Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Military exchanges between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight despite diplomatic efforts and reported operational holds surrounding the arrival of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv and Moscow.

Although Ukrainian sources indicated troops received orders for a four-day pause along front lines, overnight shelling and drone operations caused multiple casualties. Ukrainian authorities reported deaths and injuries in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while drone activity targeted Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi. Meanwhile, European Union officials condemned a Russian strike near the Polish border as an attempt to intimidate European allies.

The ongoing strikes follow claims by US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky specified that Kyiv would comply only if Western partners guarantee Moscow also refrains from hitting energy facilities and logistics.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

Military operations near the strategic Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate following recent strikes between US forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US Central Command reported destroying five IRGC vessels following an attempted assault on American naval assets, while emergency crews contained a blaze on a commercial tanker.

Tehran retaliated by launching 20 missiles at US military bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six maritime vessels, including an aircraft carrier and oil tankers. American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could escalate hostilities further as confrontations persist.

Despite the clashes, US President Donald Trump stated the critical waterway remains open, asserting that Tehran is facing severe operational difficulties.

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

European authorities remain on high alert following new developments in alleged Russian hybrid tactics across the continent. German investigators identified two suspects connected to explosive devices found at Leipzig airport: a Russian national possessing Latvian documentation and a Belarusian holding Russian papers. Security officials noted that although the Belarusian individual obtained an Italian Schengen visa, records indicate he did not transit through Italy.

Concurrently, Danish intelligence services warned that Moscow may target local industrial sectors with sabotage. Responding to the rising security threats, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU territory" and remains prepared to act. On the front lines, Russia initiated a fresh campaign targeting Ukraine's power grid, while Ukrainian drone strikes continue to disrupt Russian petroleum refineries.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Russian forces targeted five districts within Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region with nearly 60 bombardments over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services. The attacks left at least five civilians dead and 16 others injured across central Ukraine.

The heaviest toll was recorded in the Kamianske district, where shelling killed three people and wounded five. In Pavlohrad, strikes resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries, while additional casualties were reported in the Nikopol district. Emergency responders deployed across affected areas to manage fires and clear debris.

The intensified bombardments highlight ongoing Russian military pressure on regional Ukrainian infrastructure.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

The United States military has carried out strikes against two launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command. The operation marks the first US action targeting Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in recent US bombardments.

Despite military escalation, diplomatic discussions continue. Qatari officials stated that mediated talks between Washington and Tehran remain ongoing. Additionally, Iranian diplomacy announced an agreement with Oman regarding coordinates for a new navigation channel in the Strait of Hormuz, provided external actors do not intervene.

However, prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough face renewed resistance. US President Donald Trump stated Washington will seek financial compensation from Iran for past casualties, complicating ongoing negotiations.

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