Oct 31, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump stated he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following a phone conversation between the two leaders. Trump made the remarks after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described their dialogue as "positive and productive."

Both leaders expressed a desire to see hostilities conclude before the upcoming winter. Zelensky noted that Washington and Kyiv share the objective of stopping the conflict, suggesting peace could be achieved in the coming months. Meanwhile, Trump called on both Ukraine and Russia to negotiate terms, emphasizing that progress relies on mutual willingness to reach a settlement.

"He wants a deal, and if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great," Trump said regarding his call with Putin.

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, calling for an end to strikes on fuel and power infrastructure. Trump attributed rising global diesel prices to the conflict and insisted both sides adhere to the deal.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disputed the announcement, stating Kyiv will continue attacking Russian oil refineries. Zelensky explained that Ukraine had temporarily paused refinery strikes for three days at Washington's request, but resumed operations after Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities continued. He noted Ukraine would only observe a truce if Moscow strictly complies.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin rejected proposals for a broader temporary cease-fire, and the European Union enacted fresh sanctions against Russia.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix

European Union officials condemned a Russian attack targeting a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, warning that the strike aimed to intimidate European nations and fracture regional unity. EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot denounced the incident amid continued cross-border hostilities.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian officials in Kherson reported two fatalities and 14 injuries from recent Russian shelling. Meanwhile, drone strikes in Russia's Sochi and Belgorod regions reportedly left seven people injured.

In diplomatic developments, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Moscow and Kyiv reached an informal understanding to refrain from striking each other's energy infrastructure. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree dismissing the country's prosecutor general as the EU officially extended its sanctions framework against Russia.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Russian forces launched additional drone attacks on Kyiv following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address at the UN General Assembly, where he accused Vladimir Putin of being "the zero patient who wanted the war". The overnight strikes injured at least one resident as Moscow confirmed a renewed military campaign targeting Ukraine's energy grid ahead of winter. In response, Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russian oil refineries have disrupted domestic fuel supplies, forcing Moscow to import petrol.

In Europe, security alerts rose after German authorities identified two suspects linked to Moscow over explosive drones discovered near critical infrastructure in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to respond.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian claims of strikes against six vessels, including three commercial tankers and three American naval craft, alongside missile launches targeting a United States aircraft carrier. A fire aboard one hit tanker was reportedly brought under control.

US President Donald Trump downplayed the strikes, asserting that the crucial shipping lane stays open and claiming Iranian forces are in major difficulty. However, reports citing American intelligence agencies suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps views its military standing as strengthened, stoking fears of further escalation.

The recent clashes follow the unraveling of a 14-point diplomatic agreement reached in June, which fell apart after US strikes in July.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.