Sep 25, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv is only prepared to halt strikes if Western partners guarantee Moscow abstains from attacking Ukrainian energy facilities, infrastructure, and food supply routes.

The statements come as both nations continue exchanging strikes despite upcoming visits by U.S. envoys seeking to discuss potential peace proposals. Ukrainian emergency services reported further civilian casualties from Russian attacks in regions including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian positions and energy assets. Additionally, Zelenskyy issued a decree dismissing Ukraine’s state prosecutor.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

European leaders and intelligence agencies are on high alert following rising threats of Russian hybrid warfare across the continent. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Brussels will not tolerate hostile actions within member states, asserting, "Non tolleriamo attacchi sul suolo Ue, pronti a rispondere."

The warning comes as German authorities identified two suspects linked to an explosive device at Leipzig Airport, and Danish intelligence cautioned that Moscow is preparing to target domestic industrial facilities. Meanwhile, Russia announced a renewed campaign against Ukraine's energy network, while Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have forced Moscow to import fuel from foreign suppliers. Italian security officials clarified that one suspect holding an Italian Schengen visa had not transited through Italy, disputing earlier German press reports.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

US President Donald Trump has warned of possible additional military strikes against Iran following a direct engagement between the two nations near the southern coastal locations of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. The exchange represents the first direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran in a month.

Trump claimed that Tehran is "begging" for a diplomatic agreement with Washington to reduce regional tensions. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Tehran does not seek a broader conflict, his nation will "respond decisively" to any foreign aggressors. Iranian authorities also insisted that their naval forces remain fully intact and operational following the strikes.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliamentarians to draft the necessary legal framework to enable national elections once martial law is eventually lifted. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that proactive legislative planning is required to uphold democratic principles after the war ends.

National elections remain legally prohibited in Ukraine while martial law is active. Authorities face significant logistical hurdles to any eventual vote, including facilitating ballot access for millions of citizens currently displaced overseas and soldiers serving on the front lines. Fedorov's statements highlight expanding discussions in Kyiv surrounding the regulatory steps needed for post-conflict governance.

Sources: Le Monde.

Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington lifts oil sanctions, ends port blockades, unfreezes Iranian assets, and stops military operations. However, Tehran has reportedly signaled through intermediaries that the strategic passage could reopen within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and resumes negotiations.

On the water, physical conflict continues to escalate. American forces are currently escorting commercial oil tankers at night to maintain maritime transit, while Iranian forces have responded by deploying sea mines using rockets. Recent United States strikes targeting Larak Island have heightened concerns over a dangerous cycle of confrontation along the vital trade corridor.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)