Belarus
PACE adopted a resolution confirming that Crimea is Ukraine and calling for the creation of a Special Tribunal, regardless of negotiations. The document also provides for new accusations from the ICC and compensation for damages since 2014.
According to Bloomberg Economics, a full-scale Russian war against Europe could reduce global GDP by $1. 5 trillion. Russia is actively increasing arms production, and the Baltic states are considered a potential target for aggression.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, believes that Russia created problems for Iran amidst Tehran's conflict with Israel, as it cannot provide additional air defense systems. He noted that Russia is unable to save its allies and is experiencing difficulties in Africa and post-Soviet republics.
European and Canadian NATO allies have increased military aid to Ukraine from 20 to over 35 billion euros for the current year. This decision, made on the eve of the NATO summit in The Hague, was supported by Kyiv's allied countries.
Vladimir Putin announced the start of serial production of the "Oreshnik" missile system, which, according to him, has performed well in combat conditions. This system is not a modernization of old systems but was developed based on modern technologies.
Kirsty Coventry has taken over as head of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first woman and African to hold the position. She criticizes the automatic suspension of countries from the Olympics due to conflicts, proposing the creation of task forces to assess specific situations.
From June 23 to 27, large-scale flight-tactical exercises of the Air Force and Air Defense will take place in Belarus. The military will practice strikes on ground targets, withdrawal of aviation units, support of ground troops, and other tasks.
According to former Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Russian negotiators behave politely, but are not authorized to make decisions and are merely a mouthpiece for the Kremlin, afraid to relay "bad news" to the top. They do not inform Moscow about the real situation at the front, which became evident during an attempt to organize an exchange of bodies of the fallen.
Alexander Lukashenka pardoned 14 convicts, including foreigners and Serhiy Tikhanovsky, at the request of US President Donald Trump. This decision was made "on humanitarian grounds for family reunification."
On June 21, 14 political prisoners, including Serhiy Tikhanovsky, were released in Belarus. This happened amid the visit of US President's special representative Keith Kellogg to Minsk.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin seeks to conquer all of Ukraine, as well as the Baltic states, Moldova, and Kazakhstan. Ukraine is making new decisions for defense, as Russia has no intention of stopping.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new international sanctions against Russia and the strengthening of domestic sanctions work against individuals cooperating with the Russian Federation. This comes amidst Russia's efforts to isolate Ukraine from the United States and cut off military aid.
US President's Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, met with Alexander Lukashenka in Minsk. International and regional issues, as well as Belarusian-American relations, were discussed.
The State Security Service of Latvia urges to refrain from traveling to the Russian Federation and Belarus due to high recruitment risks. Citizens who cannot avoid traveling are advised to use special security measures with electronic devices.
Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Sports Committee of Ukraine, and Underwater Sports Federation called for the suspension of Russian "neutral" athletes Kateryna Mykhailushkina and Oleksii Fedkin from participating in the XII World Games in Chengdu, China. It has been established that the mentioned athletes and their coach are members of the Central Sports Club of the Russian Army.
EU countries have agreed to increase the European Investment Bank's annual lending limit to €100 billion and triple financing for the defense industry. The bank also plans to invest €70 billion in technological innovation and renewable energy sources.
Nearly 4. 3 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries as of the end of January 2025. The largest number of Ukrainians are in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where their numbers are increasing.
The Saeima (parliament) of Latvia has passed a law prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as associated companies, from purchasing real estate in the country. The decision, which will take effect after being signed by the president, aims to enhance national security.
A brown bear roamed freely through Vilnius for two days, but hunters refused to follow the government's order to kill the animal, considering it non-aggressive.
Tensions between Israel and Iran present both challenges and opportunities for Russia. The Russian Federation may use this to shift the world's attention away from its aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, the escalation could affect the supply of weapons from Tehran to Moscow.
New Zealand has imposed new sanctions against 18 individuals and organizations supporting Russia's military efforts, as well as against 27 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet". The restrictions are aimed at supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.
The operation of Soviet technology in aviation is a forced step for many countries. Expert Bohdan Dolintse notes that every dollar invested in the aviation industry can yield another five dollars for the economy.
During the active phase of joint exercises of the Russian Federation with Belarus in September, the risk for Ukraine may increase. A strike group has not yet been recorded, but Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation.
Keith Kellogg may become the first American top official to meet with Lukashenko in recent years. This visit is seen as a step to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
NATO's eastern flank countries are reviewing crisis response protocols for hospitals. They are buying bulletproof vests, moving operating rooms underground, and conducting training.
Ukraine called on international sports structures to suspend Russian non-neutral athletes from Thai boxing Shakhtarina and Bespalova, who support the war, from participating in international competitions. Their participation contradicts the IOC's recommendations due to their connections with the Russian army.
Currently, no strike groups are being formed on the territory of Belarus near the Ukrainian border. However, Ukraine is closely monitoring the joint exercises of the Russian Federation and Belarus.
Russia is modernizing nuclear weapon bases near Europe, including in Kaliningrad, 270 km from Sweden. Experts say that Russia is using nuclear threats to sow panic in the West.
The EU Council has approved new duties on imports from Russia and Belarus to reduce dependence on their agricultural products. Fertilizers and 15% of agricultural exports will be subject to restrictions.
General Ingo Gerhartz has taken over the NATO headquarters in Brunssum, replacing Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta. He will lead the defense of NATO's eastern flank, which stretches for 4,000 km.