Sep 29, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Russian forces launched nearly 60 attacks across five districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, according to local emergency service reports.

The bombardments resulted in at least five fatalities and left 16 people injured. In the Kamenske district, three residents were killed and five others sustained injuries. Separate strikes in Pavlohrad claimed two lives and wounded seven people. Additional casualties and extensive structural fires were recorded in the Nikopol district, where rescue units worked to extinguish blazes and deliver emergency assistance to impacted civilians.

Local authorities continue evaluating structural damage across the targeted areas as first responders conduct recovery operations.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă.

Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets several preconditions, including lifting oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and ending military operations. The statement follows Iran's proposal offering a seven-day window to reopen the waterway and resume talks.

Although US President Donald Trump publicly rejected the initiative, Iranian officials stated they are still waiting for a "definitive position" from Washington. Simultaneously, military confrontations around the strategic passage continue to escalate. After American forces struck Larak Island and began conducting nocturnal tanker escorts through the passage, Iranian troops deployed rocket-launched naval mines along critical shipping corridors.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace initiative put forward by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli troops will remain in the territory. Speaking to his government, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and asserted that forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed."

The announcement publicly highlights friction between Israel and its key diplomatic ally, despite recent reductions in Israeli strikes following pressure from Washington. The plan had gained traction after receiving support from Hamas in late July, with Trump previously describing progress toward a potential resolution.

Netanyahu's refusal comes as he prepares for national elections on October 27, managing demands from far-right coalition partners while handling relations with the United States.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.

At a conference in Geneva, 128 United Nations member states reached a consensus on defining autonomous weapon systems. The breakthrough follows joint warnings from the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross that autonomous targeting risks crossing a "moral red line."

Simultaneously, Germany's Defense Ministry confirmed updated operational guidelines allowing military hardware to execute certain functions without direct human intervention at every stage. However, officials maintained that "the decision on the use of military force remains with humans." Rebuffing American contractor Palantir, the Bundeswehr plans to develop a proprietary AI data-analysis system. Military analysts noted that preserving future strategic sovereignty depends heavily on domestic AI capabilities.

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

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have reflected on their football careers and the rivalry between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana ahead of the eternal derby.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national team during its renowned era under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching following his playing career. He spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including a seven-year stint in Asia, while expressing ongoing affection for Olimpija and Grazer AK.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for his third stint at Ljudski vrt. Addressing speculation regarding his roots in the capital, the Ljubljana native confirmed he was "never close to joining Olimpija." Looking ahead to the upcoming derby match, Mlakar remarked that despite Olimpija's recent struggles, "in the derby they can only gain."

Sources: Delo, Siol.net