Sep 19, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has rejected German warnings that Russia could target NATO territory by 2029, stating there are "neither evidence nor facts" to support such forecasts. In an interview with German media, Stubb remarked that he cannot imagine Moscow attacking the alliance, though he stressed that NATO must maintain full readiness to preserve deterrence.

Despite Stubb's skepticism regarding a direct military assault, regional security analysts emphasize escalating non-conventional threats. Polish military expert Col. Maciej Korowaj warned that Russian intelligence is actively mapping NATO security response mechanisms across the Baltic Sea region to refine potential provocation plans, anticipating increased risks starting in September.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Kyiv and Moscow to advance peace negotiations, coinciding with reports that Ukrainian troops received orders for a four-day operational pause.

While US President Donald Trump announced an agreement between both sides to halt attacks on energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated implementation depends on Western guarantees securing Russian compliance across energy, infrastructure, and food supply lines.

Despite commitments to pause strikes on capital cities during talks, overnight fighting persisted in other regions. Russian attacks caused civilian casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drones wounded several people in Russia's Sochi and Belgorod regions. Meanwhile, European Union officials denounced a Russian strike near the Polish border as an intimidation tactic, and Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's prosecutor general by decree.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

The United States military carried out airstrikes against two missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking its first direct attacks on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in the raid.

Despite the military action, diplomatic efforts remain active. Qatari mediators reported ongoing talks toward a potential bilateral agreement, while Tehran announced a preliminary arrangement with Oman to establish a revised shipping corridor through the strategic strait, contingent on avoiding third-party interference. However, diplomatic progress faces new hurdles after US President Donald Trump announced intentions to demand financial compensation from Iran for past casualties tied to its military actions.

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

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged lawmakers to establish a legal foundation for future national elections following the eventual end of martial law. Fedorov, a popular figure dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that legislative steps must be taken early to guarantee a proper democratic transition when hostilities cease.

Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections while martial law is active. Zelensky's government has repeatedly maintained that organizing a national vote during an ongoing conflict poses severe security risks and practical challenges, particularly with millions of Ukrainians displaced domestically and abroad. Fedorov's intervention reflects a growing domestic discussion regarding post-war governance and the restoration of electoral processes once peace is achieved.

Sources: Le Monde

Military engagements near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified as American forces and Iranian units exchanged strikes. According to US Central Command, American military assets destroyed five Revolutionary Guard vessels after countering an attempted assault. In response, Iranian state media reported that Tehran fired 20 missiles aimed at US military positions in Jordan and struck six maritime vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, US President Donald Trump maintained that the strategic maritime passage remains operational, describing Iranian forces as severely weakened. However, American intelligence assessments warned that Revolutionary Guard commanders might view recent actions as advantageous, raising concerns about potential further escalation. Meanwhile, emergency personnel successfully contained a fire aboard a damaged commercial vessel in the area.

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