Oct 9, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war before the coming winter. Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, Trump stated that Putin is seeking "a deal" following a recent telephone conversation between the US and Russian leaders.

Zelensky described the discussion with Trump as "positive and productive," expressing confidence that joint international efforts could lead to a swift resolution of the conflict in the coming months. Trump emphasized his desire for both sides to reach a mutual compromise, adding, "He wants a deal, and if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great." However, no specific terms or proposals for peace talks were made public during the statements.

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

Russian forces launched nearly 60 strikes across five districts in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region over 24 hours, local emergency services reported. The intense bombardment resulted in at least five deaths and left 16 people injured.

The Kamianske district suffered the heaviest casualties, where three civilians were killed and five others sustained injuries. In the Pavlohrad district, shelling killed two people and wounded seven. Additional injuries and civil infrastructure damage occurred in the Nikopol district, where several blazes broke out following the bombardments. Rescue personnel worked across the impacted areas to extinguish fires, assist injured residents, and clear debris while authorities assess damage.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă

Iran has shifted its military doctrine to a "completely offensive" stance following the collapse of peace negotiations with the United States and the expiration of a 60-day memorandum signed in June. Iranian armed forces stated they will not relent until achieving the "complete defeat" of American troops in the region.

The diplomatic impasse coincides with escalating naval clashes. US Central Command reported striking five Iranian oil tankers and sinking one in response to attacks on an American warship. Analysts warn that rising economic pressures on Tehran and disputes over maritime access in the Strait of Hormuz risk sparking broader conflict as Washington declines to extend the temporary truce.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

European security officials and analysts continue to track expanding Russian hybrid operations alongside ongoing developments in the war in Ukraine. Intelligence reports in Germany and Denmark recently revealed alleged Russian sabotage plots aimed at defense manufacturers and transport networks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range drone strikes targeted a key oil refinery near Moscow, which Ukrainian officials claim severely disrupted Russian fuel refining capacity.

In response to NATO military exercises and the seizure of a Russian vessel, Kremlin officials issued sharp criticism against Norway, accusing Oslo of threatening Russian security and committing "state terrorism". Security experts note that while Moscow retains the resources to sustain prolonged combat, its strategic flexibility is diminishing. European commentators stress that achieving Western objectives in Ukraine necessitates a clear Russian defeat, while security agencies advise European governments to maintain composure in the face of ongoing hybrid provocations.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter

Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared their perspectives on rivalries involving Olimpija Ljubljana and Maribor ahead of an upcoming derby.

Former national team captain Čeh, who spent eleven years as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, expressed affection for Olimpija and Austrian club Grazer AK alongside respect for Maribor. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana-born forward Mlakar has embarked on his third stint with Maribor. Mlakar noted that he "was never close to Olimpija" while voicing confidence in Maribor's management. He added that although Olimpija currently faces a rough patch, a derby fixture gives a struggling squad an opportunity to recover.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net