The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported that 16 of the 18 remaining Indians in the Russian army are missing and 12 have died in the Ukraine conflict. The MEA is working to secure the release and repatriation of those still in Russia and return the remains of those deceased. This follows previous diplomatic efforts to address this issue.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Russia of planning global acts of sabotage, including “air terror” against airlines. Western security officials have previously suspected Russian involvement in similar incidents, including cargo plane fires. Azerbaijan also accused Russia of downing an airliner, though Russia offered only an apology. Poland claims Russia is retaliating for its support of Ukraine through hybrid warfare tactics.
Russia prioritized preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership in talks with the then President-elect, aiming to reshape the international order. While the then President-elect expressed interest in ending the Ukraine conflict, Russia’s foreign minister criticized his team’s proposals. Ukraine’s president viewed the then President-elect’s unpredictability as potentially beneficial, though he acknowledged the conflict’s complexities.
The US imposed sanctions on two Indian companies, Skyhart and Avision, for allegedly aiding Russia’s LNG transportation, violating US sanctions. This is part of a broader US effort to curb Russia’s revenue from its energy sector, impacting over 200 entities and individuals. The sanctions target Russian oil producers and insurance firms, further restricting Russia’s funds for its military operations.
Intense fighting in Russia’s Kursk region has resulted in substantial losses for Russian and North Korean forces, according to Ukrainian reports. Up to a battalion of Russian paratroopers and North Korean infantry were lost near Makhnovka. This development adds complexity to the ongoing conflict and has implications for upcoming peace talks.
Russia’s halt of gas supplies to Europe after a dispute with Ukraine has sparked an energy crisis, particularly impacting countries like Slovakia and Moldova. Slovakia threatens retaliation, while Norway’s Hammerfest LNG plant shutdown worsens the situation. Although the EU claims most members can manage, countries outside the EU, especially Moldova and Transnistria, face severe energy shortages and disruptions. The crisis highlights Europe’s vulnerability and need for energy diversification.
Russia stopped exporting natural gas through Ukraine after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called it a major Russian defeat. The EU stated that it is prepared for the disruption, having increased LNG import capacity. Other European countries have secured alternative gas supplies. The event is impacting global energy markets and investment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2025, despite facing challenges such as territorial losses and the upcoming US presidential election. He emphasized the need for a strong Ukraine both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Russia, meanwhile, continues its attacks, praising its military and justifying the invasion with its own narrative. The situation remains uncertain, with concerns about potential territorial concessions and the impact of the change in US leadership.
