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.
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.
