Sanctions
According to the publication, Putin wants to keep the captured areas of Sumy and Kharkiv regions under his control. At the same time, the Kremlin has strengthened its position due to the escalation of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.
On July 20, as part of the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI operation, the tanker MV SOUTH STAR was detained, suspected of sailing under a false flag. EU member states approved the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA operation to verify flags on vessels of the Russian shadow fleet.
The President of Ukraine confirmed the strike on logistics centers in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions that supply the russian army with drone components, as well as an oil depot, and five vessels of Russia's shadow fleet in the Black and Azov Seas.
A blogger from Trump's circle stated that Russia deliberately attacks American businesses in Ukraine. She emphasized that strikes on McDonald's are a symbol of Moscow's contempt for Western values.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretsky held talks with Prime Minister of Lithuania Mindaugas Sinkevičius. The parties discussed the diversification of liquefied gas supplies and strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia.
Indian refineries unloaded more than 2. 3 million barrels of Russian oil per day in June, despite US sanctions. The growth in supplies was facilitated by a reduction in exports from the Persian Gulf and a drop in Urals oil prices.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the deliberate attack on the LPG tanker near Romania is another example of Russian terror. He called for strengthening sanctions and pressure on Russia.
Russia launched airstrikes on Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kherson, hitting residential buildings and a park. The President emphasized the need for a new EU sanctions package and rapid arms deliveries.
Chief Consultant of the National Institute for Strategic Studies Ivan Us believes that the average exchange rate of 45. 7 UAH/USD, set in the budget, is overestimated. According to his forecast, the rate will be around 44.6-44.7 UAH, and the crisis scenario is 48-50 UAH.
FBI Director Kash Patel plans to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg on October 14-15. The visit is being prepared amid tense relations between the United States and Russia.
The US is imposing 50% tariffs on dairy products, alcohol, and hockey equipment from Canada. Canada is in no hurry to react, the Canadian dollar exchange rate has declined.
The IMF Executive Board completed the first review of the EFF program for Ukraine, allowing the allocation of a new tranche of about $690 million. The Fund urged Ukraine to accelerate reforms, particularly anti-corruption and governance reforms.
Due to the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, the price of Brent crude oil has risen to $91 per barrel. In Ukraine, fuel could become more expensive by several hryvnias per liter within one to two weeks.
Presidential Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that discussions around sanctions do not indicate a split in the EU. He expects the adoption of the 21st sanctions package this week and the start of work on the 22nd.
The US Senate has introduced an updated version of a bill on sanctions against Russia, which provides for tariffs of up to 100% instead of 500%. The document is supported by about 60 senators and allows President Trump to temporarily suspend sanctions.
New Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi held his first conversation with the head of the European Commission, discussing reforms and European integration. He also raised the issues of sanctions, air defense, and financial aid.
The business climate indicator in Russia fell to minus 3. 6 points in June, indicating a predominance of negative expectations among businesses. At the same time, companies' inflation expectations and the number of bankruptcies are growing.
President Zelenskyy confirmed the operation of "long-range sanctions" against logistics facilities and an oil depot in the Moscow region. Also in the Black Sea, two tankers and four dry cargo ships were hit.
Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal are blocking or demanding exemptions from the 21st EU sanctions package. Diplomats warn that national economic interests are weakening sanctions policy.
US President Donald Trump did not announce a change in strategy on Iran, despite the increase in losses among American servicemen to 17 people. Washington plans to maintain its course of strikes on Iranian targets and the safety of navigation.
U. S. President Donald Trump called on Congress to include Iran in the bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. He noted that this was sought by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Trump Media & Technology Group offers traders to pay up to $100,000 per month for faster access to Trump's posts on Truth Social. This has sparked a negative reaction on Wall Street due to the impact on markets.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs called for increased pressure on Russia after the attack on Kyiv with dozens of ballistic missiles. He demands the unblocking of the 21st EU sanctions package and the acceleration of air defense supplies to Ukraine.
Astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko predicts a period of changes due to the end of retrograde Mercury and the opposition of Jupiter with Pluto. Political and economic changes, a struggle for resources and technologies are expected.
President Zelenskyy reported the strike on two logistics centers in the Moscow and Tambov regions, which supplied sanctioned components.
US President Donald Trump accused Canada of spreading smoke from wildfires into US territory and stated his intention to add pollution costs to tariffs. Canada responded that since 2020 it has invested 12 billion Canadian dollars in fire prevention.
The tanker Carolin Bezengi, which was transporting Russian oil, likely caused an oil spill off the coast of Oman. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
Sandra Audkirk assumed the duties of Chargé d'Affaires at the U. S. Embassy in Kyiv on July 8, 2026. She is a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience.
On the night of July 17, the Defense Forces struck military targets of the Russian Federation. Two tankers, the patrol ship "Svetlyak", an oil terminal, and the "Slavneft-Yanos" refinery were hit.
The EU Council on July 17 adopted restrictive measures against one individual and five organizations involved in the production of drones. The sanctions were imposed due to the deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv in early July.