Oct 4, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC

Russia and Ukraine launched fresh overnight aerial strikes against each other's territories ahead of diplomatic meetings with American envoys. Russian missile and drone attacks targeted Ukrainian regions including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, killing at least four people. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces hit another Russian oil refinery and launched drone attacks in Belgorod and Sochi, injuring several residents.

The escalation coincided with statements from former US President Donald Trump, who claimed Moscow and Kyiv agreed to stop striking energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that Kyiv would only halt attacks if Western allies ensure Moscow stops targeting Ukrainian energy networks and supply routes. Zelenskyy is preparing to address these issues during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Sources: Avaz, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Russian forces carried out overnight drone strikes on Kyiv, injuring a woman as aerial attacks on the Ukrainian capital escalated. The bombardment followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he described Russian President Vladimir Putin as "patient zero who wanted the war."

In response, Moscow announced a new military campaign specifically aimed at destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Concurrently, Ukrainian long-range strikes targeted Russian oil refineries, causing processing disruptions that forced Russia to import fuel.

In Germany, authorities identified two suspects tied to Moscow regarding explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a firm warning, stating, "We will not tolerate attacks on EU soil," and emphasized the bloc's readiness to respond to security threats.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace initiative endorsed by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Israeli military forces will remain in the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. In televised statements to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed, "Israel rejects the 15-point document," asserting that no troop withdrawal will occur until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed and security threats against Israeli forces are neutralized.

The rejection highlights a growing diplomatic rift between Washington and Jerusalem. While Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure from far-right coalition partners ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, reports indicate Israeli military operations in Gaza have temporarily halted under American pressure. Meanwhile, Hamas had previously agreed to the framework established by the US administration.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald

Iran has adopted a "completely offensive" military strategy following the failure of negotiations with the United States to establish a permanent peace agreement. The decision coincided with the expiration of a 60-day deadline established under a June memorandum of understanding. Iranian armed forces stated they will press forward until achieving the "complete defeat" of American forces in the region.

Washington announced it has no plans to extend the temporary ceasefire. Meanwhile, military confrontations have intensified at sea. United States Central Command confirmed strikes on five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one vessel, following Iranian attacks against a US warship.

The escalation comes amid mounting economic pressures on Tehran and growing tensions over control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that these mutual strikes could trigger a broader regional conflict.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

Former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has secured the necessary endorsements to participate in the upcoming left-wing primary ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Royal joins six other contenders in the contest, scheduled in two rounds for October 9–10 and October 16–17, jointly organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique.

Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure has also officially entered the race. Meanwhile, Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel announced an independent presidential bid outside the primary framework.

Despite earlier pledges to refrain from criticizing fellow contenders, Royal sparked early internal friction by labeling rival candidate Raphaël Glucksmann the "chouchou des médias".

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.