Armenia Pressure: Moscow threatens to halt or denounce duty-free gas, oil products, and diamond supplies to Armenia if Yerevan keeps moving toward the EU, warning preferential terms may end. Ukraine Escalation: Russia’s latest “systematic strikes” warning sparks European backlash, with Belgium and France summoning Russian envoys over intimidation tied to Kyiv threats. Diplomacy Signals: The Kremlin says Putin remains open to negotiations with Europe, but dialogue depends on a renewed Ukrainian peace process. Eurasian Pivot: Putin arrives in Kazakhstan for a state visit as Astana highlights expanding strategic ties; construction of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin in 2027. War Capacity & Costs: UK intelligence chief Anne Keast-Butler publicly confirms nearly half a million Russian soldiers killed since 2022, while GCHQ warns Russia is “going backwards” yet intensifying hybrid activity against Europe. Cyber Shift: Reporting says Russian hacking is moving toward quieter espionage and persistence rather than mass disruption. Domestic Security Law: Russia passes a bill to integrate banks into air defense, allowing trained staff to shoot down drones. UK-Russia Tensions: FSB accuses Finland and Estonia of border treaty violations and cites rising “provocative actions.” US-Iran Complication: Trump rules out Russia or China taking custody of Iran’s enriched uranium in ongoing talks.