Nov 2, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a deal to end the war in Ukraine, following diplomatic talks with both leaders. Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin to reach a mutual agreement, emphasizing the need to halt hostilities before the winter season.

Zelensky described his discussions with the U.S. leader as positive and productive, stating that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of ending the conflict quickly. Ukrainian officials expressed optimism that fighting could cease in the coming months. International diplomatic efforts remain focused on establishing a framework for direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

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

Russia has announced a targeted campaign against Ukraine's energy network alongside fresh drone strikes on Kyiv that injured a resident. The escalated bombardment followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address at the United Nations General Assembly.

Ukraine intensified counter-strikes on Russian oil refineries, disrupting local fuel supplies and forcing Moscow to purchase fuel from abroad.

Meanwhile, European authorities in Leipzig identified two suspects linked to Moscow after discovering explosive drones near key infrastructure. Responding to the security incident, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the bloc will "not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and is prepared to respond.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian state media reports of strikes against six vessels—comprising three commercial oil tankers and three US naval ships—along with missile attacks directed at an American aircraft carrier. US President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran's claims, asserting that the vital shipping lane stays open and describing Iranian military capabilities as severely impaired.

However, US intelligence assessments suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps views its operational position as reinforced, prompting concerns over potential further escalation. The latest exchanges follow the breakdown of a 14-point truce agreement reached in June, maintaining a precarious stalemate across the region.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica

European Union member states have agreed to extend sanctions targeting roughly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities associated with the invasion of Ukraine.

The consensus followed tense negotiations after France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg requested the removal of specific figures from the blacklist. To prevent the measures from automatically expiring under unanimity rules, diplomats temporarily extended decision deadlines.

Under the final compromise, steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and financier Mikhail Fridman were removed from the sanctions list, allowing the broader package of travel bans and asset freezes to proceed.

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

Ukrainian drone strikes against major oil refineries near Moscow have significantly reduced Russian refining capacity, according to reports from Kyiv. Analysts suggest that while Russia retains the capacity to sustain its war effort, its strategic options are diminishing as European and Norwegian defense policies increasingly align toward compelling a Russian defeat.

Concurrently, diplomatic friction between Oslo and Moscow has escalated following joint NATO maneuvers and the detention of a Russian vessel. High-ranking Kremlin officials accused Norway of "state terrorism" and posing a threat to Russian security. In response to the rhetoric from Moscow, Norwegian leaders, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared for potential regional security threats.

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