Oct 26, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC

European Union member states extended targeted sanctions against nearly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities following diplomatic negotiations in Brussels.

The renewal was initially delayed after France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg pushed to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and banker Mikhail Fridman from the list. Under EU unanimity rules, sanctions frameworks require unanimous approval every six months or face automatic expiration. Member states ultimately reached a compromise, agreeing to delist both businessmen to secure the continuation of the broader measures.

Concurrently, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved the bloc's largest sanctions package to date. The new measures target Russia's military supply chains and industrial capacity, reinforcing economic pressure on Moscow amid shifting international support for Ukraine.

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

Recent military friction near the Strait of Hormuz has intensified following conflicting statements from Iranian and American officials. Iranian state media claimed forces targeted six vessels, including three commercial tankers and three US naval ships, while launching missiles toward an American aircraft carrier. Tehran cited the strikes as retaliation for recent US air raids.

In contrast, US President Donald Trump downplayed the disruption, asserting that the strategic maritime passage remains open and that Iranian forces face severe strain. However, US intelligence assessments warn that commanders within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feel emboldened and may further escalate actions in the region.

The renewed clashes follow a fragile 14-point memorandum signed in June, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and energy transport routes.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for technical and legal preparations to enable future national elections, even as Russia's invasion continues. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that early planning is crucial to address complex logistical obstacles, such as facilitating voting for active-duty military personnel, internally displaced citizens, and millions of refugees living abroad.

Ukrainian law currently prohibits holding elections while martial law remains in effect, and President Zelensky's administration has not established a timeline for its repeal. However, Fedorov argued that establishing administrative protocols now will ensure a smooth democratic process as soon as security conditions allow martial law to be lifted.

Sources: Le Monde.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed peace proposal for Gaza, declaring that Israeli military forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Speaking in televised remarks, Netanyahu reiterated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and confirmed troops "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement creates a public disagreement with US President Donald Trump, who had recently promoted the framework following conditional agreement from Hamas.

Despite the diplomatic friction, Israeli military operations in Gaza have largely slowed following pressure from Washington. The Prime Minister's stance comes as he balances demands from far-right coalition partners against US diplomatic relations ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for 27 October.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.