EU-India Tensions: The EU’s new sanctions proposal against Russia includes entities based in India and also lists companies tied to China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, UAE and India—raising uncertainty for a major EU-India trade deal that both sides are trying to ratify. Middle Corridor Push: Kyrgyz logistics firms say cargo flows on the Middle Corridor are rising as Europe-to-Central Asia transit grows more important for trade security; Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan also see the Women in Trade Logistics platform as a way to deepen cooperation. Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China signed a protocol on the peaceful use of atomic energy, outlining future civil nuclear collaboration. Transport Tech: Kazakhstan plans a unified digital transport and logistics database to manage the chain in real time by end-2026, with KTZ tasked to build a centralized “data lake.” Economy Outlook: The IMF forecasts Kazakhstan growth at about 4.6% in 2026, citing stable conditions but warning of risks from demand, imports and pipeline disruptions. Politics & Integrity: Adilet warns of fake accounts using its name ahead of its merger with Amanat. Trade Snapshot: Russia remains Kazakhstan’s top goods supplier (31.8% share in Jan-Apr), while China ranks second (28.6%). Consular Update: Kazakhstan confirmed the death of missing citizen Aset Kuralbay in the US and said repatriation support is underway.