Oct 24, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective careers and the domestic football landscape. Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its prominent era under manager Srečko Katanec, spent over a decade as Katanec’s assistant coach, including seven years in Asia. Despite his strong ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh emphasized his continued respect for rivals NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ljubljana native Jan Mlakar has returned to NK Maribor for his third stint with the club. Aiming to secure his first league championship with the team, Mlakar expressed confidence in key Maribor figures Zlatko Zahović and Darko Milanič. Addressing the upcoming derby against Olimpija Ljubljana, Mlakar noted that despite Olimpija's ongoing institutional challenges, the rival squad remains dangerous in head-to-head competition.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement before the arrival of winter. Speaking after a bilateral meeting in Washington, Trump stated that both leaders need to reach a consensus, noting his belief that Moscow is also eager to conclude a deal following a recent phone call with Putin.

Zelensky characterized the discussion as "positive and productive," stating that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of halting the conflict prior to the winter season. The Ukrainian leader expressed optimism that the war could end in the near future through coordinated efforts to curb Russian aggression.

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

Fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues despite claims by US President Donald Trump that both nations agreed to cease attacks on energy infrastructure. Recent Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kherson region killed two people and injured 14 others. Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly wounded seven people across Russia's Belgorod and Sochi regions.

Diplomatic friction escalated following a Russian strike on a train near the Ukrainian-Polish border, which European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated was aimed at intimidating European partners. In response, the EU formally extended its sanctions against Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree dismissing the prosecutor general.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro)

Russian forces executed renewed drone strikes targeting Kyiv, injuring at least one person following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the United Nations General Assembly. Russian defense officials confirmed an intensified strategy aimed at disabling Ukraine's energy network before winter. In turn, Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian petroleum facilities have forced Moscow to import fuel products.

Concurrently, European authorities raised alarm over hybrid threats after German investigators identified two individuals linked to Moscow concerning explosive drone incidents in Leipzig. Addressing the allegations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "We do not tolerate attacks on EU soil, ready to respond."

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high following Iranian claims of striking six vessels, including three American naval ships and three commercial tankers, in response to recent United States airstrikes. State media in Tehran also reported missile launches targeting US aircraft carriers.

Despite the escalation, US President Donald Trump stated that shipping through the strategic waterway remains operational, adding that Tehran faces severe strain. Meanwhile, emergency crews extinguished a fire on one damaged tanker.

However, United States intelligence assessments indicate that leaders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps feel emboldened, raising concerns about potential further conflict despite the 14-point memorandum signed in June.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.