Ukraine War & Diplomacy: The Kremlin says Ukraine is “not inclined” to peaceful talks, pointing to escalating attacks including around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, while Lavrov argues the West is only “imitating” negotiation and issuing ultimatums. NATO Ankara Fallout: At the NATO summit, Trump pressed for higher defense spending and backed Ukraine’s air defense push, including a political agreement for Ukraine to get Patriot interceptor production licenses. Patriot Deal: Zelensky says PAC-3 interceptors and a “drone deal” package are coming soon, with Ukraine starting licensed production quickly. Fuel Crisis Pressure: Ukraine’s drone campaign is hitting Russian oil infrastructure hard, and Russia has moved to ban diesel exports until July 31, with queues and shortages spreading. Shadow Fleet Under Fire: Ukraine continues striking Russian-linked tankers and fuel routes, adding to the pressure on Moscow’s war economy. Russia Domestic Governance: Russia is tightening crypto oversight by lowering reporting thresholds and expanding state control over crypto transactions. Elections & Institutions (US): Trump fired all remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, leaving it unable to act—an institutional shake-up amid broader election-rule ambitions. Russia-Linked Leak: Meduza reports hackers published alleged private messages from journalist Ksenia Sobchak, underscoring Russia’s power-and-censorship dynamics.