Russians remotely plant mines in Sumy region as EU cuts off Russian gas - Monday brief

Putin is not ready for compromise: ISW outlines conditions for Kremlin concessions

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War believe that additional pressure mechanisms are needed to compel Moscow to make concessions on Ukraine. This includes strengthening Ukraine’s military potential, imposing sanctions, seizing Russian assets, and restricting Russia’s access to resources necessary to sustain its long-term military efforts.

EU Council finalizes phased ban on Russian gas imports

Imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG into the EU will be banned. The ban will take effect six weeks after the regulation enters into force. Existing contracts will have a transitional period. The full ban will apply to LNG imports starting in early 2027 and to pipeline gas imports from autumn 2027.

Before allowing gas imports into the EU, member states will verify the country of origin of the gas.

NATO Secretary General emphasizes prioritizing Ukraine in EU arms procurement

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the EU not to limit itself to the “buy European” principle and to prioritize Ukraine’s needs over procurement rules.

According to Rutte, the EU should ensure maximum flexibility in using funds allocated to support the Ukrainian army and avoid being restricted by political procurement rules.

EU prepares new sanctions against Russia focusing on energy and shadow fleet, German FM

The EU is preparing a 20th sanctions package against Russia aimed at limiting its energy revenues, neutralizing the shadow fleet, and blocking sanction-evading schemes.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the new restrictions will target Russia's hybrid threats at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace, and are intended to strengthen the protection of Europe’s critical infrastructure.

General Staff confirms strikes on oil refineries in Slavyansk-on-Kuban and other enemy targets

In particular, supply depots for enemy units in Donetsk and the village of Solodkovodne (Zaporizhzhia region) were hit. Strikes were also carried out on a UAV control point in the Velyka Novosilka area of Donetsk and on enemy troop concentrations near Yunakivka (Sumy region) and Kolisnykivka (Kharkiv region).

Russian army remotely mines Sumy region, dropping small bags from drones

Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration Oleh Hryhorov reported that the enemy is dropping explosive devices from drones in small light-colored bags, which can be triggered by pressure or proximity.

Due to recorded incidents of such mining in territories adjacent to the Sumy region, residents are urged to be especially cautious while traveling on roads, particularly in areas marking the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust.