Ukraine Recovery & Sanctions Pressure: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk that Ukraine is in a “new position of strength” and urged Russia to start talks to freeze the front line, as Europe vows to keep raising pressure on Russia’s economy. Maritime Sanctions Crackdown: France detained the Cameroon-flagged tanker Deliver near Sicily, calling it part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions; Macron said Europe will keep increasing the cost of Russia’s war. EU Money for Kyiv: EU leaders announced the first €3.2bn tranche under the €90bn Ukraine support loan, with another €6bn drone-production payment expected soon. Russia Fuel Strain: Ukraine drone strikes are cutting Russia’s refining throughput, forcing record crude exports even as oil prices fall after Hormuz reopening—worsening budget pressure. Crypto Rules Delayed: Russia’s finance ministry pushed back a new law on digital currency transactions, while keeping a ban on crypto advertising. Armenia Finance Support: Armenia plans a one-year grace-period extension for intensive gardening loan repayments, and the Eurasian Development Bank lifted its 2026 growth forecast for Armenia to 6%. US Sanctions Tweaks: The US removed seven Russians and two dry cargo ships from its sanctions list, alongside delisting two Turkish firms tied to Russia-linked logistics.