Oct 2, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Russia and Ukraine engaged in another round of mutual aerial strikes overnight, despite assertions from US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to stop targeting energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained that Kyiv would pause strikes only if Western allies guarantee Moscow refrains from targeting energy, food, and transport networks.

The renewed violence resulted in casualties across Ukrainian regions including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian oil refinery alongside sites in Sochi and Belgorod. European Union officials condemned recent Russian strikes near the Polish border, framing them as attempts to intimidate Europe.

The military escalation occurs as US peace envoys prepare to visit both capitals over the weekend to discuss peace proposals, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, N1, Vijesti

Military tensions near the Strait of Hormuz remain high following conflicting statements regarding recent maritime clashes. Iranian state media claimed local forces targeted six vessels, including three oil tankers and an American aircraft carrier, while launching missile attacks against US positions in Jordan. US intelligence officials subsequently warned that Iran's Revolutionary Guards feel emboldened and could escalate the conflict further.

Conversely, US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over regional stability, stating that "Tehran is in great difficulty" and confirming that the strategic waterway remains open to commercial traffic. Emergency crews also managed to contain a fire aboard one of the damaged tankers. The recent strikes follow ongoing friction over a fragile 14-point memorandum signed in June, which was disrupted by American air strikes in July.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on parliament to begin drafting legal frameworks for post-war national elections. Fedorov, who was removed from his cabinet position by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stressed that advanced planning is necessary to address major logistical hurdles once martial law is lifted.

Primary considerations include establishing secure voting procedures for military personnel deployed along active front lines and guaranteeing voting rights for millions of Ukrainian refugees residing across Europe. While Ukrainian law prevents holding elections during active martial law, proponents contend that proactive legislative measures are essential to ensure democratic stability and a seamless transition following the conflict.

Sources: Le Monde.

United States forces launched strikes against Iranian targets near Bandar Abbas and Sirik, marking the first direct military exchange between the two nations in over a month.

Following the bombardment, US President Donald Trump warned of further military action should Iran retaliate, claiming that Tehran is "begging" for a diplomatic agreement with Washington. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Iran does not seek conflict, it will "respond decisively to aggressors."

Concurrently, Iranian naval officials dismissed the severity of the American strikes, asserting that their maritime forces remain operational and undamaged across key strategic corridors.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their careers and the eternal derby between NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana. Čeh, who led Slovenia during its golden era under manager Srečko Katanec, reflected on his long coaching partnership with Katanec, which included seven years in Asia, while expressing deep affection for Olimpija and Austrian club GAK. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third stint. Mlakar reaffirmed his commitment to Maribor, noting his trust in club leadership, while addressing Olimpija's current struggles ahead of their upcoming derby match.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net