Oct 31, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

The European Union has renewed its sanctions framework against Moscow as hostilities persist along the front lines. Senior European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, characterizing the action as an attempt to undermine European unity.

On the ground, regional authorities reported two fatalities and 14 injuries from Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly injured seven individuals across Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi.

In diplomatic developments, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Kyiv and Moscow reached an understanding to halt strikes on energy infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an official decree dismissing the country's prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following a telephone call between the two leaders. Speaking after a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump urged both Kyiv and Moscow to negotiate a settlement before the winter season begins.

Zelensky described his discussion with Trump as "positive and productive," stating that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of halting hostilities prior to winter. The Ukrainian leader also suggested that the conflict could come to an end within the coming months. Trump reiterated that progress depends on both sides agreeing to terms, stating that Putin wants "a deal" if Ukraine is also prepared to negotiate.

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

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an energy truce to halt mutual attacks on power and fuel infrastructure. Trump added that recent global diesel price increases were driven by the war in Ukraine.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected assertions that an active agreement is in place, affirming that Ukraine will continue targeting Russian oil refineries. Zelensky stated that Kyiv briefly paused attacks for three days at Washington's request, but resumed operations after Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy targets continued during that period. He stressed that Ukraine would only observe a truce if Moscow strictly adheres to it. Meanwhile, the Kremlin rejected proposals for a broader temporary ceasefire.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix

Russian forces conducted fresh overnight drone strikes on Kyiv, injuring a civilian following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the UN General Assembly. The attack comes as Moscow announced a renewed campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. In response to recent escalations, Ukrainian forces intensified long-range strikes against Russian oil facilities, leading to domestic fuel shortages that forced Russia to import petrol. Meanwhile, European security concerns escalated after German authorities identified two suspects linked to Moscow in connection with explosive drone incidents near critical infrastructure in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reacted firmly, stating the European Union "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to respond.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on authorities to begin groundwork for post-war elections, highlighting the need to prepare logistically for displaced voters, military personnel, and overseas refugees. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet position by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that organizing voting mechanisms requires significant lead time before fighting concludes.

While Ukraine's constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law, Fedorov's public statements emphasize institutional readiness to ensure democratic continuity once hostilities end. The presidential administration maintains that national defense remains the paramount focus, though discussions regarding post-conflict governance continue to grow within political circles.

Sources: Le Monde.