Ukraine War Frontline: Russian ballistic strikes on Kyiv region killed at least six and injured dozens, while Kyiv hit Russian targets including a “Wildberries” warehouse near St Petersburg and a military-linked site in Kirov, as both sides intensify long-range attacks amid stalled diplomacy. “Russia’s Amazon” Pressure: Wildberries—often dubbed Russia’s Amazon—keeps getting hit by drones and missiles, with fires, deaths, and mounting business losses, as Ukraine frames the logistics campaign as pressure to force negotiations. US-Russia Talks & Alaska Fallout: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington is ready to help end the “senseless war” but admits no quick deal; Russia’s Lavrov counters that US changes after the Alaska summit broke alleged understandings. Patriot Production Push: Zelensky met Raytheon officials in Kyiv, signaling joint Patriot air-defense production, as another missile strike followed. Kremlin Demographic Policy: Russia will fund IVF for widows of soldiers for five years, tied to consent paperwork, as birth rates and wartime losses deepen demographic strain. Economic Policy Watch: The Bank of Russia raised its 2026 key-rate forecast to 14.5–14.6% and expects inflation of 6.0–7.0%, with further rate guidance tied to October budget projections. EU Sanctions at Sea & Finance: The EU authorized boarding of Russian shadow-fleet tankers in the Indian Ocean and advanced a broader sanctions package, including tougher crypto-related third-country restrictions. Ukraine War Crimes Probe: Ukrainian prosecutors opened a pre-trial investigation after claims of execution of a captured Ukrainian soldier following interrogation. Court & Propaganda Accountability: Ukraine’s SBU says a pro-Kremlin “political expert” tied to Medvedchuk’s TV channels was sentenced in absentia to 15 years.