Oct 12, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia following a missile strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, which EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned as an attempt to intimidate European nations.

The diplomatic move comes amid new developments, including US President Donald Trump's statement that Moscow and Kyiv reached an agreement to temporarily halt attacks targeting energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, military operations persist across the region. Ukrainian officials reported two fatalities and 14 injuries from Russian shelling in Kherson, while Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly injured seven people in Sochi and Belgorod. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree removing the nation's prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM

Russian drone strikes targeted Kyiv again overnight, injuring a woman as Moscow pursues a systematic campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. The intensified bombardment follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, in which he referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as "the patient zero who wanted the war".

In response, Ukrainian forces have stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian fuel facilities and oil refineries.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" after German authorities in Leipzig identified two suspects linked to Moscow over an explosive drone plot.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged parliament to begin establishing a legal framework for eventual post-war elections. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that early administrative preparations are essential to handle complex logistical challenges once hostilities cease.

National elections remain legally suspended in Ukraine while martial law is enforced. However, proponents of early legislative planning contend that establishing clear protocols now is crucial to safeguard voting rights for frontline soldiers and millions of citizens displaced abroad. Lawmakers preparing these guidelines in advance aim to facilitate an orderly democratic transition whenever security conditions permit balloting to resume.

Sources: Le Monde

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

In televised remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will continue counteracting threats against its forces despite a recent pause in offensive military operations under American pressure. The decision highlights growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem as Netanyahu balances demands from far-right coalition partners ahead of Israel's upcoming national election on October 27.

Although Hamas had previously accepted the 15-point framework announced by the US, Israel's refusal leaves international peace efforts stalled amid continued regional volatility.

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

A recent Ukrainian drone attack on a major oil refinery near Moscow degraded over half of its refining capacity, according to Ukrainian officials. The strike comes amid intensifying security concerns across Northern Europe. Authorities in Germany and Denmark have reported foiled Russian hybrid warfare operations, including sabotage plans targeting defense contractors and drone disruptions at Leipzig airport. Analysts advise European leadership to maintain composure in response to these covert tactics.

Concurrently, diplomatic friction between Norway and Russia has escalated sharply. Senior Russian officials accused Norway of "state terrorism" following NATO military exercises and the seizure of a Russian vessel. Strategic experts note that while fulfilling European security goals will ultimately require a Russian defeat, Moscow retains sufficient capability to prolong military operations despite narrowing strategic options.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter