Sep 21, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clarified that Kyiv's compliance is conditional on Western partners guaranteeing that Moscow halts attacks on energy facilities, transport hubs, and food supply routes.

The announcement coincides with reports from Ukrainian media that military units received orders for a four-day operational pause starting at midnight. The reported lull aligns with visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv and Moscow for peace negotiations.

Despite diplomatic efforts, localized cross-border shelling and drone strikes persisted overnight, causing additional civilian casualties. Separately, Zelensky issued an official decree dismissing Ukraine's prosecutor general.

Sources: Beta, CDM, Index, N1, Vijesti

Military confrontations between the United States and Iran have escalated near the Strait of Hormuz following a series of retaliatory strikes. US Central Command reported destroying five Iranian Guard vessels after thwarting an attack on American naval ships. In response, Tehran claimed to have fired 20 missiles at US military bases in Jordan and targeted six vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier. Emergency crews successfully extinguished a fire aboard one hit tanker.

US President Donald Trump insisted that Tehran is in "great difficulty" and that the vital shipping lane remains open. However, American intelligence warnings suggest Iranian commanders may feel emboldened by recent clashes, raising concerns over further regional instability.

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

European security concerns have intensified following investigations into potential sabotage operations linked to Moscow. German authorities identified two suspects in connection with explosive devices found at Leipzig airport—a Russian national holding a Latvian passport and a Belarusian citizen carrying Russian documents. Investigators noted the Belarusian suspect obtained an Italian Schengen visa, though Italian security officials stated he did not pass through Italy.

Meanwhile, Danish intelligence services warned of potential Russian sabotage targeting domestic industrial sites. In response to escalating security risks, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil."

The alerts coincide with a renewed Russian offensive against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launched after Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian refineries.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted major Russian e-commerce logistics centers and civilian infrastructure across several regions. Strikes hit warehouses belonging to Wildberries in the Leningrad region and Moscow Oblast, as well as multiple Ozon facilities, including a logistics hub in Dagestan. Following operational disruptions, Ozon shares dropped nearly 30 percent.

Casualties were reported across multiple areas. A warehouse strike in Moscow Oblast killed five people and injured ten, while a drone impact on a Krasnodar Krai beach left seven dead and dozens injured. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Kyiv caused nine deaths and injured 33 residents.

On the front lines, Russian forces claimed tactical gains in the Kharkiv direction, while Ukrainian troops made advances in southern Donetsk. Belarus also announced a new air assault brigade near the border.

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

American forces launched airstrikes targeting missile launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking Washington's first strikes on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media confirmed six naval personnel died in recent operations.

Despite military actions, regional diplomatic efforts persist. Qatari officials indicated active talks are underway seeking an Iran-US agreement. Simultaneously, Tehran announced an initial agreement with Oman regarding a revised shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on third parties not interfering in the process.

However, diplomatic progress faces headwinds after US President Donald Trump stated his administration will seek financial compensation from Tehran for past fatal attacks, a demand expected to complicate near-term negotiations.

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