Oct 22, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their career developments and the ongoing dynamics in Slovenian football. Čeh, who served as long-time assistant to Srečko Katanec including seven years in Asia, reflected on his coaching path and his continuing connections to Olimpija Ljubljana, Grazer AK, and NK Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for a third spell, aiming to secure a domestic league title at Ljudski vrt. Mlakar voiced confidence in Maribor's leadership, including Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, while noting that rival Olimpija Ljubljana remains dangerous in upcoming derby matches despite current internal challenges.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Russian forces launched new overnight drone attacks against Kyiv, injuring a woman and damaging local infrastructure following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the UN General Assembly. Moscow's defense ministry confirmed an ongoing targeting campaign against Ukraine's energy grid. In response to persistent Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, Moscow has reportedly resorted to importing refined fuel to offset domestic deficits.

Meanwhile, German security officials identified two suspects linked to Moscow over explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. Reacting to the European security concerns, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

United States prosecutors have unsealed charges against five alleged operatives linked to Russian intelligence, accusing them of orchestrating targeted killings and sabotage operations across Europe and North America. According to the Department of Justice, the suspects recruited an international network to surveil and attack individuals and entities supporting Ukraine, including an operation in Prague in June 2024. All five defendants remain at large.

Concurrently, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service reported that Russian state actors carried out targeted sabotage against Danish defense companies supplying military hardware to Ukraine. Officials characterized the incidents as a significant escalation in Moscow's hybrid warfare strategy across Europe. Russian authorities have not issued a formal response to the charges.

Sources: BBC News, France24, OCCRP, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

Tehran has claimed responsibility for targeting six vessels in the Strait of Hormuz with missile strikes, alleging it hit three commercial oil tankers and three U.S. naval ships. Iranian state media also reported missile launches aimed at American aircraft carriers in retaliation for recent U.S. military operations in the region. Firefighters extinguished a blaze aboard one damaged tanker.

U.S. President Donald Trump disputed Iran's assertions, maintaining that the strategic waterway remains operational and stating that Tehran is in "great difficulty." Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence assessments warned that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders feel emboldened, raising concerns about potential further escalation. The latest clashes follow months of heightened hostilities, including U.S.-Israeli strikes and a fragile memorandum signed earlier this year.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Kremlin officials have escalated rhetoric against Norway, branding Oslo's actions a security threat and accusing it of "state terrorism" following NATO exercises and the detention of a Russian vessel. In response, Norwegian leaders, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, called on citizens to remain prepared rather than fearful.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted key energy infrastructure near Moscow, with reports claiming over half of the region's oil refining capacity was disrupted. Despite Russia's operational capacity to sustain its war in Ukraine, analysts note President Vladimir Putin faces narrowing strategic choices and heightened risks. European nations maintain that achieving their security objectives inherently requires limiting Russian strategic ambitions.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Dagens Næringsliv, TV 2 Nyheter, VG