Nov 5, 2026, 03:00 AM UTC

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on Kyiv to start technical preparations for future democratic elections, despite the active conflict and ongoing martial law. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that administrative mechanisms must be established early to avoid significant delays once military operations cease.

Under current Ukrainian legislation, holding elections during martial law is illegal. However, Fedorov argued that advance logistical planning is essential to ensure voting rights for millions of internally displaced persons, overseas refugees, and military personnel on the frontline. While the presidential administration remains focused on national defence, Fedorov warned against delaying structural groundwork until a formal peace agreement is reached.

Sources: Le Monde

Emergency services in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region reported that five people were killed and 16 others sustained injuries following nearly 60 Russian attacks over a 24-hour period. The bombardments targeted five districts across the region, causing substantial damage and prompting emergency responses.

The heaviest casualties occurred in Kamianske district, where three individuals lost their lives and five others were wounded. In Pavlohrad district, strikes killed two civilians and injured seven more. Additional casualties and physical damage to civilian infrastructure were recorded in Nikopol district, where rescue crews worked to extinguish fires caused by the shelling and render assistance to residents.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

France's Constitutional Council has approved legislation creating a right to end-of-life care, clearing the path for its official promulgation. The court upheld the law's constitutionality while adding three interpretative reservations, notably establishing an institutional conscience clause that permits private and religious healthcare facilities to opt out. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the ruling, stating that it "completes an exemplary democratic debate."

In a concurrent decision, the council struck down the core provision of a digital safety bill intended to prohibit children under 15 from using social media platforms. Magistrates determined that the blanket ban imposed an excessive restriction on personal freedoms, effectively invalidating the government-backed plan.

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

Disagreements over President Donald Trump's agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin permitting global Russian diesel sales have intensified following discussions between United States emissaries and Ukrainian officials in Miami. American representatives framed the arrangement as a diplomatic measure to incentivize Moscow's return to peace negotiations. However, the plan has drawn significant criticism across the US political spectrum and among foreign policy analysts.

Lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties expressed concern that easing energy sanctions undermines pressure on the Kremlin, alleging the White House is prioritizing domestic fuel price relief ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Analysts cited by Deutsche Welle warned that revenues generated from diesel exports could fund Russian military operations and assist foreign partners such as Iran. Ukrainian leaders maintain that the agreement compromises international efforts to isolate Russia.

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

The United States military launched air strikes against two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct attack on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in the bombardment.

The military action coincides with fragile diplomatic efforts. Qatari mediators indicated that discussions were ongoing to forge a bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran. However, Iranian foreign ministry officials stated that Iran sees "no necessity" for direct meetings with American representatives unless predefined preliminary conditions are met.

Adding further strain to negotiation prospects, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Iran for historical regional attacks and internal actions. Analysts suggest these demands significantly reduce the likelihood of a swift diplomatic breakthrough.

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