Ukraine-Russia War: 2026-10-28

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said they used a joint call to pass messages on future talks, prepared with Ukraine and the United States. Stubb called the conversation frank, while Store said the sides still hold very different views. The Kremlin said Putin told them a lasting peace is possible only if Russia's interests are fully taken into account.

Ukrainian officials and Russia's defence ministry told the BBC the local truce in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, is being respected. The White House has said US First Lady Melania Trump helped secure the pause so aid can enter and civilians can leave in an evacuation planned for Friday. Up to 6,000 people, including about 200 children, are still in the city and nearby areas, according to Kyiv.