Sep 13, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC

Heavy combat continues across several frontlines in Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces repelling between 220 and 250 Russian assaults daily, particularly along the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Lyman sectors. Near Kupiansk, Ukrainian defenders reportedly conducted infantry clearing operations on the right bank of the Oskil River after suppressing Russian drone capabilities.

However, official statements from Moscow present a contrasting narrative. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed its forces captured several settlements on the approaches to Sumy. Additionally, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov personally denied reports of Ukrainian tactical gains in the Zaporizhzhia sector. Further strikes on ammunition depots were also reported in the Kyiv region as heavy combat persists.

Sources: NV, Radio Svoboda, The Insider, Ukrainska Pravda.

Emergency services in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region reported that Russian forces launched nearly 60 strikes across five districts over a 24-hour period, resulting in at least five deaths and 16 injuries.

The shelling and drone attacks targeted several civilian areas. In the Kamianske district, three people were killed and five others sustained injuries. Further east, strikes on the city of Pavlohrad left two residents dead and seven injured. Additional civilian casualties and damage to local infrastructure were reported in the Nikopol district.

Local emergency response crews were deployed throughout the impacted zones to extinguish fires triggered by the bombardments, clear structural debris, and provide medical aid to affected residents.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected German warnings that Russia could be capable of attacking NATO territory by 2029, stating he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to support the scenario. Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Stubb expressed skepticism that Moscow would directly challenge the alliance, though he emphasized that NATO must maintain constant readiness to deter potential aggression.

Despite Stubb's skepticism regarding a full-scale conflict, regional security experts continue to highlight immediate non-conventional risks. Polish military analyst Col. Maciej Korowaj warned that Russian intelligence is actively mapping NATO response protocols in the Baltic Sea, elevating the likelihood of autumn provocations. In response to rising hybrid and sabotage threats, Nordic and Baltic nations are strengthening joint defense cooperation.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Ukraine is expanding domestic weapons development to address critical defense vulnerabilities against escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that securing licensing and setting up local production of American Patriot air defense systems could take up to several years due to regulatory delays.

To reduce reliance on Western military aid, Ukrainian defense firm DG Industry and military tech platform Brave1 completed testing on the "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. The system converts unguided munitions into precision-guided missiles usable on MiG-29, Su-24, and Su-27 aircraft, with future plans for F-16 and Mirage fighters. Additionally, two domestic manufacturers are developing ballistic missiles capable of striking deep targets in Russia, though officials noted technical hurdles remain before mass manufacturing begins.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда.

United States forces carried out airstrikes against targets on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first direct strikes on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media subsequently reported that six Iranian naval soldiers were killed during recent US military attacks.

Despite the resurgence of military clashes, diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari negotiators stated that talks between the two nations are ongoing in pursuit of a bilateral agreement. Meanwhile, Tehran announced a preliminary maritime navigation deal with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz, provided external parties do not interfere. However, prospects for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough face new hurdles following US President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington will demand financial compensation from Tehran for historical casualties.

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