Reuters
South Korean lawmakers stated that the DPRK could send additional troops to Russia in July-August to participate in the war against Ukraine. In exchange for weapons, Moscow is likely transferring military technologies for satellites and navigation to Pyongyang.
At the UN, the US called on China to stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia that are used in the war against Ukraine. China responded that it is not a party to the conflict and accused the US of trying to shift blame.
US President Donald Trump said the US may not reach a trade deal with Canada, suggesting the imposition of tariffs. This comes ahead of August 1, when Washington threatens to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods.
The European Parliament is considering proposals to accelerate the EU's abandonment of Russian gas to January 2027, a year earlier than the European Commission's initial plan. Lawmakers propose obliging governments to impose sanctions on companies that violate the ban.
Elon Musk ordered the Starlink terminals in the Kherson region to be disabled in September 2022, which caused communication disruptions and hindered the encirclement of Russian positions. This incident was the first known case of Starlink being disabled on the battlefield, raising concerns about the billionaire's influence on geopolitics.
In central Vietnam, a bus veered off the road, crashed into road signs, and overturned. The accident killed at least nine people, including children, and injured 16.
Oil prices rose on Friday amid optimism about trade talks, which supported the prospects for the global economy and oil demand. Brent futures reached $69.38 per barrel, WTI - $66.23.
South Korean police raided the offices of K-pop agency HYBE over allegations that chairman Bang Si-hyuk provided false information to investors. The financial regulator referred him to the prosecutor's office for investigation into the company's activities during its stock market listing.
Chinese engines are secretly supplied to the Russian drone manufacturer IEMZ Kupol through shell companies, which has allowed for an increase in the production of Harpy-A1 attack drones despite Western sanctions. The new Chinese firm Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade began supplying L550E engines to Kupol after sanctions were imposed on Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.
Indian company Ideal Detonators Private Limited supplied military-grade explosive octogen to Russia in December for $1. 4 million. This happened despite US warnings of possible sanctions against organizations supporting Russia's war efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit in the US against influencer Candace Owens. The reason was her statement that the First Lady of France is allegedly a man.
The US decided to burn nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives purchased for USAID humanitarian programs. These supplies were stored in Belgium after the Trump administration froze foreign aid programs, and proposals for their repackaging and repurchase were rejected.
In July, Russia's oil and gas revenues could fall by 37% compared to July 2024, amounting to about 680 billion rubles. Cumulative oil and gas revenues for January-July could decrease by 20% to 5.4 trillion rubles.
The court in The Hague lifted the arrest of Gazprom's shares in gas production companies Wintershall Noordzee and Gazprom International Projects B. V. The arrest was imposed at the suit of Ukrainian companies, but the court decided that this could violate the principle of state immunity.
Shipowners and oil traders are distancing themselves from the Indian company Nayara Energy Ltd. after its inclusion in the EU sanctions package. The tanker Talara turned around and left the port of Vadinar without loading fuel, and Nayara began demanding prepayment due to concerns about payments.
Brent and WTI oil prices fell amid fears of a trade war between the US and the EU, which could curb fuel demand growth. The Trump administration has set August 1 as the deadline for trade agreements, otherwise countries face high tariffs.
Heavy rains in China's Shandong province have led to the death of two people and the disappearance of ten. Half a year's worth of precipitation fell in five hours, causing floods and destruction of homes.
On Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed on the grounds of a college and school in Dhaka, killing at least 19 people and hospitalizing over 100 with burns. The incident occurred at Milestone School and College, and the interim government of Bangladesh promises to investigate the causes of the crash.
US President Donald Trump may meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC event in South Korea. This comes amid attempts by Washington and Beijing to negotiate an end to the tariff war.
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.
A tourist boat with 53 people on board capsized in Vietnam, killing 27 people, including eight children. The incident occurred during Typhoon Wipha in Ha Long Bay.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced the preparation of a lawsuit against Russia over the crash of an Azerbaijani Embraer aircraft on December 25, 2024. Azerbaijan demands recognition of guilt, punishment of those responsible, compensation to families, and reimbursement of damages to AZAL.
China's Ministry of Industry plans to ban the resale of new cars within six months of registration. This is aimed at solving the problem of selling used cars with zero mileage.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine confirmed that most of the 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks provided by Australia are already in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The remaining equipment will arrive in the coming months.
On July 19, the Australian government announced the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a A$245 million aid package. Most of the 49 tanks have already been delivered, with the rest to arrive in the coming months.
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.