Oct 15, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have shared insights into their careers and perspectives on domestic football.

Čeh, former national team captain, reflected on his transition into coaching after retiring as a player. He spent over a decade as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his personal history with Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, Čeh expressed professional respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, forward Jan Mlakar discussed his third return to Maribor, aiming to secure his first PrvaLiga title with the club. Addressing past transfer speculation, the 27-year-old stated that he was "never close" to joining rival club Olimpija Ljubljana. Mlakar added that despite Olimpija's recent struggles, they remain a threat in upcoming derby fixtures.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to refrain from targeting each other's energy infrastructure. However, combat operations persist across multiple regions. Shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and injured 14 others, while Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly wounded seven individuals in Russia's Belgorod region and Sochi.

On the diplomatic front, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, describing it as an effort to intimidate European allies. Additionally, the European Union officially extended its sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an official decree removing the nation's prosecutor general from office.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a diplomatic settlement to end the war in Ukraine, following a recent phone call between the two leaders. Speaking after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump called on both Kyiv and Moscow to reach a peace agreement before winter.

Zelensky characterized his discussions with Trump as positive and productive, noting that both nations aim to halt hostilities in the coming months. Trump stressed the importance of mutual compromise, stating, "He wants a deal, and if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great." Despite these statements, concrete parameters for potential peace negotiations have not been disclosed, and Russian officials have not publicly confirmed any proposed terms.

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

Russian forces conducted overnight drone attacks against Kyiv, injuring a resident following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address at the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow subsequently confirmed an organized military campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. In response, Ukrainian long-range strikes hit Russian fuel facilities, causing domestic supply shortages that forced Moscow to import fuel.

Concurrently, European authorities investigated suspected Russian hybrid operations inside member states. German investigators identified two suspects linked to Moscow after explosive drones were uncovered in Leipzig. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stern warning, declaring the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to respond.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high following claims from Iranian state media that its forces targeted six vessels, including three oil tankers and three American naval craft, along with launching missiles toward a US aircraft carrier. Iranian authorities stated that a fire on one damaged tanker was successfully controlled.

US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's assertions, maintaining that the maritime passage stays open and that Iranian forces are experiencing significant operational strain. However, American intelligence assessments suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feels emboldened, raising fears of further military escalation.

The confrontation follows a July escalation that damaged a 14-point memorandum of understanding and ceasefire agreed upon by both sides in June.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.