Sep 13, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

European defense analysts and officials are assessing how to counter escalating Russian hybrid tactics and hostile rhetoric across Northern Europe. Moscow recently accused Norway of posing a security threat following NATO drills and the seizure of a Russian vessel. Additionally, security services have flagged heightened gray-zone activity, including drone incursions in Germany and subsea cable exercises near Svalbard.

Strategic experts remain divided on the appropriate response. Some analysts warn that perceived restraint signals "weakness and cowardice" to Moscow, encouraging further aggression. Conversely, other experts urge European governments to keep a cool head and concentrate on protecting vital infrastructure. Meanwhile, commentators note that European policy goals in Ukraine imply an eventual Russian defeat, even as Moscow retains the capacity to prolong hostilities.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter

Military operations near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following strikes by US Central Command against Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island. Washington stated the attack destroyed five Iranian ships to prevent mine-laying operations in the strategic waterway. However, a military official in Tehran rejected the accusation, calling claims of mine-laying "pure fantasy".

In retaliation, Iranian forces launched 20 missiles targeting US military bases in Jordan. Iranian state media also claimed successful strikes against six maritime vessels, including three oil tankers and a US aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump insisted the strait remains open and asserted that Iranian forces are encountering major operational difficulties. Despite this, American intelligence agencies cautioned that the Revolutionary Guard could further escalate the conflict as tensions remain high throughout the region.

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

Overnight Russian missile and drone strikes targeted Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, killing at least 13 people and injuring 40 others, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault followed an earlier strike on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that left 15 dead and over 130 wounded, drawing sharp condemnation from EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, who said it showed the "depravity of Russia". In response, Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to take action to end the war.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched a strike against a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia, as Moscow indicated ongoing work regarding a potential prisoner exchange. On the diplomatic front, the United Kingdom and France granted authorization for local production of Scalp cruise missiles inside Ukraine, while Italy reiterated its decision not to send troops or join planned October multinational maneuvers.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

The military confrontation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has intensified following a major US operation to escort millions of barrels of crude oil through the strategic corridor. Utilizing air, naval, and space assets, American forces targeted Iran's Larak Island while executing the largest crude transport operation since hostilities began six months ago.

In response, Iranian forces deployed naval mines via rockets to disrupt maritime traffic. Tehran declared that the waterway will remain closed until Washington fulfills specific conditions outlined in a memorandum, including ending military operations, lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and terminating port blockades. Commercial shipping through the passage remains drastically below pre-war levels of 20 million barrels per day.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Portugal will expand its temporary holding capacity for irregular migrants to 171 spaces by September following work at its Porto facility, falling short of an initial 300-capacity goal. The expansion comes as the International Organization for Migration reported a 78 percent drop in arrivals along the West African Atlantic route between January and April compared to last year, attributing the decline to enhanced border enforcement between Senegal and Mauritania.

Domestically, Portuguese authorities recorded more than 14,000 domestic violence complaints, averaging roughly 82 reported cases per day. Meanwhile, eight Afghan women marked their first year living in Portugal after fleeing Taliban restrictions on education and public life, describing their previous experiences under the regime as "a bad thing."

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)