Oct 18, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism regarding potential peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a resolution. Following a phone call with Putin and a subsequent meeting in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump urged both leaders to negotiate an agreement before winter.

Zelensky characterized his discussions with Trump as "positive and productive," stating that both Washington and Kyiv aim to stop the conflict in the coming months. He emphasized a shared desire to halt hostilities prior to the onset of winter. While Trump noted that Putin wants "a deal," no specific parameters or formal framework for peace negotiations have been publicly released by any of the participating nations.

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

Military friction between the United States and Iran continues near the Strait of Hormuz following recent strike exchanges. Iranian state television claimed forces targeted six vessels—comprising three commercial tankers and three U.S. military craft—and fired missiles toward an American aircraft carrier. Responders successfully controlled a blaze aboard one damaged tanker.

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the strategic waterway remains open to navigation, claiming Tehran is experiencing significant pressure. Conversely, reports from Washington intelligence agencies suggest that senior leaders within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps view their recent operations as a success, raising fears of further military escalation.

The renewed clashes follow the breakdown of a 14-point ceasefire memorandum reached in June, leaving regional maritime security volatile.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have offered perspectives on their careers and the ongoing dynamics within domestic football.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its qualification era under manager Srečko Katanec, transitioned into coaching following his playing retirement. He spent over a decade assisting Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his long-standing affinity for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austria's Grazer AK, Čeh expressed enduring respect for rival club Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old striker Jan Mlakar has rejoined Maribor for a third tenure, aiming to secure his first league championship with the team. Addressing past transfer speculation, Mlakar stated, "I was never close to joining Olimpija," while noting that derby fixtures always carry significant stakes regardless of current team form.

Sources: Siol.net, Delo

Russian ground advances in Ukraine have largely stalled, with independent mapping groups reporting negligible net frontline movement through late September. Despite official Russian assertions of battlefield progress, analytical reports from the Institute for the Study of War and the DeepState project show virtually no net gains for Moscow. Ukrainian counter-attacks have reclaimed territory in several sectors, including more than 700 square kilometers near Oleksandrivka since January.

Concurrently, Russian forces have resumed large-scale bombardments against Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Prime Minister Serhij Koreckyj stated that recent overnight strikes targeting power facilities around Kyiv were the largest since last spring. Ukrainian authorities also reported a decline in drone interception rates, which dropped from 92 percent in May to 83 percent in September.

Sources: Deník N, Ekonomický deník, Respect, Seznam Zprávy.

An agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin allowing Russian diesel exports to global markets has drawn intense pushback from Ukrainian leadership, policy experts, and US lawmakers.

American envoys reportedly informed Ukrainian representatives during meetings in Miami that the measure was designed to entice Moscow back into peace talks. However, Ukrainian officials voiced deep dissatisfaction with the concession. Analysts cautioned that revenues from fuel sales could strengthen Moscow's financial position and potentially fund foreign operations, including assistance to Iran.

In Washington, the decision met with bipartisan opposition from lawmakers concerned that softening trade restrictions weakens diplomatic leverage over Russia. Observers noted the initiative also reflects domestic pressures, as the administration seeks to lower elevated fuel costs prior to upcoming US midterm elections.

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