Peace Talks Gain Momentum as Ceasefire Holds in Southern Ukraine

Recent diplomatic contacts and a brief ceasefire in southern Ukraine have raised hopes for peace negotiations, though Russia's commitment remains uncertain. A three-way expert-level meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the US may occur soon in Dubai. The ceasefire in Oleshky, mediated by Melania Trump, allowed hundreds of residents to evacuate. Finland's and Norway's leaders called Putin on October 27, and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov attended the G20 meeting in Atlanta, signaling renewed engagement. Ukraine may be ready to cede territory in exchange for security guarantees, while Russia could receive its own guarantees. However, Moscow may be using stalling tactics, betting on EU fatigue and US-EU divisions.