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.
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.
G20 finance ministers in Durban signed a statement on the importance of central bank independence. This happened amid Donald Trump's criticism of US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
As of July 18, 2025, Ukraine has threshed 2355. 3 thousand hectares, harvesting 7225.8 thousand tons of early grain and leguminous crops. The leaders are Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad regions.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the United States did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, expressing dissatisfaction and working towards de-escalation. Washington calls on Syrian authorities to engage in dialogue for integration.
Russian troops are preparing for an intensified summer offensive, concentrating 160,000 personnel near the front line. They have made little progress, improving positions to cut off Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Kupyansk.
Europe's commercial real estate market is not meeting recovery expectations, with property sales at a nearly decade-low. Annual sales in the first quarter of 2025 remained at €47.8 billion, more than half the figure from three years ago.
The Commander of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Europe, General Alexus Grinkevich, announced preparations for the rapid transfer of additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. He noted that he is working very closely with the Germans on this issue, despite Germany's previous statements about the lack of information regarding current supplies.
Gold prices fell by 0. 2% to $3340.79 per ounce due to a strengthening dollar and easing market tensions. This occurred after Donald Trump's statement about the "highly unlikely" dismissal of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
US President Donald Trump stated that he convinced the Coca-Cola company to use cane sugar instead of corn syrup in drinks for the American market. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's “Make America Healthy Again” program.
Countries owning Patriot missiles and Ukrainian donors may meet next week under the chairmanship of the NATO commander. The purpose of the meeting is to find additional Patriot air defense batteries for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump said that the first Patriot air defense systems are already being shipped to European allies. According to him, the US will receive full reimbursement for the cost of weapons from the EU or NATO countries.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed the country's participation in new plans for supplying weapons to Ukraine. This decision was made after Donald Trump's statement about providing Ukraine with Patriot systems through NATO.
Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to continue the war in Ukraine, ignoring Donald Trump's threats of sanctions.
Yulia Navalnaya called on the Italian authorities to cancel the concert of conductor Valery Gergiev, scheduled for July 2025 in Reggia di Caserta, due to his support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Gergiev, who supported the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale war, is under sanctions from Ukraine, Canada, and some EU countries.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.
Kazakhstan increased oil production by 11. 6% in the first half of 2025, reaching 49.9 million tons, exceeding OPEC+ quotas. The country does not plan to withdraw from OPEC+, despite difficulties in adhering to quotas due to the expansion of the Tengiz field.
China plans to purchase 140 million barrels of oil for its strategic reserves by the first quarter of 2026, as long as prices remain below $80 per barrel. This will ensure a high level of imports and soft commercial demand.
Elon Musk stated that he plans to hold a Tesla shareholder vote on investing in the xAI startup. This will deepen xAI's integration into Musk's business empire, despite no merger plans.
Oil prices fell after Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine eased supply concerns. Brent and WTI futures fell 0.2% as Trump's softening stance on sanctions and his tariff plan impacted the market.
The US Supreme Court overturned restrictions on disbanding the Department of Education, allowing the Trump administration to dismiss employees and transfer functions. This decision is part of a plan to reduce the federal government's role in education.
European partners will contribute to the purchase of Patriot systems for Ukraine, while NATO will not be directly involved. Germany and Norway are discussing funding for several systems, awaiting US approval.
Gold prices rose to a three-week high, and silver approached a 14-year high, amid demand for safe-haven assets following Trump's tariff threats. Investors are awaiting US inflation data and a possible rate easing by the Fed.
In Torre-Pacheco, Spain, violent clashes erupted between far-right groups, local residents, and migrants after an attack on an elderly man. Five people were injured, one was detained, and more arrests are expected.
The US Senate Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides for $500 million in aid to Ukraine and extends the Security Assistance Initiative until 2028.
Pedro Pascal, who played Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four: First Steps," said that the remake focuses on family ties and caring for humanity. The film, set to be released on July 24, 2025, in Ukraine, will introduce Marvel's first superhero family, who will confront Galactus.
As of July 11, 2025, 919. 9 thousand hectares of early grain and leguminous crops have been threshed in Ukraine, yielding 2,620.7 thousand tons. Harvesting has started in 18 regions, with Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions being the leaders.
The German Ministry of Defense denied Politico's report about plans to increase the F-35 fleet to 50 units. Currently, Germany has ordered 35 fighters to replace outdated Tornado jets.
Russia's revenues from oil and petroleum product sales in June decreased by almost 14% compared to last year, amounting to $13. 57 billion. This happened amid a decline in global oil prices and almost unchanged oil production in Russia.
