Nov 5, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Kyiv will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, countering U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that both sides had reached an energy truce. Speaking to the Financial Times, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine had only implemented a temporary three-day pause on refinery attacks at Washington's request. However, because Russian forces persisted in targeting Ukraine's power grid during that period, Zelensky declared, "we are done."

Trump had posted on social media that an agreement was active to stop targeting energy infrastructure, attributing high fuel prices to the conflict. Meanwhile, the Kremlin turned down terms for a temporary ceasefire, presenting a counter-proposal, as the European Union enacted its largest sanctions package against Russia to date.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix.

Recent military clashes near the Strait of Hormuz have triggered contrasting accounts from Washington and Tehran following the collapse of a June ceasefire agreement. Iranian state media claimed retaliatory missile strikes targeted an American aircraft carrier and hit six vessels, including U.S. ships and commercial oil tankers. Furthermore, U.S. intelligence officials warned that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps views its position as strengthened, potentially raising the risk of broader regional conflict.

Conversely, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the operational impact of the attacks, stating that the strategic waterway remains open and asserting that Tehran faces severe difficulties. Meanwhile, emergency teams successfully extinguished a fire on board one damaged oil tanker in the area.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica

Following the midterm elections, the Democratic Party has officially gained majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The election results, which saw Democratic candidates triumph in key races across several traditional Republican strongholds, represent a major shift in the balance of power in Washington.

With control of both legislative chambers lost, President Donald Trump faces a significantly diminished ability to advance his domestic policy agenda during the remainder of his second term. The incoming Democratic majorities are also expected to launch broad congressional oversight inquiries into administration policies and executive operations.

While preliminary projections had anticipated a tight contest for control of the Senate, final vote tallies confirmed dual Democratic victories, dividing federal governance for the next two years.

Sources: BBC News, France24, The Guardian, The Journal, The Scotsman

France's Constitutional Council has validated legislation establishing a right to end-of-life care, issuing three interpretative reservations that include an institutional conscience clause allowing private and religious healthcare facilities to opt out. French President Emmanuel Macron commended the ruling, describing it as completing an "exemplary democratic debate." The decision clears the way for the law's official enactment.

Simultaneously, the council struck down a key provision of a digital safety bill designed to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. Magistrates ruled that the general restriction disproportionately infringed upon personal freedoms, effectively invalidating a flagship government measure.

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

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following the first American military strikes on Iranian territory in a month. U.S. Central Command confirmed targeting two missile launchers on Larak Island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported that six naval personnel were killed during the bombardment.

The military action comes alongside fragile diplomatic negotiations mediated by Qatar, which reported ongoing discussions aimed at securing a bilateral agreement. However, Iranian foreign ministry officials stated that Tehran sees "no necessity" for direct meetings with Washington unless preliminary conditions are met.

Further complicating negotiation prospects, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to demand financial compensation from Iran for past regional attacks. Analysts suggest these combined developments significantly diminish the likelihood of a swift diplomatic breakthrough.

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