Sep 29, 2026, 06:00 AM UTC

Former Slovenia national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have offered perspectives on their careers and the ongoing rivalry between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during their qualification for major international tournaments and later served over a decade as assistant manager to Srečko Katanec—including seven years coaching in Asia—highlighted his ties to Olimpija and Austrian club GAK while affirming his respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for his third stint. Despite being born in Ljubljana, Mlakar addressed speculation regarding his hometown club, stating he was "never close to joining Olimpija." Discussing the upcoming eternal derby, Mlakar acknowledged Olimpija's recent struggles, observing that "in the derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Cross-border military strikes between Russia and Ukraine persisted overnight, preceding scheduled visits by US peace envoys to Moscow and Kyiv. Russian missile and drone attacks targeted several Ukrainian regions, causing casualties including a fatality in Zaporizhzhia and multiple injuries in Kherson. Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian oil refinery and targeted sites in Sochi and Belgorod.

The continued hostilities follow claims by US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would comply only if Western allies guarantee that Moscow refrains from attacking Ukrainian energy, civilian infrastructure, and food supply routes. Separately, European Union leaders condemned a Russian attack on a train near Ukraine's border with Poland, characterizing it as an effort to intimidate European allies.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Following the first direct exchange of fire between the United States and Iran in a month, US President Donald Trump warned of additional military strikes should Tehran choose to retaliate. Explosions were reported near the southern Iranian locations of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump asserted that Iranian leadership is "begging" to reach a diplomatic agreement with Washington.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran is not seeking a broader military conflict, but affirmed that the nation will "respond decisively to aggressors." Despite the strikes, Iranian defense officials declared their naval forces remain operational. Direct diplomatic negotiations between the two countries remain stalled as military forces on both sides maintain a heightened state of readiness.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Heavy combat continues across eastern Ukraine, with the Ukrainian General Staff reporting over 250 daily engagements. Russian troops launched intense assaults along the Lyman, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk axes in attempts to breach defensive lines.

In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian forces executed successful infantry clearing operations north of the city along the right bank of the Oskil River, leveraging electronic warfare to neutralize Russian drone activity. Reports also indicated potential Ukrainian gains of up to 200 square kilometers near Lyman, alongside strikes targeting ammunition depots in the Kyiv region.

Meanwhile, conflicting claims persist regarding several frontline sectors. Russian defense officials reported capturing settlements near Sumy and rejected reports of Ukrainian advances in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting ongoing discrepancies in official battlefield assessments.

Sources: NV, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Six months after joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian infrastructure, international observers report ongoing uncertainty across global energy markets and maritime supply chains. Although Tehran sustained severe military damage, analysts note Iran continues to maintain strategic influence over the Strait of Hormuz, leaving commercial shipping vulnerable.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with experts questioning whether renewed negotiations can effectively de-escalate regional tensions. The confrontation intersects with broader global competition involving Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran, alongside localized regional disputes such as water management debates along the Ibar River. Observers emphasize that the next phase of the conflict will depend on how long involved powers can sustain strategic operations while navigating international trade disruptions.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha