Diplomacy
Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a resolution urging the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and U.S. citizen Paul Whelan.
Sanctions
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) affirmed her support to label Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
EU ambassadors agreed to the next package of Russia sanctions, including a gold ban, and a loosening of certain food-related sanctions. U.S. and Middle East banks are continuing to finance Russian crop and fertilizer purchases, while European banks are generally not due to the fear of sanctions.
Consequences
A key Russia-Europe gas pipeline restarted, but it’s not clear how reliable it will be as a source of gas.
Ukraine Sitrep
A Ukrainian commander said that the arrival of the HIMARS rocket systems has changed the dynamics in eastern Ukraine: “It was hell over here…Now it’s like paradise. Super quiet. Everything hanged when we go the HIMARS.”
The U.S. and allies are continuing to weigh sending Ukraine fighter jets, while the UK announced more military aid to Ukraine.