Oct 5, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

Following a bilateral meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the war in Ukraine could conclude before winter. Trump urged Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an agreement, stating after a recent phone call with Putin that "He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great."

Zelensky described the meeting as "positive and productive," emphasizing that both Ukraine and the United States aim to halt hostilities in the coming months. Trump reiterated his belief that a diplomatic resolution remains feasible if both leaders agree to negotiate.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv would only halt operations if Western allies guarantee Moscow stops striking Ukrainian energy, transport, and food supply networks.

Despite the announcements, fighting continued across several regions. Ukrainian authorities reported two deaths and 14 injuries from shelling in Kherson, while Ukrainian drone strikes injured seven people in Sochi and Belgorod. Additionally, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated a Russian strike near the Polish border aimed to divide European nations. In domestic developments, Zelenskyy dismissed Ukraine's state prosecutor by decree.

Sources: CDM, N1.

Military confrontations between the United States and Iran have re-escalated near the Strait of Hormuz following recent American airstrikes. Iranian state media claimed that Tehran launched missiles targeting six vessels, including three commercial oil tankers and three US naval ships, alongside an American aircraft carrier. A fire aboard one hit merchant vessel was extinguished by crew members.

US President Donald Trump minimized the maritime threat, asserting that the vital shipping route remains open and characterizing Iran as being in "great difficulty." Conversely, American intelligence assessments warn that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feels emboldened by recent clashes, raising concerns over a potential escalation that could threaten the 14-point memorandum signed in June.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

United States federal prosecutors have unsealed charges against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of orchestrating covert assassination and sabotage operations targeting pro-Ukrainian figures in North America and Europe. According to Manhattan court filings, the suspects, who remain at large, recruited and paid individuals globally to perform surveillance and execute attacks, including a June 2024 assault in Prague.

Simultaneously, a regional court in Stuttgart, Germany, convicted a Ukrainian national for participating in a Russian-backed plot. Prosecutors said the individual and two accomplices dispatched packages containing tracking devices and automotive components through European logistics networks to undermine public safety and confidence in security. Western law enforcement agencies continue investigating related covert operations linked to Moscow.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, OCCRP, The Guardian.

Portugal’s parliament has rejected a censure motion introduced by the far-right Chega party against the minority administration following debates over recent ministerial controversies.

The motion targeted the Minister of Internal Administration but failed after the ruling Democratic Alliance voted against it and the primary opposition Socialist Party chose to abstain. The outcome was widely anticipated given the positions announced by major political groups ahead of the three-hour debate.

Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro closed the session by criticizing Chega for introducing a measure bound for defeat. Leitão Amaro stated that the electorate would make a "political judgment" regarding the party's parliamentary tactics, while reiterating that the executive continues to govern without a "preferential partner" in parliament.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)