Sep 4, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

Russian overnight drone and missile attacks struck civilian sites across Ukraine, including regions near Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, as well as a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih. Local reports confirm at least 15 fatalities and over 130 injuries. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the strikes, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a Lukoil oil refinery inside Russian territory. Concurrently, the United Kingdom and France authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italian officials reiterated that Rome will not send troops or join planned October multinational military exercises. Russian representatives noted that negotiations regarding a potential prisoner exchange remain underway.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran remain active through Qatari mediation, even as recent military escalations and new financial demands create friction.

American forces executed strikes against missile installations on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct US bombardment of Iranian territory in four weeks. Iranian media confirmed that six naval personnel died in the action.

Concurrently, Tehran reached an agreement with Oman on updated geographic coordinates for a shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on avoiding third-party interference. However, prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough dimmed after US President Donald Trump announced intentions to seek financial reparations from Tehran for past regional conflicts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, has called on lawmakers to establish legal frameworks for holding national elections once martial law ends. Under the Ukrainian constitution, elections cannot take place while martial law remains active, and Zelensky has repeatedly pointed to significant logistical and security obstacles regarding voting during active warfare.

Fedorov stressed that preparing clear electoral rules in advance is vital for ensuring political stability and preserving democratic governance after the conflict with Russia concludes. His intervention highlights a growing debate surrounding the nation's post-war political transition.

Sources: Le Monde.

Giorgia Meloni's administration has surpassed the 1,412-day tenure of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's second cabinet, making it the longest-serving continuous government in the history of the Italian Republic.

To mark the milestone, Meloni's Brothers of Italy party released a 29-page brochure titled "Il governo più stabile, l’Italia più forte" and organized a celebratory event in Bari. The gathering serves as an opening move toward the upcoming 2027 general elections, with the administration outlining future policy priorities focused on taxation and domestic security.

Italian media coverage reflected sharp domestic political divisions. While pro-government commentators emphasized that prolonged executive continuity has bolstered Italy's economic credibility and international standing, opposition-aligned outlets published critical assessments highlighting policy shortcomings in areas such as labor reform and migration management.

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