Oct 11, 2026, 09:00 PM UTC

Portugal's parliament has rejected a motion of censure introduced by the right-wing Chega party against the country's minority administration. The initiative followed a three-hour debate regarding recent controversies surrounding the Ministry of Internal Administration.

The governing coalition voted against the measure, while the primary opposition Socialist Party abstained, guaranteeing the motion's defeat. Following the vote, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro criticized Chega for introducing a proposal destined to fail, stating that citizens would render a "political judgment" on the party. Leitão Amaro also reiterated that the executive intends to continue seeking legislative support on a case-by-case basis rather than naming a preferred parliamentary partner.

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

Former diplomats and foreign policy analysts have criticized Washington's diplomatic strategy toward Moscow, warning that a transactional, business-oriented approach fails to account for Russian strategic objectives. Critics, including former negotiator Donald Jensen, argue that key US officials lack insight into Kremlin negotiation tactics. Concerns have also emerged over potential conflicts of interest following reports that multi-billion-dollar discussions involving Russian energy firm Lukoil occurred alongside official peace talks. Meanwhile, domestic economic pressures and low approval ratings ahead of midterm elections continue to influence Washington's foreign policy calculations. Moscow has dismissed prospects for bilateral talks on strategic stability, citing the expansion of US missile defense systems in Europe as a primary barrier to negotiations.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy.

Italian politicians and the judiciary remain locked in a heated debate over public safety and judicial leniency following the conditional release of a sexual assault suspect in Turin. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani accused magistrates of excessive leniency, prompting the National Magistrates Association to warn that political criticism threatens the rule of law while ignoring prison overcrowding at 160% capacity.

Meanwhile, recent statistical data indicates that major crime in Italy continues to decline, with cities such as Rome and Milan recording lower crime rates than many Western metropolises. Utility scams have also fallen by 27% over the past three years.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

Following a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel fuel to American and international markets. In response, the US Department of the Treasury lifted a ban on Russian diesel imports that had been in place since 2022.

Trump stated that Moscow agreed to release 300,000 tonnes immediately, with additional deliveries scheduled through November, potentially totaling up to 4.8 million tonnes. Trump framed the agreement as a measure to lower domestic energy costs ahead of upcoming elections. Global diesel futures fell approximately four percent following the announcement.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply criticized the arrangement, calling it a benefit to Moscow. Market analysts also questioned the deal's long-term effectiveness, noting that the initial shipment covers less than two days of US consumption while Russia continues to enforce domestic export restrictions.

Sources: BBC News, Mediapool, NEXTA, Tagesschau, The Insider

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that presidential elections could be held in Ukraine if Russia agrees to a full 60-day ceasefire. The statement came in response to US President Donald Trump calling for Ukrainians to select a new leader. Zelensky stressed that selecting leadership remains a decision for the Ukrainian people, though he noted informing Trump's team that a two-month truce could enable voting.

Separately, Trump announced on social media that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an immediate ceasefire regarding energy infrastructure, warning both sides against breaking the deal. Trump has recently urged Ukraine to stop hitting Russian oil facilities, which Kyiv considers vital for limiting Moscow's war funding.

Sources: Morgunblaðið, Vísir