Oct 2, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

Russia and Ukraine continued overnight missile and drone exchanges despite pledges to pause strikes on capital cities during visits by US peace envoys. Russian bombardment across several Ukrainian regions caused civilian casualties, including deaths in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian drones targeted Russian sites, including an oil refinery, Belgorod, and Sochi.

The escalation follows statements by US President Donald Trump asserting that both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv will halt attacks on Russian energy assets only if Western allies ensure Moscow ceases targeting Ukraine's energy facilities, food supply lines, and transport networks. Meanwhile, European Union officials condemned a recent Russian strike near the Polish border, describing it as a tactic to divide European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union will not tolerate foreign attacks on its soil, emphasizing readiness to respond following security incidents inside EU borders. German authorities identified two suspects with ties to Moscow in connection with explosive drones discovered in Leipzig.

Meanwhile, Russian military forces launched a new offensive against Ukrainian energy infrastructure alongside continued overnight drone strikes targeting Kyiv, injuring at least one civilian. The strikes followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as "the patient zero who wanted the war." In response, Ukraine expanded long-range drone attacks against Russian oil refineries and fuel facilities, forcing Moscow to import fuel to address domestic supply shortages.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military friction near the Strait of Hormuz continues to threaten regional stability following recent strikes between Iranian forces and the United States. Iranian state media claimed Tehran hit six vessels, including three oil tankers and an American aircraft carrier, while launching missile attacks against US facilities in Jordan. Washington intelligence sources warned that Iranian commanders may seek to intensify the conflict.

Conversely, US President Donald Trump minimized the fallout, asserting that "Tehran is in great difficulty" and confirming the strategic maritime corridor remains open. Firefighters successfully extinguished a blaze on a targeted commercial ship. Despite a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed in June, American raids on July 8 renewed hostilities, leaving the fragile truce at risk.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged parliament to begin establishing legal mechanisms for post-war elections, highlighting the need to prepare democratic procedures despite ongoing conflict. Fedorov, who was removed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, pointed out that national legislation currently prohibits holding elections while martial law remains active.

Addressing the legislative challenges, he emphasized that advance planning is crucial to address significant logistical obstacles. These include ensuring electoral participation for millions of Ukrainians displaced across Europe and personnel deployed along the front lines. Preparing these frameworks in advance aims to safeguard democratic continuity and enable a structured political transition once active hostilities cease.

Sources: Le Monde.

US forces conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian coastal positions near Bandar Abbas and Sirik, marking the first direct military engagement between the two nations in a month. US President Donald Trump warned of further strikes if Tehran retaliates, claiming Iranian leadership is eager for a deal with Washington.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Tehran does not seek war, it will "respond decisively to aggressors." Iranian naval commanders also maintained that their forces remain fully operational despite the American bombardment. The strikes have raised renewed concerns over maritime security along crucial international trade routes.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).