23:51⇢EU sanctions package stalls
⌨Russian outlets report the EU failed to approve its 18th sanctions package against Russia, with multiple state sources emphasizing the bloc's inability to reach consensus (RBC, Vesti, TASS). The Netherlands expects agreement within two weeks, but the current impasse represents a diplomatic setback for Brussels. Meanwhile, Trump's administration reportedly recommended ending funding for Russian war crimes investigations in Ukraine, marking a significant policy shift (Moscow Times). Russian air defenses claimed to have shot down 16 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory within four hours, while explosions were reported in Kyiv (Izvestia, RIA Novosti). A plane carrying freed Russian soldiers landed in the Moscow region, continuing the prisoner exchange operations from earlier reports (Lenta). Putin participated in the Eurasian Economic Union forum in Minsk, with coverage emphasizing regional integration goals (NTV).