EU Sanctions Push: EU unveiled its 21st Russia sanctions package, with new pressure on banks, weapons makers, oil traders/refineries and crypto operators, plus a ban on entry for former Russian combatants. Ukraine Aid Flow: The EU plans to disburse the first €9.1bn tranche under the 90bn Ukraine loan, with €5.9bn for defense (including drones) and €3.2bn for budget support, alongside another €2.8bn under the Ukraine Facility. Energy Strategy: Ukraine’s energy minister Denys Shmyhal met the World Bank to shape an updated energy strategy, focusing on energy security, reforms, and investment, with nuclear as the base and digitalization/dispatching as key tools. Drone Tech & Regional Security: Zelensky met Nordic and Baltic leaders in Tallinn, offering Ukraine’s drone expertise to help allies shoot down drones more cheaply; Norway also moves to support Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor with maritime drones. Frontline Reality Check: A Ukrainian drone attack reportedly hit a Russian oil refinery in Samara, while Crimea’s fuel and transport infrastructure continues to face strikes and disruptions. Business & Finance: ING launched a global subscription banking model across nine retail markets, and new research says European firms are leaning heavily on digital risk tools as supply shortages persist.