Nov 3, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly urged authorities in Kyiv to begin logistical preparations for post-war elections. Fedorov, who was removed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed the necessity of creating administrative frameworks so soldiers, internally displaced citizens, and refugees living abroad can vote once hostilities cease.

Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections during martial law, and the presidential administration continues to prioritize military defence. However, Fedorov warned that failing to organize technical processes now could significantly delay democratic elections after the war ends. President Zelensky's office has shown no intention of lifting electoral restrictions while martial law remains active.

Sources: Le Monde

US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House for high-level talks covering the war in Ukraine, Middle East instability, and security on the Korean Peninsula. The diplomatic engagement represents Xi’s first state visit to the United States in over a decade.

The summit followed requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asking Washington to urge Beijing to exert influence on Moscow for a de-escalation. Official releases from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that global security and bilateral relations were central to the discussions.

While official readouts emphasised broad dialogue, diplomatic analysts noted that Beijing could leverage potential concessions on trade or regional policy from Washington in exchange for adjusting its posture toward Moscow.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

France's Constitutional Council has approved landmark end-of-life legislation while striking down a proposed ban on social media for minors under 15.

The council ruled that the end-of-life law, which introduces conditional assisted dying, aligns with the constitution. Judges issued three interpretative reservations, notably confirming an institutional conscience clause that allows private healthcare providers, including Catholic institutions, to opt out of performing assisted dying procedures.

Conversely, the court invalidated the primary provision of a separate digital safety bill aimed at prohibiting children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. The judges concluded that a broad ban constituted a disproportionate restriction on public liberties. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the ruling on the end-of-life text, describing the legislative process as an "exemplary democratic debate."

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense)

United States Central Command executed airstrikes against two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first military action on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died during the bombardment.

Despite the military escalation, Qatari mediators reported that negotiations toward a potential U.S.-Iran agreement remain active. However, Iranian officials asserted that Tehran sees "no necessity" for direct talks with Washington until its prerequisite conditions are accepted.

Diplomatic prospects were further complicated after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Iran for historical regional attacks and actions against demonstrators.

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