German Support: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany will keep backing Ukraine as long as Russia’s president refuses to change course, tying any shift to Moscow’s political will. UK Politics & Ukraine: New UK PM Andy Burnham named John Healey finance minister amid market worries about borrowing and taxes, while also promising a “cost-of-living government” with an electricity VAT cut; Burnham’s first calls included Ireland’s Taoiseach, with Ukraine on the agenda. IMF Money: The IMF approved Ukraine’s first review and a ~$690M tranche, despite missed or delayed reform conditions, signaling continued pressure on anti-graft and tax de-shadowing. Defense Leadership Crisis: Protests over the sacking of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov widened, with Zelenskyy facing mounting pressure over army leadership. Frontline & Security: Zelenskyy briefed commanders on Chernihiv–Kyiv scenarios and air-defense needs; Russia hit Belgorod with drones, killing 10 and injuring dozens, while Ukraine struck targets including a MiG-29 and Pantsir near Khalino. Hybrid Threat Warning: Poland warned Russia may use captured Ukrainian drones for provocations against NATO and the Baltics. Maritime Attacks: Romania reported an attack on the LPG tanker Gas Lisbon near its coast; Ukraine’s FM called it terrorism and demanded stronger sanctions. Language & Rights: A language ombudswoman fined a Kyiv lyceum teacher for violating the state-language law, while Zelenskyy signed updated protections for internally displaced persons. Defense Industry: Ukraine codified Firefly guided drone bombs for mass production, and European capital is set to flow via Resist.UA’s new €50M fund for defense tech.