Sep 26, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine have persisted despite diplomatic discussions and claims of a temporary pause on targeting energy infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that both nations agreed to refrain from attacking energy targets. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv would comply only if Western partners ensure Moscow refrains from striking Ukrainian energy facilities, supply routes, and food infrastructure.

Overnight Russian strikes across several regions caused civilian casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery alongside locations in Sochi and Belgorod. Additionally, European Union officials criticized recent Russian attacks near the Polish border, describing them as attempts to intimidate European states. Zelenskyy is expected to travel to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly while U.S. envoys visit Moscow and Kyiv for peace talks.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Russian forces launched nearly 60 attacks across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in at least five deaths and 16 injuries over a 24-hour period, local emergency officials reported.

The heavy bombardment hit several areas, including Kamianske district, where three people were killed and five others sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad, strikes left two people dead and seven wounded. Further casualties and material damage were reported in the Nikopol district as rescue services worked to contain fires and search through rubble.

Ukrainian emergency responders remain deployed across the affected communities to carry out rescue operations and assess structural damage caused by artillery shelling and drone strikes.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

United States President Donald Trump has threatened additional military action against Iran following a fresh exchange of fire between American and Iranian forces near Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump claimed that Iranian leadership is "begging" for a diplomatic settlement with Washington following the confrontation.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Tehran does not seek an expanded war, it will "respond decisively" to any further aggression. Iranian military officials also rejected assertions of catastrophic damage, maintaining that their naval assets remain active and functional despite the bombardments. Tensions across the region remain high as both sides exchange warnings while monitoring military activity.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to establish a legal framework for future post-war elections. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his cabinet role in July by President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasized that early legislative work is essential to enable a swift return to democratic procedures once martial law is lifted.

Under current Ukrainian legislation, national elections are explicitly prohibited while martial law remains active. Organizing post-conflict balloting presents complex logistical challenges, including guaranteeing voting rights for millions of displaced citizens living across Europe and military personnel serving on the front lines. Fedorov's public statements reflect growing discussions within Kyiv regarding democratic governance and electoral readiness after the conflict ends.

Sources: Le Monde.

Tehran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz "will not be opened" unless Washington satisfies its conditions, following US President Donald Trump's rejection of a proposed seven-day truce. The Iranian initiative called for an end to the US naval blockade, the lifting of petroleum sanctions, the unfreezing of assets, and a cessation of military actions across all fronts.

In response to recent US strikes on Larak Island and nighttime commercial naval escorts, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched naval mines into the strategic waterway. Despite escalating military friction, diplomatic mediators indicate Tehran remains open to further negotiations if Washington demonstrates a commitment to resolving the stalemate.

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