Oct 23, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC

US 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 prior to winter.

Speaking after talks in Washington, Trump stated that while he agrees with Zelensky on several issues, both nations must achieve a deal. Trump also referenced a recent phone call with Putin, expressing confidence that Moscow is similarly interested in reaching a compromise.

Zelensky described the Washington meeting as "positive and productive," adding that both Ukraine and the United States share the goal of stopping hostilities before winter.

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

Hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have persisted despite statements from US President Donald Trump claiming both nations agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure. Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region reportedly killed two people and injured 14 others, while Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russia's Belgorod and Sochi regions, leaving seven wounded.

Diplomatic tensions increased after a Russian attack on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated the strike was aimed at intimidating European partners. In response to continuing hostilities, the EU formally extended its sanctions against Moscow. Meanwhile in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an executive decree removing the country's prosecutor general from office.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Russian forces launched another wave of overnight drone attacks on Kyiv, injuring a resident following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address at the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow's defense ministry officially confirmed an ongoing campaign aimed at destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter months. In response, Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian petroleum facilities have significantly disrupted refining operations, forcing Moscow to import fuel.

Concurrently, security concerns across Europe escalated after German investigators linked two suspects associated with Moscow to explosive drone incidents near Leipzig. Addressing the escalation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a direct warning, stating, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged the country's parliament to establish a legal framework for national elections following the eventual lifting of martial law. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his position by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that advance preparation is essential to prevent severe political disruption once hostilities end.

Under current legislation, Ukraine cannot conduct elections while martial law remains enforced. However, advocates for legislative groundwork note that organizing post-conflict voting will require resolving complex logistical hurdles, including enabling participation for millions of displaced citizens, overseas refugees, and active military personnel. Ukrainian officials have not yet specified a timeline for lifting martial law or scheduling future elections.

Sources: Le Monde.

European Union member states have resolved a diplomatic standoff, agreeing to extend existing sanctions against roughly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities linked to the invasion of Ukraine.

The consensus was reached after diplomats agreed to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and financier Mikhail Fridman from the list. France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg had pushed for individual removals, causing temporary delays before member states agreed to the compromise to prevent current penalties from expiring automatically.

Concurrently, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved the bloc's largest sanctions package against Moscow to date. The new measures target Russia's military-industrial complex, energy infrastructure, and financial networks.

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