Alexander Koliander, from the Democratic Resilience Programme, discusses the EU's sharpened sanctions on Russia, which target crucial financial and energy sectors amidst Ukraine's ongoing conflict. Richard Katz offers insights into Japan's looming Upper House elections, emphasizing the impact of rising inflation and aging demographics on the political landscape. Additionally, the podcast highlights the staggering rise in cryptocurrency theft, with billions lost to cybercriminals and violent attacks, raising urgent questions about asset security in the digital age.