Oct 10, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an agreement to end the war before winter.

Following a phone conversation with Putin, Trump stated he was convinced the Russian leader wants a deal, adding, "if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great." Zelensky described his recent meeting with Trump as productive, noting that both Washington and Kyiv aim to stop Russian hostilities in the coming months. However, neither side disclosed specific terms or detailed proposals regarding potential peace negotiations.

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

Russian defense officials have launched a renewed campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure following fresh overnight drone strikes on Kyiv that injured one person. The assault intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly, where he referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as "the patient zero who wanted the war."

Concurrently, Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries have disrupted domestic fuel supplies, forcing Moscow to import petrol. In response to broader European security threats, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and stands ready to respond. Her remarks followed German authorities identifying two Moscow-linked suspects involved in an explosive drone plot in Leipzig.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tehran has claimed responsibility for missile strikes on six vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting three commercial oil tankers, three U.S. craft, and an aircraft carrier. Responders successfully extinguished a fire aboard one impacted commercial tanker. The escalated maritime clashes follow a volatile period marked by a 14-point memorandum of understanding negotiated in June, which was tested by renewed U.S. airstrikes in July.

U.S. President Donald Trump minimized the incidents, asserting that "Hormuz is open" and maintaining that Iranian leadership faces severe difficulties. However, U.S. intelligence agencies warned that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feels emboldened and could further escalate regional hostilities. Tensions remain elevated throughout the Gulf region as tit-for-tat actions continue near the strategic waterway.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

United States federal prosecutors have unsealed indictments against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of directing an international campaign of sabotage and targeted killings.

According to American authorities, the network recruited individuals in the US and Europe to conduct surveillance, carry out assassinations, and disrupt infrastructure supporting Ukraine, including a June 2024 incident in Prague. All five suspects remain at large.

Concurrently, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service reported that Russian actors carried out sabotage operations targeting Danish defense companies supplying equipment to Kyiv. Danish officials characterized the actions as part of an escalating hybrid warfare strategy aimed at weakening Western military assistance to Ukraine.

Sources: BBC News, France24, OCCRP, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting Israeli troops will not pull out of the enclave until Hamas fully disarms.

In televised comments to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and confirmed forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement comes despite a recent reduction in Israeli strikes following American diplomatic pressure.

The decision underscores growing tension between Israel and Washington ahead of Israel's general election set for October 27. Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing coalition partners who oppose concessions, alongside international calls for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, separate regional tensions persist following reported Houthi strikes on infrastructure in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald