Oct 21, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace agreement before winter, following diplomatic engagements with both leaders.

Speaking after a phone conversation with Putin and a subsequent meeting with Zelensky, Trump expressed confidence that Moscow is open to negotiations. "He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great," Trump stated, emphasizing that Washington and Kyiv share the objective of ending the conflict in the coming months.

Zelensky described his discussions with the US leader as positive and productive, confirming a shared desire to halt Russian aggression prior to winter. However, neither side outlined specific terms or frameworks required to initiate formal negotiations.

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

Russian forces initiated new overnight drone strikes on Kyiv, injuring a woman and damaging urban areas. The assault followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he strongly criticized Moscow’s leadership. Concurrently, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced a renewed military campaign specifically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

In response, Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil facilities have caused fuel shortages, prompting Moscow to seek refined petrol imports. Meanwhile, European officials raised concerns over hybrid threats within the bloc. German investigators identified two suspects connected to Moscow regarding explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. Reacting to the events, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

The European Union has officially extended its sanctions framework against Russia as conflict between Moscow and Kyiv persists. The decision comes alongside sharp condemnation from EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, which they described as an effort to intimidate European nations.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that both sides agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Combat operations remain intense, with shelling in Kherson leaving two dead and 14 injured, while Ukrainian drones reportedly wounded seven people across Belgorod and Sochi. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to begin drafting legal mechanisms for post-war elections, warning that inaction could endanger political stability after hostilities end. Fedorov, who was removed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that early legislative preparation is vital to tackle significant logistical barriers.

While current martial law bans holding elections during wartime, former officials highlight the necessity of planning for complex voting conditions. Key challenges include securing voting rights for millions of internally displaced persons, refugees residing across Europe, and soldiers deployed along the front lines. Ukrainian authorities have yet to establish a clear timetable for future electoral processes.

Sources: Le Monde.

European Union diplomats have resolved a dispute over renewing sanctions on nearly 3,000 Russian individuals and organizations linked to the invasion of Ukraine. To prevent the measures from automatically expiring, member states agreed to extend the restrictions after reaching a compromise to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and banker Mikhail Fridman from the blacklist. The impasse had stemmed from objections raised by France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg regarding specific listings. Following the agreement, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a new economic sanctions package aimed at further curtailing Moscow's war effort and bolstering support for Kyiv amid shifting transatlantic political dynamics.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau