Recent reports indicate that the US government may be open to recognizing Crimea as Russian territory as part of a potential peace deal with Ukraine. This development is highlighted in multiple sources, suggesting that the Trump administration is contemplating this recognition to facilitate negotiations with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has sentenced a 19-year-old activist to prison for quoting a Ukrainian poet and criticizing the war, raising concerns over political repression. Additionally, Lithuania is reportedly taking steps to strengthen its border infrastructure due to growing security concerns in the region.