President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defense assistance to Ukraine, particularly strengthening air defense. The parties also discussed joint defense production, including the manufacturing of drones in Ukraine.
The European Union announced that a new package of measures to restrict fuel supplies from Russian oil will not come into force until January 21 next year. This decision dispelled fears of a narrowing diesel market and gave markets a respite.
Brent crude futures rose by 6 cents to $69. 34 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 17 cents to $67.51. This comes as the impact of new European sanctions on Russian oil supplies is being assessed, alongside concerns about declining demand due to tariffs.
The United States of America will not extend the pause for the introduction of duties, and new tariffs will come into force on August 1. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that the Trump administration will conclude trade agreements by this date.
The Russian state-owned company Rosneft called the European Union's sanctions against the Indian oil refinery Nayara Energy "unjustified and illegal. " The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also disagrees with unilateral EU sanctions against Indian companies.
Zoltan Rajo, a nurse from Zakarpattia, denied information about the violent death of 46-year-old ethnic Hungarian Jozsef Sebestyen. According to him, the man died from a blood clot that entered a coronary artery, and no signs of beating were found on the body.
The European Union has provided Ukraine with €164. 8 billion in financial support, of which €3.6 billion came from frozen Russian assets. The EU also extended the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians until March 2026.
Iran, Great Britain, France, and Germany may hold talks on Tehran's nuclear program next week. This comes after the E3 countries warned of renewed sanctions if no progress is made.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova met with the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka. Maternova noted his experience in promoting Ukraine's European integration path, especially in the field of trade and the Association Agreement.
Donald Trump called on the US Senate to cancel its summer recess for the urgent approval of six candidates he proposed for positions. Among the nominees are lawyer Emil Bow and former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro.
The European Parliament stated that Georgia will not be able to join the EU until the government changes its authoritarian course. The path to membership is suspended until fair elections are held.
The European Union has included two Chinese regional banks, Suifenhe Rural Commercial and Heihe Rural Commercial, in the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. China actively lobbied for the exclusion of the banks, but the EU ignored the threats, leaving open the possibility of exclusion in six months, provided support for the Russian army ceases.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would vote against the EU budget for 2028–2034, which provides for the allocation of 100 billion euros to support Ukraine. He justifies this by saying that the budget "sends Hungarians' money to Ukraine" and "destroys Hungarian farmers."
The Ukrainian financial group ICU may face sanctions and loss of licenses due to cooperation with Russian state-owned businesses, in particular VTB, and aggressive behavior in the debt restructuring market. The company bought LPN debt securities of "Alfa-Bank" and blocked restructuring, and also had ties with Burger King Russia.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland has refuted the distortion of Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar's speech at the ceremony commemorating the victims of the Volyn tragedy. The video circulating on social media is fake and taken out of context.
President Zelenskyy received a report from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha on new sanctions against Russia and agreements with the USA. The situation at the Russia-Georgia border regarding Ukrainian citizens and the appointment of new ambassadors were also discussed.
The Commander-in-Chief of NATO's European forces, Alexus Hrynkevych, stated that the US and the EU have 18 months to prepare for a possible large-scale military conflict with China and Russia. There is a risk of coordinated aggression, which could lead to a simultaneous attack on Taiwan and NATO countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha declared Ukraine's full solidarity with the EU, Great Britain, and other partners who have been subjected to Russia's hybrid campaigns. Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering cyber threats to strengthen collective security.
Greek shipping companies transporting Russian oil are likely to continue deliveries despite a new EU sanctions package. They will adhere to the established price cap, ensuring about 20% of trade.
US President Donald Trump hinted at future "great" trade deals that may be announced soon. He also noted that the US is imposing 30% tariffs on goods from the EU and Mexico starting August 1.
Donald Trump has toughened his demands on the EU, insisting on a minimum duty of 15-20% in a trade agreement. The US is considering reciprocal duties over 10% and threatens 30% tariffs on imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1.
Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka stated that blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU is a traditional situation for candidate countries. Ukraine's task is to reach a consensus so that all 27 member states are at least not against accession.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubt about Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2034. He noted that Ukraine's reconstruction after the war would be linked to its EU accession process, but this would take several years.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
Ukraine welcomes the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, but considers it insufficient. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the need to strengthen sanction policy, particularly from the US, to limit Russia's ability to continue the war.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
Opinion column by financial expert Olena Sosedka.
The European Union has begun work on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia after approving the 18th.
Gold prices rose 0. 4% to $3350.87 per ounce on Friday, while platinum reached its highest level since 2014. The US dollar weakened by 0.4%, and the EU approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
The ban on marketing agreements between pharmacies and drug manufacturers from March 1, 2025, negatively affects small manufacturers who have lost their promotion tools. This can also lead to market shadowization and job losses.
