Patriot Shift at NATO Summit: Trump backed Ukrainian deep strikes into Russia and endorsed licensing Patriot interceptor missile production in Ukraine, while the Kremlin pushed back on the “peace” narrative. Diplomatic Hardening: Lavrov said Moscow has exhausted faith in Western promises, insisting any talks hinge on Ukraine’s NATO rollback and territorial demands. Energy War Hits Home: Ukraine’s long-range campaign is choking Crimea and Russia’s fuel system—Crimea faces blackouts and isolation as drones target power and shipping, while Russia imposed a full diesel export ban amid shortages and long petrol queues. Sea of Azov Pressure: Kyiv reported attacks on 21 Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers and multiple support vessels, as Russia acknowledged at least one death near Taganrog Bay. New Ukrainian Command: Zelensky announced a long-range strike command to concentrate resources on reducing Russia’s war capacity. US Sanctions Push: Bipartisan senators and the Trump administration agreed to advance tougher sanctions targeting countries buying Russian oil and gas, aiming to make it law soon. Moldova Politics: Maia Sandu nominated financier Vasile Tofan as prime minister, signaling a push toward EU accession by end-2028. Belarus Nuclear Anxiety: Exiled Belarus opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya warned Russia is using nuclear ambiguity to blackmail Europe after joint drills with Lukashenko.