European Union
The IMF Executive Board completed the first review of the EFF program for Ukraine, allowing the allocation of a new tranche of about $690 million. The Fund urged Ukraine to accelerate reforms, particularly anti-corruption and governance reforms.
The President signed law No. 4921-IX, which harmonizes the rules of the organic market with EU requirements. The document introduces a new control system and simplifies the entry of Ukrainian producers into the EU market.
Due to the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, the price of Brent crude oil has risen to $91 per barrel. In Ukraine, fuel could become more expensive by several hryvnias per liter within one to two weeks.
Presidential Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that discussions around sanctions do not indicate a split in the EU. He expects the adoption of the 21st sanctions package this week and the start of work on the 22nd.
New Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi held his first conversation with the head of the European Commission, discussing reforms and European integration. He also raised the issues of sanctions, air defense, and financial aid.
The President of Ukraine met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, thanking him for prayers and support. They discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war and return abducted children.
Due to failures in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin may resort to new escalation. According to the minister, the Baltic region and Poland are the nearest targets.
The head of the European Commission held a conversation with the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, discussing reforms for EU accession and defense equipment. Also discussed were preparations for winter and energy infrastructure.
Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal are blocking or demanding exemptions from the 21st EU sanctions package. Diplomats warn that national economic interests are weakening sanctions policy.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs called for increased pressure on Russia after the attack on Kyiv with dozens of ballistic missiles. He demands the unblocking of the 21st EU sanctions package and the acceleration of air defense supplies to Ukraine.
Trump administration prepares funding for projects in Europe to combat censorship through EU laws. Among the grants, $2 million is allocated to counter DSA and DMA.
Some ministers of the Svyrydenko government retained their positions in the updated Cabinet.
The European Union condemned Israel's decision to allocate additional funding for the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The EU stressed that this will increase the fragmentation of Palestinian communities and undermine the peace process.
The tanker Carolin Bezengi, which was transporting Russian oil, likely caused an oil spill off the coast of Oman. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
The EU Council on July 17 adopted restrictive measures against one individual and five organizations involved in the production of drones. The sanctions were imposed due to the deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv in early July.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Taras Kachka will combine work at the Ukrainian mission to the EU with the function of trade representative. Decisions on four more clusters in the EU accession negotiations are expected.
Google Play, following AppStore, removed the popular apps VK in Russia. This happened after the EU imposed sanctions against the holding and its related developer company Maх.
The Verkhovna Rada appointed a new Cabinet of Ministers headed by Serhii Koretskyi. Some ministers retained their positions, and a number of ministries were divided.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced funding of 300 million euros jointly with Sweden for the supply of 16 Gripen E aircraft. The funds will go towards the aircraft, pilot training and infrastructure, with the first aircraft expected in 2029.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Serhiy Koretsky on his confirmation as Prime Minister of Ukraine. She expressed confidence in continued cooperation and support for reforms.
Prime Minister candidate Serhiy Koretskyi outlined the priorities of the Cabinet of Ministers, including preparation for the next winter. He also emphasized support for the Defense Forces, the military-industrial complex, and social protection.
The SBU, together with the Navy, struck the tankers Louise 1 and Banda, which are part of Russia's shadow fleet, using naval drones. The vessels were under sanctions by Ukraine.
EU countries failed for the third consecutive day to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia, temporarily freezing the oil price cap at $44. 10 per barrel until July 23. Austria and Greece blocked the process due to demands for compensation and restrictions on gas trade.
Greece opposes EU sanctions that would ban the transportation of Russian LNG to protect Dynagas of Greek magnate Prokopiou. Athens' objection delayed the approval of the 21st sanctions package by a week.
At the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, the president called for strengthening coordination and sanctions. The leaders of the region confirmed support for Ukraine and its European integration.
The President of Ukraine and the President of the European Commission signed a Letter of Intent on defense-industrial partnership. The EU allocated an additional 1 billion euros for drones within the framework of a 90 billion euro loan.
The President signed a decree updating sectoral sanctions, which now apply to operators of cryptocurrency services and platforms for digital assets. The update is aimed at complicating the circumvention of restrictions through the use of modern financial instruments.
The European Union allocates €1 billion to Ukraine for the purchase of drones. This is another tranche under the €90 billion loan to support Ukraine.
Péter Szijjártó left parliament to join Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. In his new position, he will be responsible for external relations and business development.
European Commission President von der Leyen announced a new EU-Ukraine partnership in the defense industry. The parties signed an agreement on drones, which will combine Ukrainian expertise and European industrial scale.