Sep 25, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

Russia and Ukraine have carried out fresh overnight strikes against each other's territories, despite ongoing diplomatic preparations and scheduled visits by U.S. envoys to discuss potential peace proposals. Ukrainian emergency services reported civilian casualties across several regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, following Russian drone and missile attacks. In response, Ukrainian strikes targeted Russian infrastructure, including an oil refinery, alongside reported drone incidents in Belgorod and Sochi.

The continued hostilities follow claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to halt attacks on energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv would only stop such strikes if Western allies guarantee Russian compliance regarding energy, general infrastructure, and food supply routes. Meanwhile, European Union officials condemned recent Russian strikes near the Ukrainian-Polish border as efforts to intimidate European partners.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Russian forces executed nearly 60 bombardments across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, resulting in at least five deaths and 16 injuries, according to local emergency services.

The heavy shelling targeted several locations, including the Kamianske district, where three people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad, strikes killed two civilians and wounded seven, while further casualties were reported in the Nikopol district as rescue personnel fought multiple fires triggered by the attacks.

Local authorities confirmed that emergency crews have finished search and rescue operations at the affected sites and are continuing to evaluate the extent of structural damage across the region.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on lawmakers in Kyiv to establish the legal framework required for national elections once martial law is eventually lifted.

Fedorov, who was dismissed from his cabinet post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that proactive legislative work is necessary to ensure a smooth return to democratic processes following the end of hostilities. Ukrainian law currently forbids holding elections while martial law remains active across the country.

Organizing future elections presents severe logistical obstacles, particularly ensuring ballot access for millions of displaced citizens residing abroad and personnel deployed along the front lines. Fedorov’s public push underlines growing domestic discussions regarding governance and legal readiness for Ukraine’s post-conflict political transition.

Sources: Le Monde.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain critical as diplomatic overtures clash with escalating military action. Tehran has reiterated that the strategic passage will stay closed until Washington ends military operations, lifts petroleum sanctions, and unfreezes Iranian assets. However, an Iranian official disclosed via intermediaries that the waterway could reopen within a week if the United States reduces military pressure and resumes talks.

Concurrently, maritime confrontation is intensifying. American forces are escorting oil tankers at night through the waterway, prompting Iran to deploy rocket-launched sea mines. Recent US strikes on Larak Island underscore the heightening risks along the vital oil trade corridor as both nations seek leverage.

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

Iran has adopted an offensive military strategy following the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire deadline and the collapse of peace negotiations with the United States. Iranian military officials declared they will maintain operations until achieving the "complete defeat" of American forces in the region.

The diplomatic breakdown coincides with escalating maritime conflicts. United States Central Command confirmed American forces struck five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one, in response to Iranian attacks targeting a US warship. Analysts caution that intensified economic pressure and naval clashes near the Strait of Hormuz significantly elevate the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.