Sep 18, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Kyiv and Moscow to initiate peace negotiations, following reports that Ukrainian forces were instructed to observe a four-day operational pause. While US President Donald Trump announced that both nations agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that Western guarantees are required to enforce any commitment.

Despite diplomatic efforts, overnight military actions continued. Russian strikes killed a civilian in Zaporizhzhia and injured at least ten others, while Ukrainian drone strikes wounded seven people across Russia's Sochi and Belgorod regions. European Union representatives also criticized a Russian strike near the Polish border as an effort to divide European nations.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

Tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz following recent military strikes between the United States and Iran. US Central Command reported destroying five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels after an attempted attack on American naval units. Iranian forces retaliated by firing 20 missiles at US military facilities in Jordan and claimed to have struck six vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier.

While emergency crews contained a fire on a damaged commercial ship, political and intelligence assessments presented contrasting views. US President Donald Trump asserted that the strategic waterway remains operational, stating Tehran is in "great difficulty." Conversely, American intelligence warnings indicated Revolutionary Guard commanders feel emboldened and could escalate the conflict further.

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

European security concerns have intensified following warnings from Danish intelligence services that Moscow is preparing industrial sabotage against domestic infrastructure. The alert coincides with ongoing investigations into explosive devices discovered at Leipzig airport, where authorities identified two suspects linked to Russia, including a Belarusian national and a Latvian passport holder. Reports indicate the Belarusian suspect acquired a Schengen visa through Italian administrative channels, though security officials noted he did not enter Italy.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced renewed strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The campaign follows increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian fuel refineries, which have disrupted Moscow's domestic supply and forced foreign imports. Responding to potential hybrid threats across the bloc, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "We will not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

The United States military launched airstrikes against two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct attack on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval soldiers were killed during the bombardment.

Despite the escalation, diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari mediators reported ongoing discussions toward a potential bilateral agreement, while Iranian officials announced a tentative consensus with Oman regarding a revised shipping route through the strait. However, diplomatic momentum faces friction after US President Donald Trump stated Washington would demand financial compensation from Tehran for past casualties, complicating potential negotiations.

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

Russian bombardments across Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period resulted in five civilian deaths and 16 injuries, according to emergency services. Russian forces executed nearly 60 attacks targeting five separate districts in the area.

The Kamianske district suffered three fatalities and five injuries, while strikes in Pavlohrad resulted in two deaths and seven wounded individuals. Emergency crews worked to extinguish blazes and clear rubble in the Nikopol district following artillery and missile strikes on residential housing and local infrastructure. First responders continue evaluating the extent of destruction across impacted communities as rescue operations proceed.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă