European Union
Poland's deputy foreign minister suggested that Hungary should withdraw from the EU and NATO and form an alliance with Putin because of its constant criticism of these organizations. He also recalled Hungary's blocking of EU funds for Poland.
The EU's European External Action Service is forced to cut spending by €43 million due to budget overruns. Diplomats are advised to avoid traveling, parties, and to increase security at their residences.
Venezuela is holding presidential elections, where incumbent President Maduro is running against opposition candidate Gonzalez. There are concerns about possible fraud and a limited number of international observers.
Switzerland refused to transfer to Ukraine the profits from frozen russian assets in its banks. This decision is explained by Swiss law and the country's international obligations.
European Parliament President Josep Borrell condemned the rocket attack on the Golan Heights. The attack from Lebanon killed at least 12 young people and injured nearly 20 others.
The Polish parliament passed a law allowing security forces to use lethal weapons with “impunity” in response to threats. This raised concerns among human rights activists about possible human rights violations.
U. S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expects to approve the terms of a $50 billion loan to Ukraine by October. The funds are to be provided from frozen Russian assets, which are to remain blocked until the loan is repaid.
The EU High Representative called on China to facilitate the peace process in Ukraine and stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia. Josep Borrell asked China to use its influence on Russia to end the war.
Ukraine's Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko met with American partners. They discussed investment, financial support, preferential lending and the removal of anti-dumping duties on Ukrainian steel products.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico offers Ukraine a technical solution to resume Russian oil transit. Slovakia emphasizes the importance of transit for the Slovneft refinery over more expensive alternatives.
A representative of the GUR said that Russia maintains a certain level of missile production through sanctions circumvention and smuggling. The sanctions have a long-term effect on the aggressor's military economy, but have not stopped production completely.
Chinese companies export military equipment to Belarusian companies under sanctions. Belarusian companies, in turn, have close ties with Russia and supply it with weapons.
The Minister of Finance of Ukraine announced that he expects financial assistance from the US and the EU in the near future. These funds will help Ukraine to look to the future with confidence until the end of the year.
Estonia's new Prime Minister Kristen Mihal has announced tax increases and spending cuts to strengthen the country's security. The government plans to allocate €1.1 billion for defense projects and increase military spending by €4 billion over 5 years.
Hungary borrowed €1 billion from three Chinese banks in the spring of 2024. This is the largest loan in the country's history, to be repaid within three years, and is aimed at financing infrastructure and energy.
Meta Platforms is expecting a fine from the EU for the unfair advantage of Facebook Marketplace. The penalty could reach $13.4 billion, with a decision expected in September-October.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that the EU could encourage the return of Ukrainian conscripts home. There are hundreds of thousands of potential recruits for Ukraine in EU countries.
Banks in countries that trade with Russia are delaying payments due to the risk of secondary US sanctions. This complicates Russia's transactions with China and India, disrupting trade with key economic partners.
The EU countries have rejected a call by Hungary and Slovakia to lift sanctions against Lukoil in order to resume oil transit through Ukraine. The European Commission said that additional time was needed to assess the situation.
Most EU countries have already nominated candidates for the new European Commission. Among them are both new names and current commissioners. The key issues will be EU enlargement and negotiations with Ukraine.
The SBU and police conducted a special operation with 37 searches, neutralizing an FSB agent group. The group was planning arson attacks, targeting shopping centers, gas stations and other facilities in Ukraine and the EU.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba outlined two principles of participation in the peace process. He emphasized respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
Latvia is investigating information about the possible participation of its children in the Artek camp in occupied Crimea. Authorities warn of risks and urge not to visit the occupied territories of Ukraine.
G7 leaders consider using the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to provide a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. The United States demands guarantees of a long-term freeze on Russian assets until a peace agreement is concluded.
Finance ministers from eight EU countries say Western sanctions have hit the Russian military machine. They call for increased pressure on the Putin regime and support for Ukraine.
EU countries will discuss extending sanctions on Russian assets to secure a $50 billion G7 loan to Ukraine. Options for an indefinite extension or for 3 years are being considered.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine held consultations on the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to the European one in trade, labor and procurement. They discussed free access of goods to EU markets, updating labor legislation and public procurement reform.
Ukraine is launching a pilot project to train women to drive buses to overcome the staff shortage. The initiative is aimed at creating new jobs and implementing gender equality standards in the transportation industry.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal had an online conversation with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Mihal. They discussed further support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and cooperation between the governments.
EU ambassadors approve the first disbursement to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility program in the amount of EUR 4. 2 billion. The decision must be approved by the EU Council.