Nov 2, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged officials in Kyiv to begin logistical preparations for future national elections. Fedorov, who was removed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stated that organizing voting for millions of displaced citizens, overseas refugees, and frontline troops will require extensive advance planning.

Ukrainian legislation currently prohibits holding national elections while martial law remains active, and President Zelensky has maintained that defense remains the country's primary priority. Nevertheless, Fedorov argued that administrative infrastructure must be established early to ensure voting can proceed once security permits. Zelensky's administration has not signaled any plans to modify election rules while fighting continues.

Sources: Le Monde.

Ukrainian forces are advancing north of Kupiansk along the right bank of the Oskil River, with reports indicating Kyiv may soon confirm regaining control over roughly 200 square kilometers near Lyman.

In contrast, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its troops seized several settlements approaching Sumy and conducted strikes on ammunition depots located in the Kyiv region. Along the Zaporizhzhia frontline, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov directly rejected reports of Ukrainian territorial progress, maintaining that Russian defensive lines remain firm.

The contrasting assessments underscore the fluid operational landscape across northern, eastern, and southern sectors of the conflict.

Sources: The Insider

Discontent is mounting following an arrangement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing Russian diesel exports to global markets. US envoys informed Ukrainian representatives during meetings in Miami that the measure aims to lower domestic energy prices ahead of US midterm elections while persuading Moscow to return to peace negotiations.

However, lawmakers from both major US parties have denounced the step, arguing that easing restrictions provides economic relief to Moscow. Energy experts warned that revenue generated from diesel sales could fund Russia's military operations or be directed toward regional allies such as Iran. Furthermore, analysts suggested that the diplomatic maneuver risks positioning Ukraine as an impediment to peace negotiations if Kyiv rejects the framework proposed by Washington.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following the first American airstrikes on Iranian territory in a month. U.S. Central Command confirmed targeting two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media subsequently reported that six naval personnel were killed in the bombardment.

Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts remain strained. Qatari negotiators indicated ongoing discussions to secure a bilateral agreement. However, Iranian officials insisted Tehran sees "no necessity" for direct talks with the U.S. until Washington accepts its preconditions. The prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough were further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced intentions to demand financial compensation from Iran for past regional attacks.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Russian bombardments across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region killed five people and injured 16 others over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services.

The heaviest casualties occurred in the Kamianske district, where three individuals lost their lives and five were wounded. In Pavlohrad, strikes killed two people and injured seven more, while repeated artillery fire in the Nikopol district caused additional injuries and localized fires.

Emergency response crews deployed across the impacted municipalities to extinguish blazes, search through debris, and render aid. The multi-district strikes highlight ongoing Russian shelling targeting central Ukrainian localities as the military conflict reached day 1,625.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă