Sep 28, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

Ukraine and Russia engaged in a fresh series of mutual strikes following the departure of US envoys from Kyiv. Russian ballistic missiles hit the Ukrainian capital overnight, resulting in at least two fatalities and six injuries, shortly after Russian drones damaged an industrial plant in northern Ukraine.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks targeting Russia's Saratov and Samara regions. A fire broke out at the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara, where local officials stated that air defenses intercepted dozens of incoming drones aimed at industrial facilities.

Concurrently, US-led NATO forces initiated military maneuvers near Russia's Kaliningrad enclave. The operation involves Polish ground troops alongside American and Norwegian aircraft. NATO officials described the coalition as a "defensive alliance" focused on readiness capabilities.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

United States Central Command has launched extensive strikes against Iranian military positions and three commercial oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. The military action followed ballistic missile launches by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed at two American warships and attempted sea-mining operations in the strategic corridor.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran of further severe retaliation against power plants and civilian infrastructure if Iranian forces continue targeting maritime shipping. Military analysts note the confrontation marks a transition into a new phase of energy warfare involving drone and missile attacks on commercial fleets, raising global concerns over maritime safety.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

A total of 128 United Nations member states in Geneva have established a formal definition for autonomous weapon systems, marking an initial step toward international regulation following warnings from the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross against allowing machines to autonomously target humans.

In parallel, Germany is updating its defense strategy regarding artificial intelligence. Concept documents from the German Defense Ministry indicate that military systems may act autonomously under specific operational conditions. However, a spokesperson stated that "the decision on the use of military force remains with humans." Additionally, the German military is developing an in-house software platform for real-time data processing, choosing to build an independent system rather than relying on US contractor Palantir to preserve technological sovereignty.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Der Standard, Die Zeit, ESUT

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have offered perspectives on their football careers and the ongoing rivalry between Olimpija Ljubljana and NK Maribor. Čeh, who led Slovenia during its celebrated international era under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player, spending over a decade as Katanec’s assistant coach across various roles in Asia while maintaining affection for both Olimpija and Austrian club GAK.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for his third stint at the club. Reaffirming his commitment to Maribor, Mlakar clarified that he was "never close to joining Olimpija" despite his hometown roots. Commenting on the upcoming derby, Mlakar acknowledged Olimpija’s current organizational struggles, noting that "in the derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

German law enforcement and intelligence agencies are investigating more than 100 suspected state-sponsored hybrid incidents nationwide, including railway sabotage and unauthorized aerial surveillance.

Recent investigative findings connect a foiled August drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport—which targeted an area near Ukrainian cargo aircraft—directly to a logistics operative from Russia's GRU military intelligence service. The plot failed when the device's detonator malfunctioned. Furthermore, domestic intelligence officials suspect foreign operatives have established hidden weapon stockpiles within Germany to support future sabotage operations aimed at destabilizing critical infrastructure and public security.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau