Moldova-Russia Hybrid Threat: A New York Times report says Russia has recruited Orthodox priests as intelligence assets in Moldova to destabilize NATO’s eastern flank, while another piece details a Balkan-based training pipeline used to prepare provocateurs for Moldova’s elections. Security Spillover: Romania says a Spanish F-18 shot down a drone that entered from Moldova; NATO officials suggest it was Russian, as airspace incidents keep recurring. Ukraine War, Trade Disruption: Ukraine’s drone barrage into Russia damaged logistics and industrial targets, including a major Wildberries warehouse near Moscow, while Russia struck Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih steel plant and Kyiv’s book market—hits that ripple into regional commerce. Investment Climate Watch: Moldova’s investment appeal fell in the GIRRI ranking (down to 101st), with lawmakers warning that investors want predictable rules and reliable justice, not political announcements. Local Governance Reform: A CALM vice president criticizes Moldova’s municipal reform as poorly managed and legally unclear, arguing it pits mayors against each other and creates gaps in social and education administration. Payments Trend: Non-cash payments keep rising in Moldova, with banks pushing cashback and experts urging consumers to stay alert to fraud and hidden risks.