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.
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.
