Sep 19, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

As US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrive in Kyiv and Moscow to advance peace negotiations, Ukrainian military units have reportedly been ordered to observe a four-day operational pause.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to refrain from striking energy targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Ukraine would abide by the freeze if Western allies ensure Russian compliance regarding energy facilities, infrastructure, and food supply routes.

Despite an agreement to halt attacks on Moscow and Kyiv during diplomatic discussions, regional shelling and drone strikes continued overnight across Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sochi, and Belgorod, resulting in casualties. Additionally, European Union diplomats condemned a Russian strike near the Polish border as an attempt to divide European nations, while Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's prosecutor general via decree.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

Military clashes near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following sharp exchanges between American and Iranian forces. US Central Command reported destroying five Revolutionary Guard vessels after repelling an attempted attack on naval assets. In response, Iranian state media stated that Tehran launched 20 missiles targeting American bases in Jordan and struck six maritime vessels, including an aircraft carrier and three tankers. Emergency personnel successfully extinguished a fire aboard one damaged commercial ship.

Despite the ongoing violence, US President Donald Trump insisted the strategic waterway remains open, asserting that Iran is facing "great difficulties." However, American intelligence assessments warned that Revolutionary Guard commanders might view recent developments as advantageous, raising concerns about potential further escalation across the region.

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

Ukraine is working to expand its domestic arms production and reduce reliance on foreign military aid amid lingering delays in manufacturing American-designed Patriot air defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that bureaucratic processes and U.S. licensing requirements mean establishing local production of Patriot systems could take from 12 months to several years.

To mitigate ongoing ballistic missile threats from Russia, Ukrainian defense contractors are developing alternative solutions. Two domestic firms are working on indigenous ballistic missiles, though technical hurdles remain before mass manufacturing can begin. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are procuring the newly developed "Equalizer" precision glide bomb kit. Designed by DG Industry alongside the Brave1 innovation cluster, the module upgrades unguided bombs for Soviet-era and Western aircraft, offering Kyiv greater operational independence.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда

Mutual strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces have intensified across multiple regions, damaging infrastructure and causing civilian casualties. Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russian e-commerce hubs, setting fire to Wildberries and Ozon facilities, including a major logistics site in Dagestan. Russian online retailer Ozon saw its shares drop sharply following the operational disruptions. Additional drone impacts were reported in Moscow Oblast, where a warehouse fire caused multiple deaths, and along the Krasnodar Krai coastline.

Concurrently, a Russian strike on Kyiv resulted in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries. On the battlefields, Russian forces recorded tactical progress in Kharkiv Oblast, while Ukrainian units made gains in the south near Velyka Novosilka. Amid the escalation, neighboring Belarus announced plans to deploy a new air assault brigade along its southern border with Ukraine.

Sources: Mediazona, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Guardian, The Insider

Military tensions and diplomatic maneuvering continue in the Middle East following recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, the strikes targeted two missile launchers, marking the first direct American action on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel were killed in the bombardment.

Despite the military action, diplomatic negotiations remain active. Qatar reported ongoing discussions aimed at securing a US-Iran agreement, while Iranian officials announced a preliminary pact with Oman to establish a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. However, prospects for a swift diplomatic resolution face obstacles after US President Donald Trump stated he would demand financial compensation from Tehran for deaths linked to Iranian attacks and internal crackdowns over past decades.

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