Ukraine–Belarus Pressure: Zelenskyy gave Lukashenko one week to remove Belarus relay equipment aiding Russian drone attacks, warning “we’ll do it” if Minsk doesn’t act, while also accusing Belarus of supplying fuel to Russia’s war effort. EU–Moscow Back-Channel Fight: EU leaders are split on creating direct communications with Moscow; European Council chief António Costa pushed for a Kremlin contact to protect EU interests if talks move forward, while others fear it undermines unity. Poland–Ukraine Rift: Poland’s President Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over a WWII unit naming dispute, and PM Tusk said the escalation “delights Putin” and shocks allies. War on the Home Front: Russia’s central bank cut its key rate to 14.25% as fuel supply and budget risks rise amid Ukraine-linked refinery and logistics strikes. Moscow–Kazan Diplomacy: Philippines President Marcos says 24 Filipinos detained in Russia will return home after nine months, following a meeting with Putin at the ASEAN–Russia summit in Kazan. Maritime Sanctions Evasion: A report describes Russia’s “Dark Fleet” expanding into Africa to keep oil exports flowing despite Western restrictions, relying on concealed ownership and weak insurance. Ukraine Strikes Escalate: Ukraine’s drone campaign is described as targeting fuel trucks, bridges and trains to disrupt Russia’s southern offensive plans.