EU Sanctions Shake-Up: The EU extended Russia’s main sanctions for three years to Sept 2029, but delisted oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman—prompting anger in Kyiv and fresh criticism that the bloc is yielding to pressure. Ukraine Reaction: Zelenskyy called the delisting a mistake, while Ukraine urged EU countries to keep tougher restrictions. Diplomacy & Pressure Claims: Reuters reports France pushed the compromise tied to national-security concerns after Azerbaijan pardoned a French prisoner linked to the sanctions fight. Armenia-EU Balancing: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan will deepen ties with Moscow while also meeting EU leaders to advance Armenia’s EU cooperation and democratic reforms. EU Budget Talks: Czech PM Andrej Babiš met EU Council President António Costa on the next EU multiannual budget and competitiveness priorities. Migration Border Focus: Andalusian leader Juanma Moreno warned the EU pays too little attention to Ceuta and drug trafficking at Europe’s southern border. EU Migration Monitoring Debate: EU home affairs ministers are set to discuss whether Frontex should monitor social media for early warning of sudden migration surges. Agriculture Threat: Hungary confirmed the first EU detection of the spotted lanternfly, a quarantine pest threatening crops. EU-Asia Trade: Brussels is alarmed as Chinese hybrid car sales surge, raising pressure for safeguards. Zambia Partnership: EU officials hailed Zambia as a “beacon of democracy” and backed deeper cooperation on investment and critical-mineral value chains.