War Budget Strain in Moscow: Russia’s Finance Ministry and the Central Bank warned Putin that Ukraine war spending is on an unaffordable path, with officials urging cuts as the deficit surged to 5.88 trillion rubles in the first four months of 2026—raising fears of elite fractures. Mass Missile-and-Drone Terror in Ukraine: Russia hit Kyiv and other cities with 73 missiles and 656 drones, killing at least 11–14 civilians and injuring over 100, with people trapped under rubble and power disruptions reported. Putin’s “No Cards Except Terror” Messaging: Ukraine’s foreign minister said the scale of the strike proves Moscow is losing on the battlefield and urged partners to act, not just condemn. Diplomacy Before Winter: Zelensky told CBS peace talks must be pushed to completion before winter, while also calling for tighter sanctions and more Patriot support. Kremlin Pressure on Armenia’s Elections: EU officials accused Russia of hybrid interference ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary vote, as Putin’s camp pushes for an EAEU-vs-EU referendum and Moscow-linked import restrictions continue. Sanctions Enforcement at Sea: France, with UK support, intercepted a sanctioned Russia-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic, escalating pressure on the “shadow fleet” that funds the war. Energy Squeeze Inside Russia: Russia moved to ration fuel and even imposed a temporary aviation fuel export ban, signaling growing strain from refinery disruptions and Ukraine’s attacks.