Oct 29, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

EU member states have reached an agreement to extend sanctions against nearly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities, avoiding an automatic lapse of the enforcement measures. The resolution followed intense diplomatic negotiations after member states, including France and Slovakia, requested the removal of business figures Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list. Both oligarchs were subsequently excluded under the finalized deal.

In tandem with renewing individual listings, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg approved a broad new economic sanctions package aimed at maintaining pressure on Moscow's war effort amid shifting transatlantic political dynamics.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.

In Geneva, 128 United Nations member states established a formal definition for autonomous weapon systems, prompting the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to warn that automated targeting risks "crossing a moral red line." Simultaneously, European defense forces are advancing military artificial intelligence integration. Internal documents reveal the German Bundeswehr may permit semi-autonomous weapons to operate without step-by-step human intervention, though a defense ministry spokesperson affirmed that "the decision on the use of military force remains with humans." Germany also opted against using software from US vendor Palantir, deciding to develop an in-house AI analysis tool instead. Meanwhile, Ukraine and NATO have jointly created two military AI applications designed to forecast hostile drone trajectories and assist artillery targeting operations.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Der Standard, Die Zeit, Hartpunkt

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh has reflected on his post-playing career, which included over a decade as an assistant manager to Srečko Katanec and seven years working in Asian football. Despite his historical ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian side Grazer AK, Čeh reaffirmed his ongoing respect for rival club NK Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar has rejoined NK Maribor for a third spell. Ahead of the Eternal Derby against his hometown side Olimpija Ljubljana, the Ljubljana-born striker emphasized that derby matches remain inherently unpredictable regardless of recent form or off-pitch challenges. Mlakar also expressed strong confidence in former Maribor leaders Zlatko Zahovič and Darko Milanič as the team pursues domestic honors.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Recent military action between the United States and Iran has escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, drawing commercial oil fleets directly into the conflict. US Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian military positions and three commercial oil tankers following Iranian ballistic missile launches against two American warships and an attempt to mine the waterway.

In response, US President Donald Trump warned that continued disruptions to shipping would lead to retaliatory strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including electrical grids. Analysts note that the confrontation reflects a transition to fifth-generation warfare, where drone technology and attacks on energy networks increasingly impact global maritime security and civilian populations.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

Cross-border hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement have intensified following a deadly strike on Riyadh's airport, the deadliest attack in the Kingdom in over a decade. Saudi air defenses reported intercepting over a dozen missiles and drones across major urban centers, including Riyadh and Jeddah, triggering repeated civil defense alerts. Houthi leadership warned that "worse" would follow unless Saudi military intervention in Yemen ceases.

The military escalation coincides with diplomatic efforts in Iran, where representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan convened to discuss regional de-escalation. The talks follow a record high in security incidents targeting commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. Amid mounting security pressures and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Riyadh is reportedly evaluating alternative regional partnerships.

Sources: Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.