Sanctions Pressure on Russia: Armenia has ordered banks to identify and block payments suspected of bypassing Western sanctions on Russia, tightening checks on people, companies, counterparties, currencies and goods origins. EU Politics at Odds: Spain’s government and Senate are clashing over Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’ absence during Ceuta crisis hearings, raising questions about how and when ministers must appear. NATO Drone Threat: A report says Russia has built at least 10 secret long-range drone sites with dozens of launch rails near Belarus and Ukraine, potentially putting NATO territory in reach. Russia-UK Escalation: Russia warned Britain it will “pay a higher price” after UK-made drones were reportedly used by Ukraine for strikes inside Russia. EU Sanctions Push: Kaja Kallas says the EU will propose the most far-reaching Russia sanctions package since the war began this autumn, expanding the number of targeted entities. Heatwave Fallout: Europe’s farmers face an unprecedented crisis as drought and heatwaves slash vegetable and corn yields, with tomato and cereal output threatened. Wildfire Response: The EU has deployed rescEU aircraft, helicopters and ground teams to help Belgium and Spain as fires spread. Energy Security Watch: Europe’s reduced Russian gas dependence is now being tested as Russia targets alternative suppliers in Africa. China in Europe: Chinese automakers are shifting from exporting to local production and services, while EU rules and scrutiny on Chinese firms tighten. Rights Under Repression: Russia’s LGBT Network is shutting down after a court labeled it “extremist,” underscoring shrinking civic space.