Nov 5, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified that Kyiv will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries, contradicting statements from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding an active bilateral energy truce. While Trump announced on social media that both nations had agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, Zelensky told the Financial Times that Ukraine had only honored a temporary three-day pause at Washington's request.

Zelensky stated that because Russian forces continued targeting Ukraine's power grid during the pause, Kyiv has ended the trial period, saying, "we are done." Prior to this, Ukrainian officials indicated willingness to respect a truce only if Moscow complied. Concurrently, the Kremlin rejected initial temporary ceasefire terms, offering a counter-proposal, while the European Union enacted a major sanctions package against Russia.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix

European Union member states have renewed sanctions against nearly 3,000 individuals and entities supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, following a brief diplomatic deadlock.

The consensus was reached after member states agreed to remove steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and banker Mikhail Fridman from the penal register. France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg had pushed for the exclusions, prompting a temporary extension of negotiations to prevent the entire sanctions regime from expiring.

Concurrently, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved the bloc's largest sanctions package to date. The comprehensive measures target Moscow's military-industrial complex, aiming to sustain economic pressure on Russia amid shifting transatlantic diplomatic dynamics.

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

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced plans to increase average net monthly salaries to €1,600 by the end of his term in 2028, with consultations on adjusting the minimum wage scheduled for October. Parallel to wage goals, the government is introducing a nearly €3 billion National Industrial Development Plan through 2034 to modernize manufacturing and enhance economic resilience.

Despite Croatia recording 22 consecutive quarters of economic expansion, experts and business leaders caution against reliance on public spending and EU funds. Mislav Balković, president of the Croatian Employers' Association, stated that labor costs are outpacing productivity, emphasizing that the private sector must drive future growth. Meanwhile, economist Ljubo Jurčić criticized the current trajectory, asserting that the economy is drifting "without an engine and without a rudder" and requires growth rates exceeding five percent to remain sustainable.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz dismissed media reports that the government intended to launch a military attack against Iran prior to Tuesday's parliamentary elections. The denial followed reports by Israeli media of an "unprecedented confrontation" between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over proposed military actions linked to Tehran.

Opposition politician Yair Golan publicly warned against entering a conflict under Netanyahu's leadership, asserting that the prime minister lacks the necessary public trust to lead such an operation.

Concurrently, Israeli authorities instructed the military to prepare for a total lockdown of the West Bank. The security measure follows a violent attack near Hebron that injured several people and led to Israeli forces killing two suspects ahead of the vote.

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

Southern and Western Europe continue to endure severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius across multiple countries. In Italy, health authorities extended red weather alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as extreme heat is expected to persist for another week. Officials recommended staying indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 to reduce health risks.

Record-breaking weather has been reported elsewhere across the continent. Austria recorded its highest temperature ever at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, health authorities in France reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to recurring heatwaves spanning 52 days since mid-June.

Meteorologists warn of ongoing drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks as France and the United Kingdom prepare for additional high temperatures.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG