Sep 28, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Cross-border strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight despite diplomatic developments and reported agreements on targeting limitations. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that both nations agreed to refrain from striking energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv will only halt attacks if Western partners ensure Moscow refrains from targeting Ukraine's energy facilities, infrastructure, and supply routes.

Russian drone and missile salvos hit several regions, causing civilian casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. European Union officials also denounced a Russian strike near the Ukrainian-Polish border, describing it as an effort to divide and intimidate European partners. In response, Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian oil refinery alongside locations in Belgorod and Sochi.

The military activity comes as U.S. envoys visit Kyiv and Moscow to discuss peace proposals, ahead of Zelenskyy's planned visit to the United States.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), N1, Vijesti

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the EU "will not tolerate attacks" on its territory after German authorities linked two suspects to explosive drones discovered in Leipzig. The suspects allegedly have ties to Moscow.

Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defence launched a renewed offensive targeting Ukraine's energy grid, conducting overnight drone strikes on Kyiv that injured at least one civilian. The escalation follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, in which he referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as "patient zero."

In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has intensified its own drone strikes against Russian oil facilities. These attacks have caused local fuel shortages inside Russia, prompting Moscow to import petroleum products from abroad to satisfy domestic demand.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military engagements around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following reciprocal strikes between American and Iranian forces. U.S. Central Command reported destroying five Iranian naval vessels after an attempted attack on American warships, prompting Iranian forces to launch 20 missiles at U.S. military bases in Jordan.

Iranian state television claimed that Tehran successfully targeted six vessels, including three oil tankers and an American aircraft carrier. However, U.S. officials indicated no critical damage to military ships, though a commercial vessel caught fire before its crew controlled the flames.

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that the maritime route remains open and asserted that "Tehran is in great difficulty." Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could further escalate hostilities as clashes persist.

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

Military tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following an exchange of fire near the coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is prepared to launch additional strikes should Tehran retaliate, asserting that Iranian officials are "begging" to negotiate a diplomatic agreement with the United States.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Washington's claims, stating that while Tehran does not desire a broader regional conflict, it will "respond decisively to aggressors." Meanwhile, Iranian naval commanders stated that their forces remain fully operational across the Persian Gulf despite recent American bombardments. Both nations have placed their military forces on high alert as diplomatic talks remain suspended.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Upcoming US midterm elections are increasingly shaping Washington’s foreign policy priorities regarding Ukraine and Iran. According to former Ukrainian diplomat Valeriy Chalyi, a potential loss of Republican majorities in Congress could divert American political focus away from Ukraine toward internal political battles. Meanwhile, reports indicate top advisers have urged President Donald Trump to avoid escalating conflict with Iran prior to November to safeguard Republican electoral prospects.

During a recent visit to Kyiv, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers reaffirmed support for Ukraine, emphasizing that military and economic pressure should position Kyiv strongly for future negotiations. However, delegates acknowledged that legislative gridlock in Washington continues to delay key measures, including proposed sanctions against Russia.

Sources: NV, Liga net, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода.