Sep 2, 2026, 09:30 PM UTC

Russian forces executed extensive overnight aerial strikes across several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih, utilizing a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Ukrainian authorities reported severe structural damage, blackouts, and casualties, though figures varied by area. A strike on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih reportedly killed 15 people, while attacks around Kyiv left at least 12 dead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the assaults.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. Meanwhile, diplomatic and military developments continued as the United Kingdom and France approved local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine. Italy confirmed it will not participate in upcoming multinational military exercises set for October. Moscow acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding a potential prisoner exchange.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

Energy prices spiked following fresh military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and a strike on a Saudi oil tanker. US forces conducted retaliatory air raids on Iranian positions on Larak island, while Iranian troops targeted American military bases in the region.

US President Donald Trump stated that Tehran was in "great difficulty" and promised further actions, while maintaining that the strategic maritime passage remains open. Conversely, Iranian military officials dismissed American claims regarding the neutralization of mine-laying operations as "pure fantasy."

Meanwhile, political hardliners in Tehran continue leveraging control over the strategic waterway to demand concessions under a previously signed 14-point memorandum. These demands include lifting economic sanctions, unfreezing foreign assets, and ending maritime blockades before resolving the military standoff.

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

Direct military hostilities between the United States and Iran have re-escalated across the Middle East following a month-long lull. American forces launched strikes against Iranian military positions near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting installations on Qeshm and Larak islands, as well as locations in Bandar Abbas and Sirik. According to local reporting, at least 11 people were killed in the bombardment, including four victims at a wedding venue.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched retaliatory strikes across the region. Teheran claimed "extensive damage" to airbases in Jordan, though Jordanian forces reported intercepting eight incoming missiles. Iranian sources also stated two commercial vessels were set ablaze after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting assertions from US President Donald Trump that American forces retain control over the strategic corridor. Trump warned that further attacks would "hit hard," while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated calls for diplomatic dialogue.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Sydsvenskan.

Southern and Central Europe continue to face severe heatwave conditions as national weather services report record temperatures and elevated health risks.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health extended red alerts across all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as the country enters its fourth heatwave of the season. Temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected to persist for the coming week, prompting authorities to advise the public to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 18:00.

Elsewhere, Austria registered its highest temperature on record, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported over 7,300 excess deaths between May and July following 52 days of heatwave conditions. Meteorological services across the continent warn that high temperatures, drought, and elevated wildfire risks will continue in the coming days.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)

Search and rescue operations continue along the border between Nepal and Tibet following catastrophic flash floods caused by a massive mud and rock collapse into a river. Nepali police reported that the country's death toll has risen to 469, while Chinese authorities previously confirmed three fatalities in Tibet.

More than 1,500 people remain missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals and tourists from countries such as Britain, Australia, India, and the United States. Surging floodwaters destroyed critical infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and bridges, severely hampering relief efforts and communication in remote areas.

Emergency crews on both sides of the border face ongoing hazards from rising water levels and potential secondary landslides as they work to locate survivors.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.