Overview

• Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have officially disconnected from the Russian energy grid, integrating their systems with the European network via Poland's LitPol Link.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj called for greater European cooperation to reduce reliance on Russian energy, emphasizing partnerships with the U.S. and regions like the Middle East and North Africa.
• Ukraine has intensified sanctions on Russian shadow fleet operations and urged the EU to adopt similar measures to counteract Russia's use of energy as a geopolitical weapon.
• Ukrainian forces introduced a 'Drone Line' initiative, combining drones and infantry to create a 'kill zone' strategy aimed at giving troops a tactical advantage in frontline battles.
• Selenskyj expressed cautious optimism about a potential end to the war in 2025, contingent on stronger sanctions against Russia and international security guarantees for Ukraine.