Oct 28, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace agreement before winter.

Speaking after recent telephone discussions with both leaders, Trump stated that he believes the Russian president is seeking a settlement. "I had a very good talk. He wants a deal and, if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great," Trump remarked.

Zelensky described his exchange with Trump as "positive and productive," stating on social media that both Ukraine and the United States share the goal of ending the conflict before the winter months. Ukrainian officials continue to emphasize the need to halt Russian aggression while securing lasting stability.

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

Federal prosecutors in the United States have unsealed charges against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of organizing targeted killings and sabotage across Europe and the US. According to court filings in Manhattan, the network recruited individuals globally to track and attack targets backing Ukraine, including an incident in Prague in June 2024. All five primary suspects remain at large.

Concurrently, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service reported that Russian operatives have conducted physical sabotage against Danish defense firms supplying Ukrainian forces. Authorities described the operations as an escalation in Moscow's hybrid warfare strategy aimed at disrupting Western military support for Kyiv.

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

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have shared perspectives on their careers and domestic league developments in recent interviews.

Čeh, who captained Slovenia's national side during its early major tournament appearances, detailed his transition to coaching. He spent over a decade assisting manager Srečko Katanec, including seven years coaching in Asia. Čeh expressed a strong affinity for Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK while maintaining respect for Maribor.

Separately, Ljubljana-born striker Jan Mlakar discussed his third spell at NK Maribor. Mlakar voiced confidence in former club directors Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič, adding that despite current difficulties at rival Olimpija, derby matches remain inherently unpredictable.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Following recent Ukrainian drone strikes against energy infrastructure near Moscow, Nordic defense analysts are assessing Russia's long-term military endurance and strategic constraints. Ukrainian reports indicate that the attacks disrupted over half of the refining capacity at a major facility, highlighting Kyiv’s expanding strike capabilities.

Concurrently, diplomatic friction between Moscow and Oslo has heightened following NATO military drills and the seizure of a Russian vessel. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, labeled Norway a security threat and accused Oslo of state terrorism. In response, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre urged citizens to remain prepared without giving in to fear. Regional commentators note that while Moscow retains sufficient resources to prolong the war in Ukraine, achieving European security objectives ultimately hinges on limiting Russia's strategic ambitions.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not pull out of the enclave until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed."

In televised remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document," which Hamas accepted in late July. The decision highlights growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Israeli military strikes in Gaza have largely paused following American pressure.

Netanyahu faces competing domestic and international pressures as he campaigns for re-election ahead of Israel's vote on October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against expectations from foreign allies.

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