Construction Crunch: Russian construction bankruptcies jumped 41% year-on-year as demand collapses and financing costs stay high, with developers in multiple regions unable to cover taxes, wages and loan payments. Sanctions & Assets: Russian billionaires are reportedly studying how Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman got EU restrictions lifted, looking for legal paths to reclaim frozen assets. Defense-Finance Push: Russia’s finance ministry is advancing a three-year budget with higher taxes on passive income to fund social obligations and the war effort. Tax Shock for Households: The plan would raise the passive-income bracket to 13%-22%, with exemptions for small deposits and war participants. Ukraine’s Data-Center Pressure: Zelensky says Russia is widening strikes to hit Ukraine’s data centres and internet providers, disrupting connectivity for tens of thousands. Trade Fight: The WTO will set up a panel to review Russia’s complaint against the EU’s carbon border levy. Aviation Strain in Russia: Regional airlines are suspending flights and cutting ticket sales as aircraft parts shortages and safety issues deepen after sanctions. Global Business Linkages: Russia and South Sudan discussed expanding trade, investment, education and Russian-language cooperation ahead of major regional diplomacy.