Oct 22, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an agreement to end the war in Ukraine before winter. Speaking after separate exchanges with both leaders, Trump stated that Putin "wants a deal" and emphasized that progress relies on mutual compromise, adding that "if Zelensky wants a deal, it would be great."

Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as "positive and productive," expressing confidence that the conflict could end in the coming months as both Kyiv and Washington seek a resolution. While Trump noted broad alignment with Ukraine on several issues, he reiterated that direct agreement between Kyiv and Moscow remains necessary to stop the fighting.

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

US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure. However, military hostilities continue across multiple regions. Ukrainian officials reported two fatalities and 14 injuries following shelling in Kherson. Meanwhile, drone strikes in Russia's Sochi and Belgorod regions left seven people wounded.

In diplomatic actions, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, framing it as an attempt to intimidate European partners. The EU also formally extended its sanctions regime against Moscow. Domestically, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the nation's prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Heavy fighting persists across eastern and southern Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials reporting over 220 combat engagements within a single day. Russian assault operations focused heavily on the Pokrovsk and South Slobozhan sectors, where Ukrainian troops reportedly repelled dozens of ground attacks.

Concurrently, both sides reported conflicting operational developments across other areas of the front line. Ukrainian forces advanced north of Kupiansk along the Oskil River and positioned themselves for gains near Lyman. Conversely, Moscow claimed its military captured several settlements near Sumy and targeted ammunition facilities in the Kyiv region. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov publicly denied Ukrainian tactical successes.

Sources: The Insider, Радіо Свобода.

Iranian state media reported strikes on six vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, including three commercial tankers and three American ships, alongside targets near U.S. aircraft carriers. Tehran framed the operations as retaliation for U.S. military actions in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran's assertions, stating the strategic waterway remains open and arguing that Iran is facing severe difficulties. However, intelligence reports from Washington cautioned that commanders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feel increasingly emboldened, raising concerns over potential escalation. Emergency crews managed to extinguish a fire aboard one of the hit tankers.

The hostilities follow a fragile security situation after a 14-point memorandum agreed upon in June failed to maintain a lasting ceasefire following renewed strikes in July.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged the national parliament to draft legislative frameworks to enable post-war elections once martial law ends. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, cautioned that a lack of legal preparation could trigger political instability after hostilities cease.

Under current Ukrainian law, holding elections is prohibited while martial law remains active. However, proponents argue that advance planning is necessary to resolve complex logistical hurdles. Key challenges include organizing voting procedures for millions of internally displaced persons, overseas refugees, and military personnel serving along the front lines. Ukrainian authorities have not yet specified a timetable for conducting votes after the conflict concludes.

Sources: Le Monde.