Sep 25, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

Following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop targeting energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv will suspend strikes on Russian energy infrastructure only if Western allies guarantee Moscow stops attacking Ukrainian power grids, infrastructure, and food supply lines.

Despite scheduled visits by U.S. envoys to discuss peace proposals, overnight strikes persisted on both sides. Russian drone and missile attacks across several Ukrainian regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, resulted in civilian casualties. European officials condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Polish border, labeling it an attempt to intimidate Europe.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes damaging another Russian oil refinery and causing injuries in Belgorod and Sochi.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Political science scholar Alpo Rusi has detailed historical evidence regarding Soviet covert influence operations in Finland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Writing in an op-ed published by Iltalehti, Rusi highlighted threats directed at former Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa shortly before his death in 1980.

According to Rusi, Soviet intelligence agents targeted key domestic political actors to manipulate the political transition as President Urho Kekkonen's leadership approached its end. Shortly before passing away, Liinamaa reportedly confided to a diplomat that he had received intimidation linked to foreign intelligence operations. Rusi emphasizes how Soviet covert activities aimed to secure strategic leverage and influence the presidential succession in Helsinki during a critical Cold War juncture.

Sources: Iltalehti

Tensions between the United States and Iran have surged around the Strait of Hormuz following mutual military strikes. US Central Command reported destroying five vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after Iranian forces targeted American naval assets. Tehran retaliated by launching 20 missiles at US military positions in Jordan, while state media claimed Iranian forces struck six vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier.

While US President Donald Trump stated that "Tehran is in severe difficulty" and shipping channels remain operational, American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces feel emboldened and may further escalate the conflict. A fire aboard a damaged tanker has since been extinguished amid ongoing tit-for-tat operations in the region.

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

Russian forces carried out nearly 60 attacks across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, leaving at least five people dead and 16 others injured, according to local emergency services.

The bombardment severely affected several areas, with the heaviest casualties reported in the Kamianske district, where three individuals lost their lives and five sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad, two fatalities and seven injuries were recorded, while additional casualties and damage were reported in the Nikopol district. Emergency response teams operated throughout the targeted sites to extinguish fires, clear debris, and assist victims as authorities evaluated the extent of the destruction.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

US President Donald Trump has warned of further military action against Iran following direct American strikes targeting areas near the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump asserted that Tehran is actively seeking a diplomatic agreement with Washington to resolve the escalating crisis.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by stating that while Tehran does not seek broader warfare, it will "respond decisively" to further foreign aggression. Iranian state sources also reported that the nation's naval forces suffered no damage and remain fully operational.

The military engagement represents the first direct exchange between the two nations in a month, underscoring ongoing instability across the region.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).