EU-Russia Sanctions Watch: The EU’s next sanctions package targeting Russia-linked firms could complicate an EU-India trade deal, with listings reportedly spanning companies in China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, UAE and India, and a July 15 deadline for unanimous approval. Middle Corridor Momentum: Kyrgyz logistics firms say cargo from Europe is increasingly moving via the Black Sea, Azerbaijan, the Caspian, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, while Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s Women in Trade Logistics Partnership is pushing closer professional cooperation to boost the route’s efficiency and transparency. Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China signed a protocol on peaceful use of atomic energy in Astana, outlining future collaboration priorities for civil nuclear technologies. Transport Digital Push: Kazakhstan plans a unified digital transport database to manage logistics in real time by end-2026, with KTZ tasked to complete a centralized “data lake” and improve railway transit performance. Economy Outlook: The IMF forecasts Kazakhstan growth at about 4.6% in 2026, citing stable conditions but warning of risks from global uncertainty and pipeline disruptions. Consular Update: Kazakhstan confirmed the death of missing citizen Aset Kuralbay in the US and said repatriation support is underway. Sports & Culture: A 17-year-old Kairat forward, Dastan Satpayev, is set for a move to Chelsea, while archaeologists in Mangystau say Karakabak reveals new Silk Road-era trade links.