Sep 28, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine continued overnight, causing multiple casualties despite ongoing visits by U.S. peace envoys and claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to halt energy infrastructure strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Kyiv would cease strikes on Russian energy targets only if Western partners guarantee Moscow also refrains from attacking Ukraine's energy grid, supply routes, and food infrastructure. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian attack on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, describing it as an attempt to divide and intimidate Europe.

Russian strikes across several regions killed at least four civilians, while Ukrainian drones targeted sites in Sochi, Belgorod, and an oil refinery.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Frontline combat in eastern Ukraine remained intense, with Ukraine's General Staff reporting over 250 daily combat engagements across major sectors, including Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian forces repelled numerous Russian attempts to breach defense positions while carrying out infantry clearing operations supported by electronic warfare north of Kupiansk along the Oskil River.

Contrasting official statements emerged across several sectors. Russian defense officials claimed territorial gains near Sumy and denied Ukrainian advances in Zaporizhzhia, while reports indicated possible Ukrainian territorial recoveries near Lyman.

Overnight aerial attacks continued as Russian forces launched 138 drones across Ukraine. Strikes caused civilian casualties, including the deaths of a mother and two children in Kyiv Oblast and a priest in Kherson Oblast.

Sources: NV, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Insider, Українська правда

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared the European Union "will not tolerate attacks" on its territory following the identification of two Moscow-linked suspects concerning explosive drones in Leipzig. The diplomatic escalation coincides with a fresh campaign announced by Moscow targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Overnight Russian drone strikes on Kyiv injured a resident, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech to the United Nations General Assembly where he labelled Vladimir Putin "patient zero" of the war. Concurrently, Ukraine intensified long-range strikes against Russian petroleum facilities, damaging infrastructure and forcing Moscow to import foreign fuel to meet domestic demand.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed skepticism regarding reports that Russia could attack NATO territory by 2029, stating he sees "neither evidence nor facts" to back such claims. In an interview with German media, Stubb described predictions of a Kremlin timeline as using a "crystal ball" and questioned whether Moscow would challenge "the most powerful military alliance in the world."

Despite Stubb's doubts about an immediate direct invasion, European security officials continue to raise alarms over intensifying Russian hybrid operations. Intelligence chiefs across Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states report increased sabotage, cyber threats, and espionage activity targeting Western infrastructure. Stubb urged allies not to relax, emphasizing that NATO must stay prepared to deter potential aggression.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info.

Military engagements between American forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have escalated near the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, American forces sank five Iranian vessels following an attempted attack on U.S. Navy warships. Iranian forces retaliated by launching 20 missiles at U.S. military bases located in Jordan.

Tehran's state media claimed counterattacks struck six vessels, including three oil tankers and an American aircraft carrier. Washington disputed these assertions, maintaining that no major warships sustained significant damage, although a commercial vessel caught fire before being brought under control.

Despite the clashes, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the maritime corridor remains open, adding that "Tehran is in great difficulty." Nevertheless, American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could further intensify hostilities as regional friction continues.

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