Nov 10, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

European nations are advancing combined military and diplomatic preparations for post-conflict scenarios in Ukraine.

Under the Multinational Forces for Ukraine framework, 2,800 troops from 11 European countries are carrying out the "COALITION 26.2" exercise through November 22. Organized primarily by the United Kingdom and France without United States involvement, the drills across Poland, France, and Turkey test operational readiness for post-ceasefire security, economic recovery, and military assistance. Analysts emphasize, however, that actual deployment remains tentative and contingent on a binding peace deal.

On the diplomatic front, advisers from the E3 group—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—will represent European interests during talks in Abu Dhabi. Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to the French presidency, is among those scheduled to participate.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Ukrainian forces launched an overnight drone attack against Russia's second-largest oil refinery in Kirishi, near St. Petersburg. Local officials reported that several explosions triggered a fire at the facility, which emergency crews subsequently put out. Falling drone fragments reportedly killed one woman during the strike.

Meanwhile, in Slovenia, authorities in Ljubljana opened an investigation into a suspected arson attack at a car dealership located on Dunajska Road in the Bežigrad district. The early-morning blaze damaged 11 vehicles, completely destroying four of them. No injuries were reported, though police estimate the property damage at thousands of euros while forensic teams examine the site to determine the cause.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

European representatives will participate in US-mediated peace discussions regarding Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Sunday.

Speaking on French media outlet RTL, Barrot confirmed that France and other European delegations would join negotiations between Ukrainian, Russian, and American officials. While the foreign minister stressed that Europe would be "well represented," he did not specify which diplomats or institutional leaders would travel to the United Arab Emirates.

The meetings mark an effort to ensure European security interests are included in broader peace negotiations.

Sources: Digi24, Kathimerini, Tagesschau, Українська правда, Ziarul de Gardă.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has restarted his campaign for the November 29 general election following the Urda train derailment.

The ruling Socialist Workers' Party and the opposition Popular Party agreed to two televised debates organized by the Television Academy, including a direct debate between Sánchez and Alberto Núñez Feijóo on November 16.

Addressing supporters, Sánchez drew inspiration from recent elections in Brazil and the United States, expressing confidence in repeating his 2023 victory. He proposed constitutional amendments to safeguard pension increases and abortion rights. Sánchez also noted his surprise upon receiving former Transport Minister Óscar Puente's text message stating his "dimisión irrevocable" following the accident. Additionally, he defended missing a state funeral for victims, citing its religious nature.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, Le Monde, Marca

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin can no longer provide Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The announcement coincided with French politician Marine Le Pen declining an invitation to visit Kyiv.

The diplomatic shifts occur ahead of US-mediated trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed separate coordination meetings with E4 nations—the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy—alongside NATO and European Commission representatives, despite Moscow maintaining that negotiations will remain strictly trilateral.

Meanwhile, hacked records from Russia's statistics agency reportedly show 400,000 military deaths in Ukraine. On the battlefield, local officials reported one fatality following Russian strikes on infrastructure in Odesa. In Moscow, presidential adviser Elena Yampolskaya drew public criticism for proposing a ban on pizza in school canteens, branding Italy an "unfriendly" nation.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.