Summary
Russia’s government is pushing to seize trillions in private bank deposits to plug budget holes, while Ukraine hits back with drone strikes on key Russian ferries. Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran peace talks show fragile progress, but Trump’s aggressive rhetoric risks derailing negotiations.
Key Stories
Russia moves to grab $1.3 trillion from citizens and businesses — A Russian lawmaker wants to seize 67 trillion rubles from citizens and 63 trillion from businesses, claiming the money is “lying idle” in banks. The Duma is fast-tracking the plan to fund budget shortfalls.
Ukraine drones sink three Russian ferries in Kerch Strait — Ukrainian strikes destroyed three Russian ferries operating in the Kerch Strait, including the MV Panagia and MV Lavrentiy. At least one more ferry was left burning after the overnight attack.
U.S. and Iran make progress on peace deal but tensions linger — Iranian and U.S. negotiators wrapped up talks in Switzerland with mediators calling progress “encouraging.” However, Trump’s threats to “blow the s–t out of Iran” prompted Tehran to walk out of negotiations.
Russia prints $60 billion to fund war spending — The Russian Central Bank injected nearly 5 trillion rubles into the banking system to buy government debt. Lawmakers also passed emergency legislation to bypass spending limits and ramp up national debt.
Azerbaijan oil spill sparks sabotage fears — An oil leak near Dubendi beach was traced to external damage from a ship’s anchor, raising suspicions of sabotage. Cleanup and repairs are underway as authorities investigate the cause.