Oct 22, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an agreement to end the war in Ukraine before winter. Following discussions with both leaders, Trump stated that Moscow is seeking a resolution, adding, "He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great."

Zelensky characterized his meeting with Trump as "positive and productive," noting that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of halting Russian military operations in the coming months. While Trump indicated agreement with Zelensky on various matters, he emphasized that direct compromise between Kyiv and Moscow remains necessary to achieve peace.

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

European diplomatic leaders have condemned a recent Russian military strike targeting a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated the attack was designed to intimidate European allies and foster division.

Meanwhile, military engagements continue along several fronts. Ukrainian authorities confirmed two fatalities and 14 injuries following shelling in the Kherson region. Conversely, drone strikes in the Russian areas of Sochi and Belgorod left seven people wounded.

The escalations persist despite assertions from U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine agreed to cease strikes against energy infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the country's prosecutor general, and the European Union extended its existing sanctions framework against Russia.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

At least five civilians were killed and 16 others injured in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region following nearly 60 Russian bombardments over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services. Russian forces targeted five separate districts across the region during the wave of attacks.

The highest fatalities were recorded in the Kamianske district, where three people died and five sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad, two individuals were killed and seven others were wounded. Additional casualties and property damage were reported in the Nikopol district, where emergency crews worked to extinguish fires and clear wreckage.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

European Union member states have resolved an internal deadlock to extend targeted sanctions against approximately 3,000 Russian individuals and entities supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Unanimous approval was secured after diplomats agreed to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and banker Mikhail Fridman from the blacklist, following requests raised by France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg. To prevent the automatic expiration of travel bans and asset freezes, member states temporarily extended negotiations before finalizing the compromise. Alongside the individual restrictions, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a comprehensive new economic sanctions package aimed at further curtailing Russia's war effort.

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

Relations between Russia and Northern European nations remain strained following sharp accusations from Kremlin officials targeting Norway over NATO military exercises and a detained vessel. Moscow accused Oslo of "state terrorism," prompting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to urge citizens to be prepared rather than afraid.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted major oil refining infrastructure near Moscow, with Ukrainian media alleging that more than half of the region's refining capacity was disrupted. Analysts observe that while Moscow retains the operational capacity to sustain prolonged military actions in Ukraine, European strategic objectives necessitate a Russian defeat. Experts highlight that President Vladimir Putin faces shrinking strategic flexibility, forcing the Kremlin to accept increasingly elevated risks across the region.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv, TV 2 Nyheter, VG