Oct 12, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated calls for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement before winter. Speaking after a phone call with Putin, Trump stated that the Russian leader is seeking a resolution, adding, "He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great."

The announcement follows a meeting between Trump and Zelensky, which the Ukrainian leader described as positive and productive. Zelensky confirmed that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of ending the conflict in the coming months. However, neither side has publicly detailed specific terms or a concrete timeline for formal diplomatic discussions to begin.

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

The European Union has renewed its sanctions against Russia following a missile attack on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. EU diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the strike, stating it was intended to intimidate European nations and create internal divisions.

The diplomatic escalation occurs alongside ongoing military engagements across multiple regions. Ukrainian officials reported two deaths and 14 injuries from Russian shelling in Kherson, while Ukrainian drone strikes injured seven people in Sochi and Russia's Belgorod region. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree dismissing the national prosecutor general. The developments follow recent statements by US President Donald Trump claiming both nations had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Sources: CDM

Russian forces executed nearly 60 artillery and missile bombardments targeting five districts in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, according to emergency service officials.

The attacks resulted in at least five deaths and left 16 people injured across the region. Local authorities reported that the heaviest casualties occurred in the Kamianske district, where three civilians were killed and five others sustained injuries. In the Pavlohrad district, two individuals lost their lives while seven more were wounded. Further casualties and structural fires were reported in the Nikopol district as rescue personnel worked to contain damages and assist residents.

Emergency operations continue across the impacted areas as officials evaluate the full scale of destruction.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on the country's parliament to begin drafting a legal framework to enable post-war elections once martial law ends. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that early preparations are necessary to ensure a smooth democratic transition after the conflict with Russia concludes.

Under Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited while martial law remains active. Preparing in advance would address complex administrative hurdles, such as organizing voting mechanisms for millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad and enabling active military personnel on the frontline to participate. Advocates argue that resolving these regulatory challenges now will safeguard the credibility of future electoral processes when security conditions permit.

Sources: Le Monde.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting that military forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," adding that troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The refusal underscores a visible rift with Washington, even as Israeli military operations in Gaza have effectively paused under American diplomatic pressure.

Netanyahu's stance comes ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, as he navigates competing demands from far-right coalition members and Washington.

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