Sep 22, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Russian and Ukrainian forces launched mutual strikes overnight despite scheduled diplomatic visits by American envoys seeking to advance peace talks. The strikes resulted in casualties across several regions, including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drones struck a Russian oil refinery alongside targets in Sochi and Belgorod.

The renewed military activity follows claims by former US President Donald Trump that both nations had agreed to cease targeting energy facilities. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv's participation relies on Western partners guaranteeing that Russia similarly stops attacking energy sites, civilian infrastructure, and food supply routes.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Danish intelligence services have warned that Russia is preparing potential sabotage operations against domestic industrial targets, prompting heightened security alerts across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the European Union "will not tolerate hybrid attacks on its territory" and remains prepared to respond.

The alert follows ongoing investigations into explosive devices discovered at Leipzig airport in Germany. Authorities identified two suspects connected to Moscow: a Russian citizen with a Latvian passport and a Belarusian national holding Russian documents. Italian security officials confirmed the Belarusian suspect obtained a Schengen visa through Italy, though records indicate he never entered Italian territory.

Meanwhile, the military conflict continues to target energy systems. Moscow declared a dedicated campaign against Ukrainian power networks, while Kyiv maintained long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Ukraine is seeking to ramp up domestic arms production to counter severe shortages of Western air defense systems and missiles amid ongoing Russian ballistic strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two domestic companies are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, though mass production faces technological hurdles. Additionally, licensing requirements and administrative delays mean local manufacturing of American Patriot air defense systems could take up to several years.

To address immediate operational gaps, Ukrainian forces are acquiring the domestically produced "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry, the guidance system converts standard unguided munitions into precision-guided weapons for Soviet-era and Western aircraft. However, defense experts warn that Ukraine faces a prolonged window of strategic vulnerability to Russian ballistic strikes until internal production scales effectively.

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

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted major Russian e-commerce logistics centers, damaging Wildberries warehouses in Leningrad Oblast and several Ozon facilities, including a hub in Dagestan. The attacks disrupted operations and caused Ozon shares to drop by nearly 30%. Russian regional officials reported casualties from drone impacts, including five fatalities in Moscow Oblast and seven on a beach in Krasnodar Krai.

Concurrently, a Russian strike on Kyiv killed nine people and wounded dozens. On the ground, Russian troops achieved a tactical breakthrough near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, while Ukrainian forces recorded minor gains near Velyka Novosilka. Additionally, Belarus announced the establishment of a new air assault brigade along its border with Ukraine.

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

Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz have escalated further following a series of military strikes between the United States and Iran. According to US Central Command, American forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels in response to targeted attacks on US naval ships.

Iranian state media reported a swift retaliation, claiming Tehran launched 20 missiles against American military installations in Jordan and struck six vessels, including an aircraft carrier and three tankers. US intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could further intensify hostilities in the region.

Addressing the situation, US President Donald Trump stated that Tehran is facing "great difficulty" while confirming emergency crews extinguished a tanker fire to maintain navigation through the critical maritime corridor.

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