[55639] The EU plans a new round of sanctions; German Defense Minister on a surprise visit to Kyiv

Growing tension: new sanctions on the horizon and security visits to Kyiv

The European Union is preparing to impose its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, expected to be presented at the end of June or the beginning of July. According to Politico, the move will focus on the Russian "shadow fleet," banks, defense industries, and companies involved in the grain trade from annexed territories. EU officials, cited by РБК, note that this represents increased pressure at a time when the Russian economy is, by their account, in its most difficult state since the start of the war. AZfront added that Brussels is also discussing measures against the Russian Orthodox Church, including Patriarch Kirill, moves that were previously blocked by Hungary.

At the same time, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived for a surprise visit to Kyiv. According to the DPA agency, cited by RT на русском (a channel identified with the Kremlin's position) and BFM, the main goal of the visit is discussions on "joint development of advanced drone systems" and strengthening the Ukrainian defense industry. УНИАН reports that Russia has changed its strike strategy and is now focusing on Ukrainian weapon production facilities, energy infrastructure, and oil facilities.

In the Russian domestic arena, market reactions were noted. Больше, чем экономика reported that the Moscow Stock Exchange rose by about 1% following Putin's statement that "the conflict is approaching its end," a remark that received conflicting interpretations in the political system. On the other hand, Pravda Gerashchenko notes that contacts continue for a large-scale prisoner exchange in a "1000 for 1000" format, while receiving American guarantees.

In the background, the channel Некто Силкин criticized the significant financial compensation gaps between former Soviet states and Russia for World War II veterans, noting that in Russia, grants are significantly lower relative to other countries in the region.