Sep 25, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Russia and Ukraine launched new overnight drone and missile strikes, even as U.S. envoys prepared to travel to both capitals to discuss peace proposals. Ukrainian emergency officials reported civilian casualties in several regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian strikes hit a Russian oil refinery along with targets in Belgorod and Sochi.

The renewed attacks follow statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump claiming both sides agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv will cease strikes on Russian energy targets only if Western allies ensure Moscow stops attacking Ukrainian energy, transport, and food supply networks. Meanwhile, European Union officials denounced recent Russian strikes near the Ukrainian-Polish border, characterizing them as efforts to intimidate European nations.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

European Union officials have vowed to respond to hybrid threats following recent sabotage incidents and warnings across the continent. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that "we will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and affirmed the bloc is "ready to respond." Her comments follow the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow over an explosive device found at Leipzig Airport, alongside Danish intelligence warnings of potential Russian industrial sabotage.

Concurrently, military actions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Moscow announced a campaign targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, while Kyiv launched drone strikes against Russian oil refineries, forcing Moscow to import fuel. Meanwhile, Italian security officials confirmed that a suspect holding an Italian Schengen visa had not transited through Italy.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military exchanges between the United States and Iran have re-escalated near the Strait of Hormuz following a brief period of diplomatic dialogue. According to U.S. Central Command, American forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels after an attempted attack on U.S. naval units. Tehran retaliated by launching 20 missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six maritime vessels, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier.

U.S. intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces feel empowered and could intensify operations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains unaffected, stating that "Tehran is in severe difficulty." Fire aboard one affected tanker has reportedly been brought under control as regional security measures remain on high alert.

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

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

The strikes hit several localities across the eastern region. In the Kamianske district, three people lost their lives and five sustained injuries. Attackers also targeted Pavlohrad, where shelling killed two individuals and wounded seven. Additional casualties and localized fires were reported in the Nikopol district as emergency personnel worked to contain the damage.

Local authorities stated that rescue teams have completed search operations at the affected locations, while municipal crews continue evaluating structural destruction throughout the impacted areas.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly urged parliament in Kyiv to draft the legal framework required for future elections once martial law is eventually lifted.

Dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, Fedorov emphasized that proactive legislative preparation is necessary to facilitate a seamless return to democratic processes after the war ends. Under current Ukrainian legislation, national elections are strictly prohibited while martial law remains in effect.

Organizing a vote presents substantial operational challenges, including enabling participation for millions of refugees living overseas and soldiers serving on the front lines. Fedorov’s statement highlights increasing political discourse in Kyiv regarding the transition to post-conflict governance.

Sources: Le Monde.