Sep 28, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to refrain from attacking each other's energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is willing to halt such strikes provided Western partners guarantee Moscow also abstains from targeting Ukrainian energy, infrastructure, and food supply routes.

The statement comes amidst ongoing cross-border hostilities. Russian missile and drone strikes hit several Ukrainian regions overnight, resulting in casualties in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil refinery and conducted drone attacks affecting regions including Belgorod and Sochi. The continued military activity coincides with the arrival of U.S. envoys in both capitals to discuss potential peace frameworks ahead of Zelenskyy's planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the European Union "will not tolerate attacks" on its territory following the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow in connection with explosive drones found in Leipzig, Germany.

Concurrently, Moscow has initiated a fresh campaign targeting Ukraine's energy grid. Overnight Russian drone strikes struck Kyiv, injuring at least one resident. This escalation follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin as "patient zero" for initiating the conflict.

In response, Ukraine escalated its own strikes on Russian petroleum facilities. These attacks disrupted fuel supplies, forcing Moscow to import fuel to satisfy internal demand.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military exchanges between American forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command reported sinking five Iranian vessels following an attempted attack on U.S. warships. In response, Iranian forces launched 20 missiles targeting American bases located in Jordan.

State media in Tehran claimed that six vessels, including three oil tankers and a U.S. aircraft carrier, were hit during the counterattack. U.S. officials disputed these assertions, stating no major warships sustained significant damage, though a commercial vessel caught fire before being contained by crew members.

U.S. President Donald Trump maintained that the maritime corridor remains open, stating "Tehran is in great difficulty." Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could further escalate the conflict as regional hostilities persist.

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

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following a series of military exchanges, marking the first direct clash between the two nations in a month. Explosions were reported near the Iranian coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik following US military strikes.

US President Donald Trump issued a warning of further bombardments if Iran retaliates, claiming Tehran officials are "begging" to negotiate a diplomatic agreement. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that while his country does not seek war, it will "respond decisively to aggressors." Meanwhile, Iranian military leadership asserted that its naval forces remain operational despite the American strikes. Both nations maintain heightened military readiness while diplomatic channels remain frozen.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on the parliament in Kyiv to prepare the legal framework required for post-war national elections. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that Ukraine must be ready to hold democratic votes as soon as martial law is lifted.

Under current Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited while martial law remains in force due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Organizing future elections presents substantial challenges, including enabling voting for millions of displaced citizens living across Europe and service members stationed on the front lines. Fedorov’s appeal highlights emerging discussions in Kyiv regarding the eventual restoration of normal constitutional governance once hostilities cease.

Sources: Le Monde.