Will Russian and Ukrainian officials hold a new round of direct talks before 31 October 2026?

Direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been stalled since a round held in Abu Dhabi in February 2026, and no follow-up has been scheduled. Volodymyr Zelensky said on 12 August 2026 that Ukraine had sent fresh proposals to Washington aimed at ending the war. At the same time he warned that Russia is preparing a new mobilisation of several hundred thousand men this autumn. Resolves: 31 October 2026 • Source: Reuters reporting of official statements by both governments Rule: Resolves YES if official delegations of the Russian and Ukrainian governments meet in person in the same room for an announced round of bilateral negotiations at any point from 22 August to 31 October 2026 inclusive, confirmed by both governments and reported by Reuters. The Abu Dhabi round of February 2026 and every earlier round fall before the window and do not count. Contacts run only through American, Turkish, Emirati or other mediators without both delegations in the room, telephone or video contact, written messages, technical meetings limited to prisoner exchanges or the return of bodies, and brief encounters on the margins of multilateral events all resolve NO.