Sep 4, 2026, 04:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported extensive Russian overnight attacks using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones against Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, aimed at inflicting maximum damage on civilian infrastructure. The strikes, which coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day, left at least 15 people dead and over 130 injured after a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih was destroyed.

In retaliation, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes against a Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the Russian actions, stating they show "the depravity of Russia," while Zelensky appealed to the United Nations for assistance. Meanwhile, London and Paris authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine. Italy confirmed it will not send troops or join planned multinational maneuvers, as Moscow reported ongoing talks regarding a prisoner exchange.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

United States President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected media reports alleging American ammunition reserves are "dangerously low" following military operations against Iran. Reports suggested missile shortages influenced strategic decisions and prompted White House inquiries. Writing on Truth Social, Trump insisted the military holds vast weapon stockpiles and warned that individuals leaking inventory details face lengthy prison sentences.

Meanwhile, diplomatic assertions remain contradictory. Trump told reporters that negotiations with Iranian representatives had resumed, calling the talks Tehran's "last chance" to reach an agreement. Iranian officials denied the claims, stating no meetings are occurring or planned.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

European security services are intensifying warnings over state-backed hybrid operations linked to Russia across northern and central Europe. German authorities are currently investigating more than 100 suspected state-sponsored incidents, including railway sabotage, cyberattacks, and unauthorized drone flights over military and critical infrastructure.

German officials reportedly plan to officially attribute an August attack attempt at Leipzig Airport to Moscow. In that incident, a drone carrying high explosives was discovered near Ukrainian transport aircraft. German intelligence agencies also suspect Russian operatives may have covertly hidden weapons within the country for potential future operations.

Concurrently, Denmark's domestic security agency, PET, warned that Moscow is actively preparing sabotage actions on Danish soil and seeking to recruit local individuals. European officials view these coordinated activities as deliberate efforts to destabilize Western democracies.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that construction on President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom may temporarily resume while legal proceedings continue. In a 5–4 decision, the court's conservative majority lifted a lower court injunction, allowing structural work on the site to proceed.

The legal challenge was originally brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which contends that the project violates historic preservation regulations. Chief Justice John Roberts issued the order granting the administration's emergency request. Although the majority noted that the federal government demonstrated a strong likelihood of ultimate success in the dispute, the court explicitly emphasized that the stay does not represent a final ruling on the legal merits of the project.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau