Sep 22, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

Overnight military strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces continued across multiple regions despite concurrent diplomatic efforts involving American envoys. Ukrainian authorities reported several casualties from Russian drone and missile strikes in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery and locations in Sochi and Belgorod.

The continued hostilities coincide with preparations for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York for discussions with US President Donald Trump. Although Trump stated both nations agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, Zelensky insisted that Ukrainian compliance requires Western guarantees that Russia will also refrain from targeting energy, infrastructure, and food supply routes. Meanwhile, European Union officials condemned recent Russian strikes near the Polish border as calculated attempts to divide European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Russian forces conducted nearly 60 bombardments across five districts in central Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, leaving five people dead and 16 others injured, according to local emergency services.

The attacks inflicted significant casualties across multiple communities. In the Kamianske district, strikes resulted in three fatalities and left five individuals injured. Separate bombardments in the Pavlohrad district killed two people and wounded seven residents. The Nikopol district also sustained severe strikes, causing further injuries and widespread destruction to essential civilian infrastructure.

First responders were deployed across the affected areas to extinguish blazes and clear rubble. The intensive shelling highlights ongoing military pressure directed at regional centers in Ukraine.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following a major US military operation to escort crude oil shipments through the strategic waterway. According to reports, the mission utilized air, naval, and space assets, marking the largest oil transit through the corridor since hostilities began.

Iranian forces responded by deploying rocket-propelled sea mines, triggering US strikes against military installations on Larak Island. Tehran subsequently maintained that the strait "will not be opened" until Washington complies with a memorandum requiring an end to military operations, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the lifting of port blockades and petroleum sanctions.

Before the conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil navigated the corridor daily.

Sources: Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective careers and the current landscape of Slovenian football. Čeh, who led the national team during its historic international qualifications, discussed his transition into coaching. After serving as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec for over a decade, including seven years in Asia, he highlighted his ongoing connections to Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK alongside his respect for NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar detailed his third stint with NK Maribor. Expressing full confidence in club figures Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič, Mlakar addressed the upcoming derby against Olimpija Ljubljana, noting that while their rivals are currently facing a domestic crisis, big matches offer struggling teams a chance to reset.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Cross-border attacks between Russia and Ukraine have continued as NATO forces conducted military maneuvers near the Kaliningrad enclave. Overnight Russian missile strikes targeted Kyiv, resulting in at least two deaths and six injuries, according to local officials. The barrage followed previous Russian drone strikes hitting an industrial plant in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks targeting energy and industrial infrastructure deep inside Russia. Samara Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishev reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles aimed at regional industrial facilities, though strikes triggered a fire at the Kuibyshev oil refinery. Ukrainian drone operations were also reported in the Saratov region, causing injuries.

Concurrently, a United States-led NATO operation near Kaliningrad featured American, Norwegian, and Polish units. NATO officials framed the activity as standard routine exercises designed to strengthen regional defense capabilities.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV