US Sanctions & Tariffs: Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding sanctions on Russia’s energy and defense sectors, Putin and senior officials, banks, and the “shadow fleet,” while authorizing up to 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas—raising fresh risk for India and China and giving Washington wide discretion on implementation and waivers. Nuclear Safety: The IAEA condemned a drone strike that hit the cooling tower at Russia’s Kursk nuclear plant, saying the unit was operating, no fire was reported, and that attacks on nuclear facilities are unacceptable. European Hybrid Threats: Macron said Russia’s hybrid attacks on Europe are intensifying and ordered plans to protect critical infrastructure from drones and cyberattacks. Russia-Asset Moves: Putin signed a decree placing Russian operations of European retailers under temporary management, including Nestlé and French groups Auchan and Leroy Merlin, prompting France to demand Russia reverse the step. Defense Industry Pressure: Western munitions shortages are being linked to decades of defense-industry decline, as Russia-Ukraine combat keeps consuming precision weapons faster than production can catch up. Maritime/Trade Friction: India’s MEA said it is in regular contact with the Russian embassy over the detained Unity oil tanker near Odisha, tied to a court-ordered dispute over bunker fuel dues.