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.
The EU Council has approved the gradual launch of a new digital border management system (EES) over six months. The system will record the entries and exits of non-EU citizens, increasing control efficiency and reducing fraud.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed military aid and energy resilience with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The parties reached concrete agreements on preparing for the upcoming winter and accelerating sanctions pressure on Russia.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
Hungary analyzed the European Commission's proposal for the EU budget for 2028-2034, stating that Ukraine could receive about 20% of the funds. Hungarian Minister for European Affairs János Bóka called this irrational.
The number of Russia's hybrid attacks in Europe has sharply increased since 2022, with over 200 incidents recorded between 2014 and 2024. The main targets are energy, transport, and communications, and the attacks are aimed at weakening European unity.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France discussed Ukraine's defense needs, strengthening air defense, and training pilots for Mirages. France confirmed its readiness to accept additional pilots for training and is working on joint solutions for protection against Russian strikes.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of the synchronization of European sanctions and new decisions regarding sanctions in Ukraine. This is a response to the 18th EU sanctions package, which increases pressure on the Russian tanker fleet and limits the price of oil.
The EU has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a revised price cap on Russian oil, disconnection of banks from SWIFT and restrictions on the shadow fleet. The sanctions also apply to Chinese banks and the export of drone technologies.
The European Union has approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, covering the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors. The package includes a new dynamic oil price cap, and Slovakia supported it after receiving guarantees regarding gas prices.
EU ambassadors approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, which previously blocked the sanctions, supported them after reaching agreements with the European Commission on gas prices.
China's Ministry of State Security accused foreign intelligence services of fraudulently exporting strategically important rare earth metals. Attempts to smuggle them through postal shipments and disguise the materials in other goods have been detected.
German politicians have called on the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to put the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party under surveillance. The reason for this was the party's actions, which include defending a pro-Russian propagandist and supporting an organization suspected of financing terrorism.
Slovakia will allow the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on July 18. Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed with Ursula von der Leyen on guarantees regarding gas prices and its possible shortage.
