Sep 11, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

United States President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have forcefully rejected media reports claiming American ammunition reserves were depleted to dangerously low levels during military operations against Iran.

Responding to assertions originally published by CNN that missile shortages influenced Washington's strategic decisions, Trump stated on Truth Social that the country holds "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" while domestic production accelerates. Furthermore, reports indicate Trump questioned Hegseth over the alleged leaks and warned that individuals responsible for releasing classified stockpile data face lengthy prison sentences. Hegseth also publicly dismissed the shortage claims, maintaining that US military forces remain fully equipped and combat ready.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged parliament to begin drafting legislation to establish a legal framework for national elections once martial law is lifted. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet position by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that early legal preparations are essential to guarantee a smooth democratic transition following the end of active conflict.

Ukrainian law currently bans elections while martial law remains in force. President Zelensky has repeatedly stated that holding votes during ongoing hostilities is unfeasible due to security concerns, military mobilization, and civilian displacement. Nevertheless, Fedorov's proposal highlights growing internal discussions regarding Ukraine's future governance and post-war political transition.

Sources: Le Monde

Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and MEP Roberto Vannacci engaged in a heated debate on European integration at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio. Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, advocated for major EU policy shifts, opposing increased defense spending and criticizing Green Deal initiatives. Monti vigorously rejected his stance, asserting that Vannacci's rhetoric reflected "the reconstruction of the spirit of fascism."

Vannacci dismissed the accusation as "ridiculous," maintaining that he merely seeks a reformed Europe. The forum audience largely backed Monti, challenging Vannacci on his previous forecasts concerning the war in Ukraine. The conference also featured discussions with European Council President António Costa and Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella.

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

Security authorities in Germany and Denmark have raised concerns over suspected Russian hybrid warfare operations across Northern Europe. German intelligence services are investigating foreign state involvement in over 100 unauthorized drone flights and sabotage incidents targeting critical infrastructure. Reports indicate Berlin plans to formally attribute an August explosive drone incident targeting Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig Airport to Moscow. Domestic intelligence agencies also suspect foreign networks of stashing weapons for potential attacks within Germany.

Simultaneously, Denmark's PET intelligence service issued a public warning regarding active Russian sabotage preparations and informant recruitment efforts within the country. Authorities stress that these escalating activities aim to destabilize Western European democratic institutions.

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

France’s Constitutional Council has validated legislation establishing a right to assisted dying while striking down a proposed social media ban for minors under 15 years old.

The council confirmed that the end-of-life framework aligns with constitutional standards, subject to three interpretation reserves. Notably, these conditions guarantee a conscience clause allowing healthcare institutions, including private and religious facilities, to decline participation in assisted suicide or euthanasia. The judges stated that they would not substitute their judgment for parliament's on major social reforms.

Concurrently, the court invalidated the primary clause of a digital regulation bill restricting social media access for under-15s, deeming a general prohibition an excessive restriction on personal freedoms. Despite this setback to his digital policy agenda, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the constitutional approval of the end-of-life law, praising the legislative process.

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