Oct 7, 2026, 01:30 PM UTC

The European Union has extended its sanctions regime against Russia following a missile attack on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, warned the strike aimed to intimidate European nations and foster internal divisions.

The decision coincides with claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt strikes targeting energy infrastructure. However, intense fighting continues. Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region recently killed two people and injured 14 others, while Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly injured seven people in Russia's Sochi and Belgorod regions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the country's prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM

Russian forces launched overnight drone strikes targeting Kyiv, injuring a resident and damaging local infrastructure shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN General Assembly. Moscow's Ministry of Defence subsequently announced a renewed military campaign focused on destroying Ukraine's energy grid. In response, Ukrainian long-range drones struck Russian petroleum refineries, compelling Moscow to purchase foreign fuel to mitigate domestic shortages.

Concurrently, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the bloc is "ready to respond" to hostile actions within member states. The statement followed the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow regarding explosive drone incidents in Leipzig, Germany. EU leadership emphasized that hostile acts on European soil will face direct responses.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz following recent military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. Iranian state media stated that Tehran launched strikes targeting six vessels, including commercial tankers and American military craft, along with a missile attempt against a US aircraft carrier.

Despite the strikes, US President Donald Trump downplayed the disruption, asserting that "Hormuz is open" and maintaining that Iran faces severe domestic and strategic difficulties. However, American intelligence agencies warned that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feels emboldened by recent clashes and could intensify military actions. The confrontations threaten the fragile 14-point memorandum of understanding reached in June, which had established a temporary ceasefire before American raids resumed earlier this month.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to draft a legal framework to prepare for national elections once martial law eventually ends. Dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, Fedorov emphasized that early legislative planning is essential to address major logistical hurdles well before any future vote takes place.

Under Ukrainian law, holding elections during martial law is prohibited. Proponents of preliminary legislative action argue that establishing regulations early is necessary to guarantee voting rights for millions of overseas refugees and soldiers deployed on the front lines, helping ensure democratic continuity when security permits.

Sources: Le Monde.

Russia and Ukraine carried out another series of reciprocal aerial attacks following the departure of American envoys from Kyiv. Overnight Russian ballistic missile strikes against Kyiv killed at least two people and wounded six, following earlier drone damage to an industrial facility in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian long-range drones struck targets in Russia's Saratov and Samara regions. Regional officials reported intercepting dozens of drones targeting industrial assets, though a fire broke out at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara.

Concurrently, US-led NATO forces engaged in military activities near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. The operation included American and Norwegian fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and Polish land forces. NATO stated the maneuvers are strictly defensive aimed at enhancing readiness.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV