Sanctions
U. S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the toughest sanctions against Iran and called on China to join the pressure. Beijing purchases more than 80% of Iran’s oil.
Andrii Sybiha met with Tom Fletcher in Kyiv and spoke about Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. Fletcher announced a trip to Kherson.
Following Russia's massive overnight attack, Andrii Sybiha called on partners to urgently transfer interceptors to Ukraine. He added that every delay is measured in human lives.
Trump said that the most devastating economic operation against Iran was being prepared. He threatened countries that would help Tehran with consequences.
Russian dictator Putin is trying to conceal the economic damage caused by the war and Ukrainian strikes. Prices, fuel shortages, and labor shortages are increasing in Russia.
The UN Secretary-General expressed serious concern over US sanctions against Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seyé. The UN called the ICC a pillar of international justice.
Kim Yo Jong called Zelenskyy's statement about the possible deployment of 50,000 troops to Russia groundless. In 2024, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 military personnel.
Banks in four countries have raised fees on Russian cash to 15–20%. The surplus of rubles is squeezing Moscow’s financial influence.
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa expressed support for the ICC and its independence after the US sanctions against court officials.
A Russian FPV drone struck a civilian minibus in Kherson: four people were killed and five more were injured. Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on the aggressor.
The Cabinet of Ministers has submitted a program of activities to the Verkhovna Rada, which envisages opening all negotiation clusters with the EU during 2026–2027 and being ready to close them in 2027.
The Skiros tanker was attacked near the CPC terminal off Novorossiysk after loading a shipment of Russian oil.
Russia has reportedly deployed the missile frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" in the Baltic Sea following the destroyer "Admiral Levchenko". Putin threatens "mirror measures" in response to sanctions against the "shadow fleet".
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the largest sanctions list since the beginning of the war is being prepared. If adopted, the number of sanctioned individuals and companies will increase by one-third.
The price of Brent crude rose by 0. 5% amid new Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the possible tightening of US sanctions against Iran. Traders are assessing the risks ahead of the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran.
As a result of Russian attacks on August 16, six people were injured in Kyiv and the surrounding region. In Kryvyi Rih, two people were killed and 14 injured; one person was killed in Sumy.
VEB Chief Economist Andrey Klepach said that Russia is losing the technological and economic competition, including to Ukraine. He predicts a social crisis in the Russian Federation due to rising costs and a declining economy.
The US is considering new measures to economically isolate Iran, including pressure on China and the shadow fleet. This could exacerbate relations with Beijing and cause oil prices to rise.
From March 2027, Russian banks will be able to check customers' devices, allowing the authorities to strengthen digital control. This creates a risk of the security services gaining access to citizens' personal data.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia’s federal budget deficit reached 6. 46 trillion rubles, while oil and gas revenues fell by 17%. The authorities are preparing a new tax increase due to the depletion of the National Wealth Fund’s liquid resources.
France, Germany and Britain are coordinating efforts to ensure Europe’s participation in future negotiations. They are concerned about possible exclusion from the dialogue by the Trump administration.
Ukrainian forces struck the Progress center in the Samara region and the Savasleyka airfield. An oil facility in Ust-Luga was also damaged.
The Trump–Putin summit in August 2025 did not lead to a ceasefire or a peace agreement. A year later, the fighting continues, and Ukraine is once again submitting proposals to the United States.
The Kremlin has changed its propaganda tactics and is now questioning the legality of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The CPD emphasizes that the sanctions are a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on individuals and companies involved in the illegal export of Ukrainian grain. The package includes 13 vessels, 11 Russian citizens, and 28 legal entities.
The Russian dictator set a task for 2026 at a secret briefing: the breakup of NATO and the EU from within. Moldova plays a key role in this, where Moscow is interfering in the elections.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published a list of 26 vessels used to transport Russian oil, liquefied gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Eighteen of these vessels are not under sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s partner countries.
The President of Ukraine held a meeting of the Staff, where defense financing for the autumn-winter period and needs for the latest weapons were discussed. Intelligence provided updated information on Russia’s plans; asymmetric countermeasures are being prepared.
Due to Russian strikes on ports and vessels, Ukraine’s grain exports fell to 30% of the required volume at the beginning of August. Minister Vysotskyi said that without restoring the operation of the Black Sea ports, exports would not exceed 50%.
YouTube blocked 12 channels in Ukraine that spread Kremlin narratives and supported the Russian army. Among the blocked channels were resources belonging to Russian actors, journalists, and propagandists.