Oct 18, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union will "not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and remains prepared to respond, following the identification of two suspects linked to Moscow over explosive drone incidents in Leipzig, Germany.

The diplomatic warning comes amid ongoing military escalations in Ukraine. Russian forces conducted fresh drone strikes against Kyiv, injuring at least one civilian. The aerial attacks intensified shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly, where he strongly denounced the Kremlin's actions.

Simultaneously, Moscow announced a renewed campaign targeting Ukraine's energy network, while Ukrainian forces continue long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries and fuel facilities.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and striker Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective football careers and connections to domestic clubs. Čeh, who served as captain during manager Srečko Katanec’s era, transitioned into coaching following his playing retirement. He spent over a decade as Katanec’s assistant, including seven years coaching in Asia. Despite his ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Grazer AK, Čeh expressed continued respect for Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Mlakar has returned to Maribor for a third stint, seeking his first league title with the club. Mlakar dismissed past transfer rumors, stating, "I was never close to joining Olimpija," while noting that upcoming derby matches against Olimpija remain high-stakes encounters regardless of recent form.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, though combat and casualties persist across several fronts. Local Ukrainian authorities reported two deaths and 14 injuries from Russian shelling in Kherson, while Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly injured seven people in Sochi and Russia's Belgorod region.

In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree dismissing the country's prosecutor general. Meanwhile, European Union officials extended sanctions against Moscow following a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the train attack as an effort to intimidate European nations and sow division among Kyiv's allies.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged parliament in Kyiv to prepare the legal foundation for holding post-war elections. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, stated that establishing voting procedures in advance is essential for safeguarding democracy once martial law is lifted.

Under current Ukrainian law, national elections are prohibited while martial law remains in effect during the conflict with Russia. Organizing future elections presents substantial logistical challenges, including managing voting access for millions of displaced citizens, overseas refugees, and military personnel stationed on the front lines.

Fedorov’s public appeal highlights an intensifying domestic debate regarding governance and the transition to peace. No official legislation has been introduced yet, but lawmakers face increasing pressure to address the complex requirements of a post-war democratic transition.

Sources: Le Monde