Sanctions
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.
President Zelenskyy reacted to the night attack by the Russian Federation, during which 135 drones and 10 missiles, including ballistic ones, were launched. He emphasized the need for the adoption of the 21st EU sanctions package and agreements on European anti-ballistic defense.
The European Council has adopted sanctions against 15 individuals and one organization responsible for human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war. Among those listed are individuals involved in torture in Olenivka and the pre-trial detention center in Taganrog.
The Russian authorities in Crimea are removing power transformers from the canal's pumping stations to restore damaged energy facilities. "ATESH" reports a shortage of equipment due to sanctions.
The US State Department has launched a government-wide campaign against the ICC, which has been labeled a threat to sovereignty. Measures include diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and visa restrictions for court staff.
US President Donald Trump supported a bipartisan sanctions package against Russia, initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The package provides for high tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, uranium, and gas.
Users around the world report problems connecting to Steam, as well as outages in the online games Minecraft and Dota 2. 46% of complaints about Steam concern server connection.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas did not answer when the 21st package of sanctions against russia will be adopted, noting that work is ongoing. She emphasized that she wants the package to be strong due to the constant attacks on civilians in Ukraine.
The North Atlantic Council condemned Russia's cyber attacks that threaten the security of the Alliance. NATO called on Russia to cease its actions and is strengthening its own cyber defense.
On July 13, the EU Council added the Russian company VK and the messenger MAX to the sanctions list. They are accused of cyberattacks and transferring user data to the Russian authorities.
The UK government has banned any support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, recognizing it as a threat to national security. Violations are punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Germany summoned the Russian ambassador over cyberattacks against Germany, the EU, and Ukraine. The EU imposed sanctions against nine individuals and four organizations involved in cyber operations.
The European Commission plans to amend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees in July. New applicants will have to provide a certificate from the Ukrainian authorities stating that they are not subject to mobilization.
After mass expulsion from Europe, Russian intelligence officers relocated their espionage activities to Japan. They steal high-tech components for the Russian military-industrial complex.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed damage to two primary oil refining units at the "Syzran" plant in the Samara region of the Russian Federation. Also, seven tankers and other vessels in the Sea of Azov were struck.
EU has imposed sanctions against members of the Russian hacker group "Turla," which has been attacking targets in the EU and Ukraine since 2010. France will also summon the Russian ambassador over the cyberattacks.
The SBU carried out a series of long-range strikes on strategic facilities of the Russian Federation, including oil depots and refineries. An airfield in Crimea and drone warehouses in Donbas were also hit.
The President of Ukraine stated the need to increase pressure on Russia through new sanctions and projects, in particular the European anti-ballistic shield FREYJA. Meetings and negotiations are expected in the near future to strengthen the protection of Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the 21st package of sanctions against Russia has not yet been agreed upon. She hopes to approve 250 sanctions items.
American Senator Lindsey Graham was actively working on normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and on new sanctions against Russia before his death.
Andriy Sybiha will take part in a meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers and an event on the release of Ukrainians held by Russia. Key topics are sanctions, air defense, and Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi stated that the NATO summit in Ankara became one of the most successful for Ukraine, despite concerns about Trump's position. He noted the constructive rhetoric of the US president and practical decisions, in particular regarding the license for Patriot.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine on the night of July 9 struck 12 tankers, a tugboat, and a dry cargo ship of the Russian Federation in the Sea of Azov. Also attacked the oil terminal in Bataysk and an ammunition depot in the Luhansk region.
UEFA is ready to block the return of Russian teams to international football. Key Western European associations oppose lifting the ban.
President Zelenskyy confirmed strikes on two Russian oil refineries in Saratov and Tatarstan. He stated that Ukraine is fairly responding to attacks and the prolongation of the war.
On the night of July 7, the Unmanned Systems Forces struck 8 tankers of Russia's shadow fleet that were carrying fuel to Crimea. The strike was carried out by attack drones of the Ukrainian company FirePoint.
The United Kingdom imposed sanctions against seven individuals and two institutions involved in the development of "Novichok" and "Epibatidine". These substances were used to poison Alexei Navalny and Dawn Sturgess.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The leaders discussed strengthening air defense and agreed to work together on this.
The Serbian oil company NIS, whose controlling stake belongs to Russian owners, received a postponement of US sanctions until July 31. This will allow the company to continue importing oil until the completion of the sale of its stake to Hungarian MOL.
After the Moscow refinery was taken offline, the Russian authorities are redirecting fuel from regions to the capital to avoid a shortage. In Bashkortostan, gas stations have closed and strategic assets are being sold as a result.