Oct 12, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a settlement to end the conflict prior to the onset of winter. Following a phone call with Putin, Trump stated that he believes the Russian leader seeks an agreement, adding, "He wants a deal, and if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great."

Zelensky characterized his discussions with the American president as "positive and productive," signaling shared hopes between Kyiv and Washington that military hostilities can be halted in the coming months. While both leaders expressed optimism regarding diplomatic progress, neither side has publicly detailed specific terms or a formal timeline for potential negotiations.

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

Russian forces launched nearly 60 attacks targeting five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency service officials.

The bombardments resulted in at least five civilian fatalities and left 16 others injured. Kamianske district suffered the heaviest loss of life, with three people killed and five injured. In Pavlohrad district, strikes caused two deaths and seven injuries. Additional casualties and damage to infrastructure were recorded in Nikopol district, where emergency crews responded to multiple fires and ongoing destruction. Rescue teams continue working across affected areas to assess the full scale of damage and provide medical assistance.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Iran has shifted its military doctrine to a "completely offensive" strategy following the breakdown of peace negotiations with the United States. Iranian armed forces stated they will pursue the "complete defeat" of American forces in the region, aligning with the expiration of a 60-day memorandum of understanding signed in June. Washington confirmed it will not extend the temporary ceasefire.

The political collapse coincides with active military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. United States Central Command announced US forces hit five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one, in retaliation for Iranian strikes against an American warship. Analysts warn that compounding economic sanctions and rising maritime friction significantly elevate the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

France’s Constitutional Council has approved key elements of the government's end-of-life legislation and emergency agricultural measures, while striking down a proposed ban on social media for children under 15.

The high court ruled that establishing end-of-life procedures falls within parliamentary authority. However, justices added three interpretative reservations, notably guaranteeing a conscience clause allowing private and faith-based healthcare facilities to opt out of performing end-of-life procedures. French President Emmanuel Macron commended the approval, stating it finalized an "exemplary democratic debate."

Concurrently, the court struck down the primary provision restricting social media access for minors under 15, deeming a blanket prohibition an excessive restriction on public liberties. The decision effectively invalidates a key policy initiative championed by the executive branch.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense)