Russia and Ukraine have agreed to resume technical-level peace negotiations with the United States in early November, while a separate temporary ceasefire is planned for the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky.

Reuters reported on October 23 that the next round of talks could take place in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland during the first half of November. The renewed diplomatic effort comes as Washington tries to restart negotiations aimed at ending the war.

A temporary ceasefire in Oleshky

The two sides have agreed to halt military operations in Oleshky from October 27 to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations through designated safe corridors.

The town, in Ukraine’s Kherson region, has faced a worsening humanitarian situation. The White House said roughly 1,700 to 2,000 residents remained there and needed essential supplies, including food, medicine and clean water.

The arrangement is limited to a specific location and humanitarian purpose. It does not constitute a nationwide ceasefire.

Territory remains the central obstacle

Russia continues to demand control over the entire eastern Donbas region, including areas its forces have not captured. Ukraine rejects surrendering territory it currently holds.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees and long-term support for Ukraine’s military. Kyiv wants Europe to be involved in the broader negotiations.

These disagreements have contributed to the failure of previous rounds of talks to produce a comprehensive settlement.

What happens next?

The planned November meeting will test whether the parties can move beyond limited arrangements and make progress on the larger political questions.

The ceasefire in Oleshky could provide immediate relief to civilians if it is implemented as agreed. The broader peace process, however, remains uncertain.

For now, the confirmed developments are the planned local ceasefire and the intention to resume technical-level negotiations. Neither guarantees that the war is close to ending.

Source: Reuters, October 23, 2026.