Oct 25, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian forces are advancing along the right bank of the Oskil River north of Kupiansk, with officials also preparing to confirm the recapture of roughly 200 square kilometres near Lyman.

In contrast, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that its troops captured several settlements near the city of Sumy. Addressing the Zaporizhzhia front, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov publicly rejected reports of Ukrainian advances, maintaining that defensive positions remain firm. Meanwhile, overnight strikes hit ammunition storage facilities in the Kyiv region.

Sources: The Insider.

Following talks in Washington, US President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace agreement before winter. Zelensky described the meeting as "positive and productive," noting that both Ukraine and the United States aim to halt the conflict in the coming months.

Trump expressed optimism regarding peace negotiations, stating that he believes the Russian president desires a resolution. He emphasized that progress depends on both Kyiv and Moscow willingness to compromise. The discussions follow recent direct telephone communication between Trump and Putin.

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

United States President Donald Trump maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains operational and that Tehran faces severe hardship, following renewed military actions in the Middle East. His statement contrasts with claims from Iranian state media, which reported missile strikes targeting six vessels near the vital waterway, including three commercial tankers and three US naval ships, alongside an attack aimed at an American aircraft carrier. Firefighters successfully extinguished a blaze aboard one hit tanker.

Meanwhile, United States intelligence agencies warned that commanders within Iran's Revolutionary Guard feel emboldened, raising concerns over potential further escalation. The renewed hostilities put added pressure on the fragile 14-point truce agreement signed between Washington and Tehran in June following months of regional conflict.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Russian forces carried out nearly 60 attacks across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, leaving five people dead and 16 others injured, according to local emergency services.

The bombardment heavily targeted several areas, including the Kamianske district, where three fatalities and five injuries were reported. In Pavlohrad, shelling resulted in two deaths and seven casualties. Additional injuries and widespread civilian infrastructure damage were documented in the Nikopol district. Emergency crews operated across affected zones to extinguish fires, clear structural damage, and assist victims following the artillery strikes.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Tensions between Russia and Northern European nations are intensifying as analysts assess Moscow's strategic capabilities and risk tolerance. Kremlin officials recently directed harsh rhetoric at Norway, with President Vladimir Putin accusing Oslo of state terrorism following NATO military drills and the seizure of a Russian ship. Norwegian leadership, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, has advised citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for potential threats.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted a major oil facility near Moscow. Ukrainian officials assert the operation rendered over half of Russia’s domestic refining capacity inactive. Although military experts agree Russia retains the resources to sustain prolonged warfare, European commentators emphasize that establishing long-term continental security will ultimately require a defeat for Moscow.

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