Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump's decision to import Russian diesel fuel continues to draw scrutiny from energy experts and political analysts. Under the arrangement announced following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow will initially supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel to domestic and international markets, with additional shipments planned later.

The move represents a policy reversal coming just weeks after Washington enacted legislation imposing new sanctions on importers of Russian energy. Trump stated the imports aim to reduce retail fuel prices ahead of upcoming midterm elections. However, energy analysts express skepticism that the shipments will noticeably lower consumer costs, while commentators warn the deal risks undermining Western diplomatic pressure on Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, ERR, France24, Sweden Herald

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched consecutive missile strikes against Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting the suspension of flight operations. The attacks caused fires in passenger terminals, leaving at least 12 people dead and over 300 injured, according to local authorities, while additional strikes targeted Abha airport.

Following the assaults, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines and passengers that Saudi airspace and airports now "constitute a theatre of operations," excepting holy sites in Mecca and Medina. US President Donald Trump characterized the attack on Riyadh as "not acceptable," while the Saudi-led coalition responded by carrying out airstrikes against more than 80 Houthi military targets across Yemen.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian.

Pope Leo is scheduled to undergo surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome in the coming days after doctors discovered a localized lung nodule during a recent medical examination.

Speaking to pilgrims at St. Peter's Square during his weekly address, the 71-year-old pontiff explained that the nodule was "discovered at a very early stage and localized," leading doctors to advise surgical intervention. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that the operation is scheduled for early in the week, adding that the Pope is expected to require about a week of recovery time.

Sources: Aftenposten, DR, Morgunblaðið, NRK, Vísir.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the completion of a new series of military strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The operations followed an Iranian attempt to deploy naval mines in the strategic waterway and ballistic missile launches directed at two US warships. CENTCOM confirmed that mine-clearing efforts are finished and the maritime transit route is secure.

The military action coincides with heightened rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who warned Tehran that continued attacks on energy shipping could result in strikes against Iranian civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges. The developments follow earlier US strikes on three Iranian commercial oil tankers. Observers note that targeting commercial energy fleets signals a transition into fifth-generation warfare.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann has won the French social-democratic primary in the first round, securing approximately 66% of the votes cast by more than 120,000 participants ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Glucksmann, representing the Place Publique movement, comfortably defeated Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, who received about 14% of the vote. Other candidates, including Ségolène Royal, Jérôme Guedj, and Emmanuel Maurel, each scored below 10%.

Following the result, Glucksmann declared his victory belonged to "all those who believe that the left must break" with La France Insoumise. Faure congratulated Glucksmann while urging left-wing unity, maintaining that no political transformation is achievable without collective alignment.

Sources: Le Figaro, La Tribune, Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info.