Ukraine-Russia Strikes: Russia and Ukraine traded accusations after overnight drone and missile attacks killed at least five and injured 20+ across both countries, with Russian air defenses downing hundreds of drones and strikes hitting homes, industrial sites, and the Ilsky oil refinery. Digital Economy Under Fire: Moscow escalated attacks on Ukraine’s connectivity, hitting data centers including Cosmonova and disrupting internet services for tens of thousands of households, while Kyiv said Russia aims to target ordinary life and business operations. Sanctions & Diplomacy: At UNGA, Lavrov backed India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat and warned against expanding Western representation, while also signaling Russia is ready to resume the Anchorage Ukraine framework. Germany-Russia Tensions: German and Russian foreign ministers met briefly at the UN, with Germany urging Russia to stop escalation after a Leipzig airport drone incident. Business Impact in War Zones: ArcelorMittal halted production at Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih steel plant after repeated strikes, with an estimated $1B impairment charge, as EBRD cut Ukraine’s 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% amid port and industrial damage. Energy & Trade Signals: Lavrov urged trust-building to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions, while Russia also pushed regional cooperation themes from UNGA. Russia’s Economic Moves: Russia proposed shortening CIS and Georgia truck drivers’ maximum stay if those states pursue EU membership, tightening mobility rules tied to security concerns. Regional Ties Beyond War: Malaysia-Russia relations hit a “very high point,” with trade above $3.6B in 2025 and cooperation expanding into energy, AI, quantum tech, aerospace, and disaster management.