EU Extends Russia Sanctions; Ukraine Hits Oil Refineries; South Korea Seeks New North Korea Approach

The European Union is moving forward with its most extensive sanctions against Russia, designed to cripple its ability to fund the war in Ukraine. These measures, reportedly negotiated by France and Slovakia, are expected to last for three years, signaling a sustained effort to pressure Moscow.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has reportedly struck Russian oil refineries, a move that could disrupt Russia's economy and its war financing. In parallel, South Korean leadership is exploring a new strategy for engaging with North Korea, which recently announced a successful test of a hypersonic missile. This development adds another layer of complexity to regional geopolitics.