Memorial reports 69 deaths linked to political persecution

At least 69 people subjected to politically motivated persecution in Russia have died since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, according to a Memorial report published in October 2026.

Villa Vie Odyssey suspends world voyage in Cambodia

Villa Vie Residences suspended the Odyssey’s world voyage in Cambodia on October 27, forcing 203 passengers to leave the ship as soaring fuel costs strained the operator’s finances.

EU wants to triple the size of Frontex—to 30,000 personnel—and expand its mandate

The European Commission has proposed a major expansion of the mandate of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Under the proposal presented on October 27, the agency’s standing corps will grow to 10,000 personnel by 2027 and reach 30,000 by 2041. Frontex will also become the European Union’s main operational body responsible for returning migrants, DW reports.

Romania confirms first Russian sabotage operation at arms factory

Romanian authorities confirmed that Russian secret services coordinated a deliberate arson attack near the Carfil arms factory in Brasov on Sept. 14, marking Moscow's first military sabotage operation in Romania.

Zelenskyy rejects neutrality, army limits in peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv will reject Russian demands for neutrality and limits on its armed forces, while reserving territorial questions for talks between national leaders.

Trump and Zelensky clash over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil

U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, sparking fears that Washington could scale back military and intelligence aid to Kyiv, Reuters reported.

Trump administration weighs Orbán for UN secretary-general

The Trump administration has reportedly encouraged former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek the UN secretary-general post, with Russia and China potentially backing his candidacy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Bulgaria election: Iotova leads with 35.5% in partial results

Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission reported on October 26 that incumbent President Iliana Iotova’s ticket led with 35.5% of the vote, with 17.86% of tally sheets processed.

Sybiha: Russia must face pressure to negotiate with Ukraine

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on October 26 that Russia would not engage in serious peace talks while it believed it could force Ukraine to surrender, calling for increased pressure on Moscow to end the war.

Serbia's student movement defeats Vucic in snap election

Serbia's student-backed electoral list is projected to win 141 parliamentary seats, according to Ipsos/CeSID estimates, after Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in Sunday's snap election.

Moscow is ready to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US after November 4

The Kremlin is prepared to resume trilateral discussions with Ukraine and the United States (US) after November 4, when Russia celebrates National Unity Day. Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced this on Sunday, October 25, speaking to the state-controlled news channel "Vesti".

Bulgaria elects its president amid the Ukraine war and Black Sea drone attacks

Bulgarian citizens head to the polls on Sunday, October 25, to elect their president. The vote comes six months after the parliamentary elections won by Prime Minister Rumen Radev's party and is seen as an early electoral test for the current administration. Although 27 candidates are in the race, the main frontrunners are the incumbent, Iliana Iotova, and former interim Prime Minister Andrei Ghiurov. The campaign has been marked by debates concerning the war in Ukraine and security in the Black Sea, following a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels.