Oct 10, 2026, 07:00 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump stated he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach an agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, following a telephone call between the two leaders. Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump urged both sides to negotiate, noting, "if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great."

Zelensky described his discussions with Trump as "positive and productive," emphasizing that both the US and Ukraine aim to end the war before winter. Despite the hopeful rhetoric, neither side has disclosed concrete terms or frameworks for potential talks with Moscow.

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

US President Donald Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure, though active combat persists across several regions. Local officials reported casualties from ongoing strikes, including two fatalities and 14 injuries in Ukraine's Kherson region following Russian shelling. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone activity reportedly injured seven individuals across Sochi and Belgorod in Russia.

Amid the escalating violence, the European Union extended its sanctions regime against Russia. High Representative Kaja Kallas alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced a Russian strike on a passenger train near the Ukrainian border with Poland, describing the action as an attempt to divide European nations. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the nation's prosecutor general amid domestic administrative changes.

Sources: CDM

US forces have conducted strikes against Iranian military positions and three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz following ballistic missile attacks on American warships and an attempted sea-mining operation by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The military actions highlight a shift toward targeting commercial shipping and energy infrastructure. Analysis highlighted by Nova TV suggests the conflict reflects a transition toward fifth-generation warfare, where civilian energy networks become central military targets. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump issued further warnings against Tehran, threatening severe retaliation against Iranian infrastructure if hostilities against commercial shipping persist.

US Central Command confirmed that sea mines in the strait have been cleared and operations against Iranian targets have concluded for this phase.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced goals to raise the country's average monthly net wage to €1,600 by 2028, alongside upcoming October consultations to adjust the minimum wage. The administration is also promoting a €3 billion national strategy running through 2034 to modernize manufacturing and boost productivity.

Despite recording 22 consecutive quarters of expansion, business leaders and analysts express concern regarding future economic sustainability. Mislav Balković, president of the Croatian Employers' Association, cautioned that labor costs are escalating faster than productivity gains, emphasizing that private-sector innovation must anchor development. Meanwhile, former economy minister Ljubo Jurčić offered a sharper critique, arguing the economy is floating "without an engine and without a rudder" as cooling consumer purchasing power slows momentum.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, has urged parliament to lay the legal groundwork for holding national elections as soon as martial law ends.

While Ukrainian law prohibits elections during active martial law, authorities face logistical hurdles preparing for future balloting. Key challenges include organizing voting procedures for millions of displaced citizens residing abroad and service members stationed along active front lines. Fedorov argued that proactive legislative action will prevent administrative bottlenecks and ensure a smooth democratic transition after military hostilities conclude.

Sources: Le Monde.