Oct 22, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine before winter. Following discussions with both leaders, Trump stated that Putin "wants a deal" and suggested that progress depends on mutual agreement, adding that "if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great."

Zelensky characterized his exchange with Trump as "positive and productive," noting that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of stopping Russian military aggression in the coming months. While Trump indicated broad alignment with Zelensky, he emphasized that direct compromise between Kyiv and Moscow remains essential to reach a resolution.

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

Russian forces launched fresh drone strikes targeting Kyiv, injuring at least one person as Moscow confirmed an intensified campaign to dismantle Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The attacks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, in which he accused Russian leadership of initiating the conflict. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone raids on Russian oil refineries have disrupted domestic fuel supplies, compelling Moscow to source petrol internationally.

In response to related security concerns within Europe, German authorities identified two suspects tied to Moscow over recent explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stern warning regarding foreign interference, stating, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military tensions near the Strait of Hormuz escalated after Iranian state media reported strikes on six vessels, including three commercial tankers and three American ships, as well as targets near U.S. aircraft carriers. Tehran presented the attacks as retaliation for earlier U.S. military operations in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran's claims, asserting that "Hormuz open, Tehran is in great difficulty." However, American intelligence reports indicated that Revolutionary Guard commanders feel increasingly empowered, sparking fears of further conflict. Emergency crews successfully extinguished a fire aboard one hit tanker.

The latest hostilities follow months of friction, including a short-lived 14-point memorandum signed in June that failed to maintain a lasting truce after new strikes in July.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

European Union member states have resolved a diplomatic deadlock, agreeing to extend sanctions against roughly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities involved in Moscow's aggression against Ukraine.

Unanimous approval followed a compromise requested by France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and banker Mikhail Fridman from the restriction list. Diplomats temporarily extended negotiations to prevent the automatic expiration of travel bans and asset freezes.

Alongside the individual list, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg formally adopted a major economic sanctions package targeting the Russian war economy.

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

Russian officials have escalated rhetoric against Norway, branding Oslo a security threat and levelling accusations of "state terrorism" following NATO military exercises and the detention of a Russian vessel. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre advised citizens to remain prepared for potential threats without succumbing to fear.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure near Moscow. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes heavily damaged regional oil refining capabilities, impacting supply networks. While analysts indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin retains sufficient resources to prolong military operations, his strategic flexibility is diminishing as risks increase. European analysts contend that securing long-term European stability will ultimately necessitate a Russian defeat in Ukraine.

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