Ukraine is preparing for a potential resumption of trilateral peace talks with the US and Russia in early October 2026, as announced by Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov. The diplomatic push follows recent visits to Moscow and Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and a subsequent phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. While Russia maintains its territorial demands in eastern Ukraine, initial talks are expected to focus on practical de-escalation measures, including Black Sea maritime transit and reducing aerial strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Trilateral peace talks preparation
- ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that the proposed October 2026 trilateral peace talks could be hosted by Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, or Switzerland
- ▪Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow does not rule out a resumption of peace talks but noted it is too early to determine the timing and venue
- ▪Kyrylo Budanov, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, announced on September 12, 2026, that Ukraine is preparing for a new round of trilateral peace negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia to take place in early October 2026
US envoy visits to capitals
- ▪United States special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Moscow on September 5, 2026, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and then traveled to Kyiv on September 6, 2026, to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- ▪United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on September 9, 2026, that the discussions held by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv and Moscow were substantive and could pave the way for further negotiations
- ▪United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an hour-long phone call on September 8, 2026, to discuss conflict resolution parameters, battlefield assessments, and the outcomes of the envoys' visits
Black Sea maritime security
- ▪Ukrainian and United States teams maintain ongoing dialogue regarding energy security and Black Sea export routes ahead of planned diplomatic engagements in late September 2026
- ▪Kyrylo Budanov stated that the initial agreements in the proposed October 2026 talks would focus on practical de-escalation measures, specifically prioritizing Black Sea maritime transit and security
Aerial strike de-escalation measures
- ▪The proposed October 2026 peace negotiations will focus on reducing the volume of aerial strikes against civilian objects and critical infrastructure in Ukraine
- ▪Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary three-day pause in strikes on each other's capitals during the visit of United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which ended prior to resumed strikes on September 8, 2026
Russian negotiation position
- ▪Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated during his September 8, 2026, phone call with Donald Trump that Russia intends to advance its military goals and secure its claimed territories in eastern and southern Ukraine
- ▪Russian foreign affairs adviser Yury Ushakov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined during his call with Donald Trump that Russia has no aggressive plans regarding Europe or NATO members
European security architecture role
- ▪Kyrylo Budanov held high-level diplomatic discussions in Kyiv with European national security advisers from Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom to coordinate strategic positions ahead of autumn summits
- ▪Kyrylo Budanov emphasized that Ukraine and its partners must accelerate efforts to construct a durable post-war European security architecture, with the Armed Forces of Ukraine serving as an indispensable component
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