EU Sanctions Watch: The EU floated a new Russia-focused sanctions package that could complicate an EU-India trade deal, with Kazakhstan named among countries tied to the proposal. Transit & Trade: Iran’s roads and urban development minister visited Kazakhstan to push joint rail-road transit hubs linking China to Kazakhstan, then Iran, Turkey and Europe. Digital Taxes: Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee says it collected extra payments from foreign platforms, naming ChatGPT and AliExpress, as it tightens rules on digital services. AI Push: Kazakhstan signed a strategic up-to-$10 billion partnership with Firebird and NVIDIA support to build a national “Data Center Valley” for AI and advanced computing. Regional Courts: President Tokayev met Turkic states’ top judicial leaders, stressing digitalization in justice and stronger investor and citizen protections. Kazakhstan-Mongolia Trade: Kazakhstan and Mongolia discussed expanding cooperation across mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and rail logistics, with plans for the next intergovernmental commission meeting. Sports (Kazakhstan tie): Kazakhstan’s Rybakina was upset in Berlin by Alexandra Eala, while the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff draw set Kazakhstan vs Ireland.