Oct 23, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine prior to winter. Following separate conversations with both leaders, Trump stated he believes Putin seeks a settlement and emphasized that both parties must reach a mutual compromise.

Zelensky characterized his meeting with Trump as "positive and productive," noting a shared desire between Kyiv and Washington to conclude the hostilities before winter sets in. Trump acknowledged agreeing with Zelensky on several topics, but stressed that direct agreement between Ukraine and Russia remains essential.

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

Tensions across the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate following Iranian state media claims of attacks against six maritime vessels, including three commercial tankers and three United States ships, as well as missile strikes near American aircraft carriers. Firefighters successfully put out a fire on one targeted tanker.

United States President Donald Trump minimized the fallout, maintaining that the strategic passage remains operational and describing Tehran as facing significant internal strains. Conversely, intelligence reports from Washington suggest that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders feel emboldened by recent engagements, raising concerns over potential conflict expansion.

The developments follow the breakdown of a 14-point ceasefire agreement originally established in June, which collapsed after American airstrikes resumed in July. Regional maritime security remains unstable amid ongoing military exchanges.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Slovenian football figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective careers and the ongoing dynamics of the domestic league.

Čeh, former captain of the Slovenian national team, reflected on his transition to coaching following his playing career. He spent over a decade as an assistant to manager Srečko Katanec, including seven years working in Asia. Čeh highlighted his deep connections to both Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, while expressing continued respect for rival side NK Maribor.

Concurrently, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined NK Maribor for a third spell. Aiming to win his first title with the club, Mlakar voiced confidence in Maribor's leadership under Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič. Addressing rivalries, Mlakar noted that despite internal difficulties at Olimpija, the Ljubljana side remains a formidable opponent in upcoming derby matches.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeted crucial energy infrastructure near Moscow, with Ukrainian reports claiming over half of the region's oil refining capacity was disrupted. Defense experts note these strikes increasingly impair Russia's operational capabilities despite Moscow's ability to sustain prolonged warfare.

At the same time, diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Nordic nations have escalated. Kremlin officials labeled Norway a security threat following NATO military drills and the seizure of a Russian vessel, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Oslo of state terrorism. In response, Norwegian leaders urged citizens to remain vigilant and prepared without panicking, while analysts observe that Putin is taking heightened strategic risks. European commentators increasingly emphasize that long-term Nordic security depends on a decisive Russian defeat in Ukraine.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a US-backed 15-point peace proposal for Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement publicly signals a rift between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who recently promoted the initiative as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

While Israel has curtailed offensive military operations in Gaza following American pressure, Netanyahu faces intense political strain ahead of an election on October 27. The prime minister is balancing pressure from far-right coalition partners against Washington’s push for a resolution. Additionally, regional tensions flared after Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Yemen's Mokha port and a Saudi Aramco facility.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.