Sanctions
President Zelenskyy reported that the SBU destroyed a military Tu-95 aircraft in Engels. The aircraft was used for missile strikes on Ukraine.
The Russian authorities have begun fining defense industry enterprises for failing to meet plans for forming air defense units. The plants "Lepse", "Selmash" and "Mayak" have been sanctioned.
Russia is forced to cut the investment program of Rosatom by almost half due to economic difficulties. The Kremlin traditionally uses nuclear energy for geopolitical influence.
Commander of the SBS of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Robert Brovdi confirmed the destruction of 12 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet on July 17. In total, from July 6 to July 17, 159 vessels were destroyed, of which 117 in the Sea of Azov and 42 in the Black Sea.
Google Play, following AppStore, removed the popular apps VK in Russia. This happened after the EU imposed sanctions against the holding and its related developer company Maх.
A bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has over 60 co-sponsors. The document requires approval from the House of Representatives, with the main obstacle being the time for debate in the Senate.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on July 16. The parties discussed diplomatic steps for peace, the situation on the front line, and the development of bilateral trade.
President Zelenskyy discussed the legal procedures for appointing Yevhen Khmara as acting Minister of Defense. Khmara was responsible for long-range operations of the SBU and will oversee long-range operations of the Security Forces.
Several of the richest people in Russia, close to Putin, moved billions of dollars abroad. The capital outflow intensified due to fears of asset confiscation and economic problems.
President Zelenskyy stated that due to Ukraine's actions, the number of Russians who wish for the end of the war is growing. At the same time, he emphasized that respect for Ukrainians in the Russian Federation has not increased.
Commander of the SBS Robert Brovdi reported the destruction of 11 enemy vessels on July 16. In total, from July 6 to July 16, 147 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet were destroyed.
In the second quarter of 2026, Russians sharply increased purchases of dollars and euros, demand for foreign currency tripled. The dollar accounted for 68% of applications, and the bet on the yuan did not work.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine on the night of July 16 struck six tankers and two tugboats in the Black and Azov Seas. Also hit were the "Shakhtarsk" oil depot and bridges in Prymorsk and Chongar.
The SBU, together with the Navy, struck the tankers Louise 1 and Banda, which are part of Russia's shadow fleet, using naval drones. The vessels were under sanctions by Ukraine.
According to "ATESH", the occupiers plan to use regular military personnel and scarce units to guard oil tankers. Each vessel will be assigned up to three soldiers with machine guns and MANPADS.
Head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov reported a 42% drop in the company's net profit in 2025. The reason cited is the rise in the cost of weapons production due to sanctions and problems in the Russian economy.
EU countries failed for the third consecutive day to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia, temporarily freezing the oil price cap at $44. 10 per barrel until July 23. Austria and Greece blocked the process due to demands for compensation and restrictions on gas trade.
Greece opposes EU sanctions that would ban the transportation of Russian LNG to protect Dynagas of Greek magnate Prokopiou. Athens' objection delayed the approval of the 21st sanctions package by a week.
The IHF Council has lifted restrictions for the national teams of Russia and Belarus, allowing the use of national symbols. The federation expressed solidarity with Ukraine and condemned the war.
At the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, the president called for strengthening coordination and sanctions. The leaders of the region confirmed support for Ukraine and its European integration.
The President of Ukraine met with the leaders of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Albania, Croatia and Slovenia. The sides discussed cooperation and increasing pressure on Russia.
The President signed a decree updating sectoral sanctions, which now apply to operators of cryptocurrency services and platforms for digital assets. The update is aimed at complicating the circumvention of restrictions through the use of modern financial instruments.
Péter Szijjártó left parliament to join Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. In his new position, he will be responsible for external relations and business development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha stated that a bipartisan bill on sanctions against russia is awaiting consideration in the U. S. Senate. The adoption of the document will increase pressure on the Russian economy and contribute to peace in Ukraine.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill that provides for sanctions against high-ranking officials of the Russian Federation and high tariffs for buyers of Russian oil. The document aims to increase pressure on Russia's energy sector.
US President Donald Trump stated that the bill on new sanctions against Russia has high chances of being passed. The document may be expanded to include sanctions against Iran and Hezbollah.
The Verkhovna Rada supported a resolution on sanctions against all financial institutions of Russia for a period of 50 years. The document also prohibits operations with virtual assets issued by Russian institutions.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the country's withdrawal from the "coalition of the willing" that supports Ukraine. He advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict and has halted military aid to Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian military continues to impose "long-range sanctions" on Russia. He thanked the units of the SSO, SBU, SBS, GUR, and Navy for strikes on oil refineries, ships, and tankers of the "shadow fleet".
The Japanese government stated the need for more effective countermeasures against foreign intelligence after the NYT publication about Russia using the country as a "spy den". According to the publication, 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components.