Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace agreement before winter. Speaking following discussions with both leaders, Trump expressed confidence that Moscow seeks a resolution to the conflict.

Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as "positive and productive," confirming that both Washington and Kyiv aim to end the war in the coming months. Trump reiterated his stance that both sides must negotiate, noting agreement with Zelensky on several issues while emphasizing the necessity of a finalized deal.

While both leaders expressed optimism regarding potential talks, concrete terms for a settlement remain undisclosed.

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

German investigators have identified two suspects with ties to Moscow following the discovery of explosive drones in Leipzig. Reacting to the incident, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the bloc will not tolerate "attacks on EU soil" and warned that Europe remains prepared to counter covert hostile operations.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. Russia announced a renewed campaign targeting Ukraine's energy network, launching overnight drone strikes against Kyiv that injured a civilian. In response, Ukrainian forces intensified long-range aerial strikes against petroleum facilities inside Russia, disrupting domestic fuel supplies and forcing Moscow to import petroleum products from abroad.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

United States prosecutors have charged five alleged Russian intelligence operatives for conducting a global campaign of sabotage and planned assassinations aimed at supporters of Ukraine. According to the indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court, the network recruited individuals across North America and Europe to track and attack targets aligned with Kyiv, including a June 2024 assault in Prague.

In a related development, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service disclosed that Russian operatives carried out physical sabotage against Danish defense contractors producing equipment for Ukraine. American and European authorities emphasized that all five charged individuals remain at large while investigations continue.

Sources: BBC News, France24, OCCRP, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.

Iran claimed it struck six vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, including three oil tankers and three American ships, in response to recent US raids. Iranian state media also reported missile attacks targeting an American aircraft carrier and confirmed that a fire aboard a hit oil tanker was extinguished.

US President Donald Trump insisted that the strategic maritime passage remains open, asserting that Tehran is under severe operational strain. However, American intelligence assessments indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps views its retaliatory strikes as successful, raising concerns over potential escalation and putting further strain on the fragile June truce.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza put forward by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Israeli troops will remain in the territory until Hamas is disarmed. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document."

The announcement underlines growing tension between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Israeli military activity in Gaza has diminished following American diplomatic pressure. The decision comes as Netanyahu navigates domestic political pressure ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against expectations from the US administration.

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