Sep 29, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Cross-border strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces persisted overnight as American envoys prepare to visit Kyiv and Moscow to discuss peace proposals. Ukrainian authorities reported casualties across several regions, including fatalities in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, following Russian drone and missile strikes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces hit another Russian oil refinery and targeted sites in Sochi and Belgorod.

The hostilities coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's trip to the United States. While US President Donald Trump stated both nations agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy conditioned Ukrainian compliance on Western guarantees that Moscow halts attacks on civil and energy targets. Additionally, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Polish border as an attempt to intimidate European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Tensions remain high near the Strait of Hormuz following recent military clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces. U.S. Central Command reported destroying five vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after an attempted assault on U.S. warships. In response, Iran launched 20 missiles at U.S. military sites in Jordan and claimed its forces struck six vessels, including an aircraft carrier.

U.S. officials disputed those claims, confirming only a contained fire aboard a commercial ship. While U.S. intelligence warned that Iranian forces might escalate hostilities further, U.S. President Donald Trump maintained that the maritime passage remains open, asserting that "Tehran is in great difficulty."

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

At least five people were killed and 16 others injured following a wave of Russian bombardments targeting Ukraine's eastern Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services. Russian forces launched nearly 60 strikes across five districts in the region.

The heaviest casualties occurred in Kamenske district, where three individuals died and five sustained injuries. In Pavlohrad, shelling resulted in two fatalities and seven wounded residents. Additional injuries and extensive infrastructure damage were recorded in Nikopol district, where firefighters worked to extinguish multiple blazes triggered by the artillery and missile attacks. Emergency responders remain active across the affected areas to clear debris and assess structural damage.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated following a direct exchange of military fire. Explosions were reported near the Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik.

US President Donald Trump warned of further strikes should Tehran retaliate, asserting that Iranian leadership is "begging" to reach a deal with Washington. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country does not seek a broader conflict, but affirmed Tehran will "respond decisively to aggressors." Iranian naval officials confirmed their forces remain operational following the strikes.

Direct diplomatic negotiations remain stalled as military forces on both sides maintain heightened readiness in the region.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged lawmakers to begin drafting legislation to facilitate national elections immediately following the termination of martial law. Fedorov, who was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that Ukraine needs to establish a clear legal framework to guarantee a swift return to democratic processes once the conflict ends.

Under current Ukrainian law, holding elections during active martial law is prohibited. However, debate is intensifying among political leaders regarding the complex logistical preparations required for post-war voting. Key hurdles include establishing secure voting mechanisms for millions of Ukrainian refugees residing abroad and for military personnel deployed along active front lines. Fedorov's proposal highlights growing attention in Kyiv toward maintaining democratic continuity after hostilities cease.

Sources: Le Monde.