Sep 22, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

At least five people were killed and 16 others wounded following a series of Russian bombardments targeting Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency services.

Russian forces launched nearly 60 strikes across five districts in the area. The heaviest loss of life occurred in the Kamianske district, where three civilians died and five suffered injuries. In Pavlohrad, shelling resulted in two fatalities and seven casualties. Additional injuries were reported in the Nikopol district as artillery and drone attacks struck civilian areas.

Emergency responders worked across the affected districts to put out fires and inspect damaged infrastructure. Local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction caused by the bombardment.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Following military strikes near Bandar Abbas and Sirik, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high after the first direct military exchange between the two sides in a month. US President Donald Trump warned of further military action if Iran chooses to retaliate, claiming Tehran is "begging" for a diplomatic resolution. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Iran does not seek war, it will "decisively respond to aggressors." Reports indicate that despite the sharp rhetoric and military escalation, backchannel diplomatic communications between the United States and Iran remain operational as both nations monitor regional developments.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

The United States has conducted its largest crude oil transport operation through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, deploying naval, air, and space assets to secure passage for millions of barrels of crude oil. In response, Iranian forces launched sea mines via rockets into the strategic waterway, prompting American strikes against military infrastructure on Larak Island. Tehran stated that the passage will remain closed until Washington meets conditions detailed in a recent memorandum, which include lifting petroleum sanctions, ending military threats, unfreezing assets, and removing port blockades. Prior to the hostilities, approximately 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily. Observers warn that both sides are seeking to maximize leverage, heightening risks of further military escalation in the region.

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

Former Slovenian national football team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have reflected on their respective careers and the state of domestic football ahead of the rivalry match between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Čeh, who led Slovenia during its qualification for major international tournaments, discussed his transition into coaching. Following his playing career, he spent over a decade as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, including seven years working in Asia.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar detailed his third tenure with NK Maribor. Expressing trust in club management, Mlakar noted that while rivals Olimpija Ljubljana currently face a domestic crisis, high-stakes derby fixtures often offer struggling teams an opportunity to rebuild momentum.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Russia launched overnight ballistic missile attacks against Kyiv, killing at least two people and injuring six, following earlier drone strikes on an industrial facility in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted facilities in Russia's Samara and Saratov regions, igniting a fire at the Kuibyshev oil refinery. Samara Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishev reported that air defense systems intercepted dozens of drones targeting local industrial infrastructure.

Concurrently, US-led NATO military activity intensified around Russia's Kaliningrad enclave, involving American and Norwegian fighter aircraft, surveillance planes, and Polish ground forces. NATO representatives described the maneuvers as standard readiness exercises for the defensive alliance.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV