Sep 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Overnight cross-border military strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted despite scheduled diplomatic engagements with U.S. envoys. Russian missile and drone salvos struck multiple Ukrainian regions, killing civilians in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, while EU officials denounced a strike near the Polish border as an attempt to intimidate European partners. Ukrainian forces launched retaliatory drone strikes hitting a Russian oil refinery along with targets in Sochi and Belgorod.

The ongoing hostilities follow claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered that Kyiv's participation requires Western guarantees enforcing Russian restraint against Ukrainian energy, infrastructure, and supply corridors. Meanwhile, U.S. diplomatic representatives are arriving in Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend to discuss proposed peace frameworks.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), N1, Vijesti

Former Slovenian national team player Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have reflected on their footballing paths and expectations ahead of the upcoming derby between Olimpija Ljubljana and NK Maribor.

Čeh, who previously captained the national team and spent over a decade as an assistant coach to Srečko Katanec, discussed his coaching experiences following his time at Olimpija and Austria's Grazer AK. Despite his ties to the capital club, Čeh reaffirmed his respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Mlakar discussed returning to NK Maribor for a third spell, expressing confidence in the club's leadership structure. Addressing rumors regarding a potential transfer, Mlakar confirmed he was "never close to joining Olimpija" and noted that while Ljubljana faces current difficulties, "in the derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Six months after joint US and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran, global energy markets and maritime transit continue to face significant disruptions without an immediate resolution in sight. Although Iranian forces sustained substantial damage, Tehran retains influence over the crucial Strait of Hormuz. International foreign policy experts suggest the next phase of the conflict will depend heavily on the viability of renewed diplomacy and the enforcement of Western economic sanctions.

Simultaneously, regional diplomats highlight how Middle Eastern instability interacts with shifting global power dynamics among Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran. Analysts note that these international tensions coincide with unresolved Balkan security debates, such as disputes over the Ibar River, underscoring broader shifts in the global order.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following a recent exchange of fire near the Iranian coastal cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington remains prepared to carry out additional military strikes if Tehran chooses to retaliate, claiming that Iranian leadership is "begging" to negotiate a new diplomatic deal with the United States.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed Washington's assertions, stating that while Tehran does not seek a wider regional conflict, it will "respond decisively to aggressors." Meanwhile, Iranian naval officials announced that their forces remain fully operational despite the recent US bombardment. Both militaries maintain elevated readiness across the Persian Gulf region as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and mutual warnings continue.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Tehran continues to await a definitive official position from Washington regarding a proposal to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, despite US President Donald Trump indicating an initial rejection.

Iranian authorities affirmed that the strategic waterway will remain closed unless Washington satisfies key demands, including ending oil sanctions, lifting port blockades, unfreezing assets, and halting military operations. Meanwhile, military confrontations in the area are expanding. Following US military strikes on Larak Island, American forces began conducting nighttime escorts for oil tankers. In response, Iranian forces deployed rocket-launched sea mines across major shipping corridors, exacerbating risks of further escalation.

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