Sep 26, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Cross-border attacks persisted overnight across multiple regions despite upcoming diplomatic efforts and planned visits by U.S. envoys to Kyiv and Moscow. Russian strikes targeted at least four Ukrainian regions, resulting in four deaths, including a 74-year-old man in Zaporizhzhia, and injuring over ten others. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in Russia and caused injuries in the Belgorod and Sochi regions.

The continued hostilities come ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Although reports indicate both sides pledged to pause direct strikes on Moscow and Kyiv while U.S. envoys discuss potential peace plans this weekend, regional fighting continues. Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine will halt energy-related strikes only if Western partners guarantee Russia ceases targeting Ukrainian power, transport, and food infrastructure.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

At least five people were killed and 16 others injured following a series of Russian bombardments across Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, emergency officials reported.

Russian forces reportedly targeted five districts within the region nearly 60 times. Local fire services confirmed that three individuals died and five were injured in the Kamianske district. An additional two fatalities and seven injuries were recorded in Pavlohrad. Further casualties and damage were reported in the Nikopol district, where rescue teams responded to incidents.

Local emergency crews have carried out response operations as authorities evaluate the extent of structural damage across the targeted areas.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Tehran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets key Iranian demands, including lifting petroleum sanctions, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations. However, Iranian officials have separately communicated through diplomatic mediators that the strategic waterway could reopen within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and commits to serious negotiations.

Meanwhile, military confrontation in the vital shipping corridor continues to intensify. US forces have begun escorting commercial oil tankers under the cover of darkness, while Iranian troops have responded by deploying rocket-launched sea mines. A recent US air strike on Larak Island further underscores escalating risks as both nations seek leverage while diplomatic outcomes remain uncertain.

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

US President Donald Trump has threatened additional military strikes against Iran after American forces targeted southern coastal locations near Bandar Abbas and Sirik. The exchange marks the first direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran in a month.

Trump asserted that Iranian leadership is "begging" for a diplomatic agreement with Washington. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that while Tehran does not seek broader conflict, it will "respond decisively" to any aggressors. Iranian officials also insisted that their naval forces remain intact and fully operational despite the recent strikes.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Iran's military has shifted to a "completely offensive" strategy following the breakdown of peace negotiations with the United States and the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire agreement. Iranian officials announced they will continue operations in pursuit of the "complete defeat" of American forces in the region.

The diplomatic stall comes alongside heightened naval conflict. United States Central Command stated that American forces struck five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one, after Iranian forces launched two attacks on a US warship. Analysts warn that growing economic pressures and escalating clashes around the Strait of Hormuz significantly increase the risk of a broader regional conflict.

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