Sep 9, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

Rescue operations continue in Ukraine following widespread overnight Russian drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported 13 deaths and dozens of injuries in the capital region from the coordinated assault.

The barrage follows a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center that killed 15 people and wounded 130, prompting strong condemnation from EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas. Zelensky subsequently urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to act to end the war.

Diplomatically, the Kremlin threatened the United Kingdom after London authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in France and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Rome reaffirmed that Italy will not join planned October multinational military exercises or send troops.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

The United States conducted airstrikes against two missile launchers on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first military action inside Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died during the operation.

Despite renewed hostilities, diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari mediators indicated that talks toward a potential bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran are progressing. Meanwhile, Iranian officials announced a preliminary arrangement with Oman regarding a revised maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, dependent on the absence of external interference.

However, prospects for a rapid breakthrough remain uncertain following statements from US President Donald Trump demanding financial reparations from Tehran for past regional conflicts.

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

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly urged lawmakers to create a legal framework enabling immediate national elections once martial law is lifted. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his cabinet post in July, argued that pre-establishing legal foundations is necessary to ensure political stability and democratic integrity when military operations conclude.

Ukrainian law currently bans holding elections during active martial law. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and military mobilization make conducting legitimate democratic votes impossible under current conditions. Despite these operational constraints, Fedorov's proposal highlights expanding discussions within Kyiv regarding post-war governance and constitutional processes following the eventual end of hostilities.

Sources: Le Monde.

The German government is reportedly preparing to formally attribute an August explosive drone incident at Leipzig Airport to Russia. The failed attack targeted an area near Ukrainian transport aircraft. In response, Berlin plans to announce new counter-measures against state-sponsored hybrid warfare.

Concurrently, German intelligence suspects foreign actors may have hidden weapons stockpiles across the country to support future acts of violence. A survey across German federal states revealed police are investigating over 100 cases of suspected foreign sabotage and unauthorized drone activity.

Meanwhile, Denmark's domestic security agency issued a warning that Moscow is actively planning sabotage operations on Danish soil and seeking local recruits for intelligence gathering and disruption.

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

France's Constitutional Council has validated legislation granting a right to assisted dying, while striking down a proposed ban on social media for children under 15.

The ruling allows conditional assisted suicide and euthanasia to proceed following three interpretative reservations, notably securing a conscience clause for private and religious healthcare facilities. The constitutional body also approved an emergency agricultural bill.

However, the court rejected the ban on social media access for minors, ruling that a general prohibition disproportionately restricts personal freedoms. The decision invalidates a key element of President Emmanuel Macron’s digital policy agenda, though Macron praised the overall approval of the end-of-life framework.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense).