues to demand control over Ukrainian territories, including areas it does not fully occupy. Ukraine rejects surrendering territory it controls and says a lasting settlement must include credible security guarantees to help prevent future attacks.

Other unresolved questions include Ukraine's future security arrangements, the role of Western allies and the conditions under which military operations could stop.

Attacks continue as diplomacy develops

The diplomatic efforts come amid continuing military activity. Recent reporting by AP described Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, while Ukrainian and Russian forces have continued long-range strikes.

The developments highlight the difficult balance between negotiations and fighting. While the proposed November talks could create another opportunity for diplomatic engagement, there is no confirmed comprehensive peace deal.

For civilians affected by the conflict, the planned Oleshky ceasefire could provide an important opportunity for relief if the agreed humanitarian arrangements are implemented successfully.

What happens next?

Attention is now focused on the planned October 27 humanitarian ceasefire and whether technical-level negotiations can proceed in November. The outcome will depend on whether both sides can make progress on territorial disputes, security guarantees and the terms of a broader settlement.

This article is based on reporting published by Reuters and The Associated Press on October 23–25, 2026. The planned ceasefire and future talks should not be interpreted as confirmation that the wider war is ending.