Oct 8, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a peace settlement to end the war in Ukraine, following a recent telephone conversation between the two leaders.

Trump subsequently held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging both Kyiv and Moscow to negotiate a deal prior to winter. Speaking after the talks, Trump stated that Putin wants an agreement and emphasized that Washington and Kyiv share the goal of stopping the conflict.

Zelensky characterized his meeting with Trump as "positive and productive," suggesting that military hostilities could cease in the coming months. However, neither party outlined specific conditions or framework mechanisms required to achieve a formal ceasefire.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Intense clashes persist across eastern and northern Ukraine, with the Ukrainian General Staff reporting over 250 daily combat engagements. Russian forces launched concentrated attacks targeting positions in the Lyman, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk sectors, conducting dozens of breach attempts against Ukrainian defensive lines.

Reports indicate shifting dynamics along several frontline axes. Ukrainian units advanced north of Kupyansk along the Oskil River, alongside reports of potential Ukrainian territorial recoveries near Lyman. Conversely, Russian defense officials stated their forces captured several settlements near Sumy, while Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov denied reports of Ukrainian progress in the Zaporizhzhia sector. Strikes were also reported on military ammunition depots in the Kyiv region.

Sources: The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.

Russian forces launched nearly 60 attacks targeting five districts in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region over a 24-hour period, emergency officials reported.

The strikes resulted in at least five deaths and left 16 people wounded across the region. According to local rescue services, three fatalities and five injuries occurred in the Kamianske district, while bombardment in Pavlohrad killed two individuals and injured seven others.

Additional strikes were reported in the Nikopol district, where shelling ignited fires in residential structures. Emergency services continue rescue operations and damage assessments in the affected areas.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

United States President Donald Trump has cautioned that further military strikes against Iran remain an option following recent targeted actions near the strategic southern coastal locations of Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump claimed that Iranian leadership is "begging" for a diplomatic deal with Washington in the aftermath of the military action.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while his nation does not desire a broader escalation, Tehran will "decisively respond to aggressors." Meanwhile, Iranian naval representatives dismissed reports alleging severe fleet damage, maintaining that their maritime assets remain intact and operational. The exchange marks the first direct clash between the two nations in a month, renewing fears of wider regional instability.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

Ahead of the upcoming Slovenian derby between Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor, prominent football figures have reflected on their careers and the current form of both clubs.

Former national team captain Aleš Čeh, a central figure during Slovenia's qualification era under manager Srečko Katanec, discussed his transition into coaching. Following his playing career with Olimpija and Austrian side Grazer AK, Čeh spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia.

Meanwhile, Ljubljana-native striker Jan Mlakar spoke about his third spell with Maribor. Mlakar highlighted that despite his roots in the capital, he has established strong ties with Maribor. Addressing Olimpija's current form, Mlakar noted that while the rival club is undergoing a period of crisis, derby fixtures offer struggling teams an immediate opportunity to rebuild momentum without significant pressure.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net