Oct 28, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks an agreement to halt the conflict in Ukraine, calling on both Kyiv and Moscow to negotiate a settlement before winter. Speaking following conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump stressed that both leaders must reach a mutual compromise to end hostilities.

Zelensky described his discussions with Trump as positive and productive, stating that both nations share the goal of concluding the conflict in the coming months. However, Ukrainian officials maintain that any eventual peace agreement must protect Ukraine's territorial integrity and halt Russian aggression.

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

Former Slovenian national team figures Aleš Čeh and Jan Mlakar have provided reflections on their careers and domestic football dynamics in recent interviews.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia during its early major tournament appearances, detailed his transition into coaching. After retiring as a player, he spent over a decade as assistant coach to Srečko Katanec, including seven years working in Asia. Čeh highlighted his deep connection to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK while maintaining respect for Maribor.

Separately, 27-year-old Ljubljana-born forward Jan Mlakar discussed his third spell at NK Maribor. Mlakar expressed confidence in former club leaders Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, adding that despite current difficulties at rival club Olimpija, derby matches remain unpredictable.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

United States federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of organizing targeted killings and sabotage operations across North America and Europe. According to court filings in Manhattan, the network recruited global proxies to surveil and attack individuals and entities supporting Ukraine's defense. Alleged operations include a June 2024 attack in Prague alongside broader plots targeting Western allies.

Concurrently, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service reported physical sabotage against Danish defense contractors manufacturing military equipment for Kyiv, calling the incidents an escalation in Moscow's hybrid warfare. All five primary suspects named in the American charges remain at large.

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

Russian forces have struggled to secure significant territorial gains across Ukraine despite widespread offensive operations, independent tracking data shows. Mapping evaluations from the Institute for the Study of War and the DeepState project indicate net frontline changes were near zero over recent weeks, contrasting with claims from Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have conducted localized counterattacks, reclaiming over 745 square kilometers near Oleksandrivka since January.

As ground advances stall, Russia has intensified long-range strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Prime Minister Serhij Koreckyj noted that recent attacks on power facilities in the Kyiv region were the largest since the previous heating season. The strikes come as Ukrainian drone interception rates dropped from 92 percent in May to 83 percent in September.

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

Russian forces launched fresh drone strikes against Kyiv, injuring at least one person following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Russian military officials announced an intensified campaign specifically targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries have disrupted domestic fuel supplies, forcing Moscow to import petroleum products from abroad.

In Germany, authorities identified two suspects with ties to Moscow in connection with explosive drone incidents near Leipzig. Responding to the growing threat of security incidents across Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the bloc "will not tolerate attacks on EU soil" and promised a firm response.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.