International News from Wednesday, October 21st, 2026

European government websites go dark as software flaw sparks security scramble

Government websites in Europe and elsewhere went offline on Wednesday after the disclosure of critical vulnerabilities in a widely used programming language sent website operators around the world scrambling to protect their systems.
Putin hosts Trump envoy for new Ukraine peace talks, frees US citizen held in Russia

President Vladimir Putin hosted US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in a grand imperial palace on Wednesday to review new ideas on ending the war in Ukraine amid Washington's latest push to stop Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War Two.
Rubio says Witkoff-Zelenskyy meeting 'positive', ideas to be discussed with Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that US special envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was positive and that Witkoff would share the results with Russia.
Suspect in vehicle attack on Australian lawmaker appears in court as police probe motive

A man who allegedly rammed his car into Australian lawmaker Helen Haines outside her electoral office has appeared in court on Wednesday, as police sought to understand the motive for the rare attack on an elected official.

News

UAE condemns Houthi missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia
The UAE on Sunday strongly condemned attempts by Yemen’s Houthis to target several areas in Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles.
E611 lanes and Al Maktoum Airport tunnel to close for daytime testing
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced temporary daytime closures near Al Maktoum International Airport from October 26-31.
UAE, Benin Presidents discuss development cooperation
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Benin President Romuald Wadagni discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties during a meeting on Sunday, with a focus on economic and investment cooperation.