Oct 25, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, following a phone conversation between the two leaders.

Speaking after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, Trump stated he shares common ground with Kyiv on several matters, but emphasized the urgent need for a negotiated settlement. "I want him to reach an agreement with Putin and that Putin reach an agreement with him," Trump stated.

Zelensky described the meeting as "positive and productive," noting that both Washington and Kyiv aim to halt hostilities prior to winter. Trump similarly maintained that a peace deal could be finalized in the coming months if both sides commit to negotiations.

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

The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia following a missile strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate effort to intimidate European allies and provoke internal divisions.

Despite claims by US President Donald Trump that Kyiv and Moscow agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, military engagements remain ongoing. Shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and wounded 14 others. In Russia, drone strikes across the Sochi and Belgorod regions injured seven people. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formally removing the country's prosecutor general from office.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Russian forces launched fresh drone strikes against Kyiv, injuring at least one person following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow's defense ministry confirmed a renewed military campaign specifically targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. In response to Ukrainian counterstrikes on Russian petroleum facilities, Moscow has faced domestic fuel shortages, prompting foreign fuel purchases.

Meanwhile, security concerns in Western Europe escalated after German authorities identified two suspects linked to Moscow in connection with explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. Reacting to the developments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks" on member states' territory and remains prepared to deploy defensive measures.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following claims by Iranian state media that its forces targeted six vessels, including three commercial oil tankers and three United States naval ships, alongside missile strikes directed at an aircraft carrier. Firefighters successfully extinguished a blaze on one hit tanker.

Despite the attacks, United States President Donald Trump asserted that the strategic waterway remains operational, claiming Tehran's leadership is facing severe setbacks. However, United States intelligence assessments indicate that Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders feel emboldened and may further intensify hostilities. The renewed clashes endanger the fragile fourteen-point truce memorandum established in June following months of regional strikes.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Slovakia’s ruling coalition faces mounting strain following cabinet friction, integrity questions, and foreign policy shifts. Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba was removed after Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko supported an opposition motion against him.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák confirmed receiving consultancy fees from defense manufacturer CSG before his ministry later awarded contracts to the firm. Separately, public integrity concerns emerged after the spouse of a police investigator—who dismissed complaints against Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok—was appointed without a tender to a state energy board.

Additionally, Slovakia became the first European Union state since 2022 to restore military attaché ties with Russia, drawing criticism over potential espionage risks. Officials have denied any wrongdoing.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Denník N, Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy