Oct 2, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

Russia and Ukraine carried out new overnight strikes against each other despite diplomatic efforts and claims of a temporary pause in targeting key infrastructure. Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukrainian regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, resulted in civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces hit a Russian oil refinery and launched drone strikes against sites in Sochi and Belgorod.

The military actions coincide with the arrival of US envoys in Kyiv and Moscow to discuss peace proposals ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. While US President Donald Trump stated both nations agreed to refrain from targeting energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained Kyiv would halt strikes only if Western partners guarantee Moscow refrains from attacking Ukrainian energy, food, and transport networks.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Russian forces launched a new wave of drone strikes against Kyiv overnight, injuring a civilian following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations. Russian defense officials confirmed an intensified campaign specifically targeting Ukraine's energy network. In response, Ukrainian long-range strikes have struck petroleum infrastructure within Russia, straining domestic fuel supplies.

Simultaneously, European Union officials raised alarms over hybrid threats after German authorities identified two suspects linked to Moscow regarding explosive drones found in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reacted firmly to the findings, stating that the EU "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to act against state-sponsored disruption.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Military friction near the Strait of Hormuz continues to generate conflicting accounts following recent strikes in the region. Iranian state media reported that local forces targeted six vessels, including three oil tankers and an American aircraft carrier, alongside missile attacks against US bases in Jordan. US intelligence officials subsequently warned that Iran's Revolutionary Guards feel emboldened and could escalate the conflict.

Conversely, US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over regional stability, asserting that "Tehran is in great difficulty" and confirming the strategic waterway remains open to commercial shipping. Emergency crews also contained a fire aboard one of the damaged tankers. The exchanges follow ongoing disruptions to a fragile 14-point memorandum signed in June, which was undermined by American air strikes in July.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Rescue operations and emergency responses persist across Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region following nearly 60 Russian strikes over a 24-hour period. Local officials reported that the bombardments left five people dead and 16 others injured across five distinct districts.

The attacks severely hit the Kamianske district, resulting in three fatalities and five injuries, while shelling in Pavlohrad claimed two lives and wounded seven. Further strikes targeted the Nikopol district, damaging critical infrastructure and sparking several fires.

Local emergency services remain deployed to contain blazes and assist affected residents as active shelling and drone activity continue to threaten central Ukraine.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on lawmakers to establish the legal framework needed to conduct national elections after the conflict ends. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet position by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, emphasized that early legislative planning is essential to address major logistical hurdles once martial law is lifted.

Primary concerns include guaranteeing voting access for millions of Ukrainian refugees displaced across Europe and organizing secure voting mechanisms for military personnel stationed on the front lines. While Ukrainian legislation prohibits holding votes during active martial law, proponents argue that proactive legislative preparation is necessary to maintain democratic stability and facilitate a smooth transition when hostilities cease.

Sources: Le Monde.