Sep 18, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv and Moscow for peace talks, amid reports that Ukrainian forces received orders for a four-day operational pause across several frontlines. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that both nations agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified that Kyiv would only suspend strikes if Western partners guarantee that Moscow refrains from targeting energy facilities, supply routes, and civilian infrastructure.

Despite diplomatic efforts, overnight strikes continued across both countries. Attacks in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and injured 14, while a strike in Zaporizhzhia left a 74-year-old man dead. In Russia, drone strikes wounded seven people across Sochi and the Belgorod region. Additionally, EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian strike near the Polish border, describing it as an attempt to intimidate Europe.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

Russian shelling across Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region has killed five people and injured 16 others over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services. Russian forces launched nearly 60 strikes targeting five districts throughout the eastern territory.

The heaviest casualties occurred in Kamianske district, where three civilians died and five sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad district, bombardments killed two residents and injured seven more. Additional casualties were reported in the Nikopol district, where local firefighters worked to extinguish blazes caused by the artillery and missile barrages.

Emergency response teams continue to assess the extent of the damage inflicted on local housing and critical infrastructure following the intense bombardment.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Russian forces have temporarily halted aerial strikes on Kyiv, providing a brief respite for the Ukrainian capital as heavy combat continues in front-line regions across eastern and southern Ukraine.

Defense analysts and Ukrainian intelligence officers are assessing whether the suspension reflects a shift in Russian tactical strategy or an effort to replenish missile and drone stockpiles. Military officials noted that previous lulls in aerial bombardments against major cities were followed by renewed, large-scale attacks targeting critical energy networks and civilian infrastructure. Civil defense authorities in Kyiv remain on high alert, advising citizens to maintain vigilance despite the current break in air raid alerts.

Sources: Svenska Dagbladet.

A major US military operation successfully escorted a massive crude oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the largest shipment since the conflict began six months ago. Supported by naval, aerial, and space assets, the American action coincided with a military strike against Iran's Larak Island.

In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines along the critical maritime corridor. Tehran reiterated that the strategic waterway "will not be opened" until Washington fulfills conditions outlined in a formal memorandum of understanding. Iranian demands include lifting oil sanctions, ending port blockades, unfreezing national assets, and ceasing military operations on all fronts. Prior to the war, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait daily.

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

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on the country's parliament to begin drafting a legal framework for post-war national elections. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his cabinet post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that early legislative preparations are necessary to ensure an orderly democratic transition once martial law ends.

Under Ukraine's constitution, national elections are suspended while martial law remains active. Zelensky's administration maintains that holding votes during ongoing hostilities presents severe security hazards and logistical challenges, particularly regarding displaced citizens. However, Fedorov's public intervention highlights an emerging discussion in Kyiv regarding the nation's post-war political structure and long-term constitutional readiness.

Sources: Le Monde