Belarus
Lithuanian border guards shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle that flew into the country's airspace from the territory of Belarus. The drone was detected 4 km from the border after it was intercepted using special equipment.
In Finland, as of July 15, a ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus came into force. This decision, explained by the need to strengthen the country's security, applies to all types of transactions.
Tomorrow, a meeting of the Lublin Triangle will take place in Lublin with the participation of the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland. The parties will discuss the security situation, Euro-Atlantic integration, and countering Russian threats.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius calls on Lithuania and the Baltic states to create a drone shield and establish mass production of drones after a Russian "Gerbera" drone flew into Lithuanian territory. He emphasizes the need to train specialists for rapid drone production.
Satellite images from Planet Labs recorded large-scale construction at five Russian nuclear facilities, including Osipovichi, Gadzhiyevo, Kaliningrad, Kamchatka, and Novaya Zemlya. The modernization indicates Moscow's possible plans for nuclear forces amid tensions in Europe.
On July 10, three migrants from Afghanistan tried to cross the river on the Polish-Belarusian border. One of them attacked a border guard, which led to the use of a smoothbore weapon
A Mi-8 helicopter belonging to "Vzlet" airline disappeared during a flight from Okhotsk to Magadan. There were three crew members and two technicians on board. An An-26 aircraft and another Mi-8 helicopter have been deployed for the search.
On July 12, a Mi-24 helicopter of the Belarusian Air Defense destroyed a Russian attack UAV "Gerbera" that was heading to Ukraine. The drone's debris fell on the territory of the Gomel region.
Fugitive businessman Serhiy Kurchenko and a number of high-ranking Russian officials have been served with a notice of suspicion for appropriating Ukrainian enterprises in the occupied territories. From 2017 to 2021, they exported products worth over 55 billion hryvnias to Russia and other countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has created a department for unfriendly countries to counter those who help Russia in the war. It will deal with diplomatic, sanction, and political measures against regimes such as Belarus and North Korea.
The former Minister of Infrastructure commented on the DBR searches in the case of MP Yevheniy Shevchenko, stating that he had no contact with him after February 2022. He emphasized his readiness to provide law enforcement agencies with all necessary information.
People's Deputy Yevhen Shevchenko has been served with a notice of suspicion for fraud. He embezzled UAH 14.5 million by fraudulently inducing a company to transfer funds for alleged legal services that were not provided.
Lithuania is investigating an incident with a Gerbera drone that flew in from Belarus on July 10. The military assures that the object did not pose a threat, but they are studying possible scenarios for its use.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."
Ukraine called on the IOC and international federations to reconsider the admission of Russians to the Universiade. Athletes participated in a propaganda tournament and are associated with military clubs.
Russia is involving North Korean military personnel in the war in Ukraine, which creates prerequisites for obtaining cheaper volunteers. Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes the risk of war between NATO and Russia due to the use of DPRK troops.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha signed an order on reforming the structure of the agency. The changes include the creation of new departments and directorates that correspond to the realities of war and international diplomatic practices.
BRICS countries reacted to Donald Trump's threats to impose 10% tariffs on countries that join "anti-American policies. " South Africa and China deny anti-American sentiments, and Malaysia joins BRICS, emphasizing an independent foreign policy.
In Odesa region, a Moldovan citizen died during construction work due to a falling concrete support. The deceased and the injured man were not officially employed and were illegally staying in Ukraine.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, stated that the situation on the border with Belarus is different from that with Russia, and no unusual actions are being recorded. The threat remains, as Belarus supports Russia, although there is no group of troops that would pose a threat.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three decrees, synchronizing EU sanctions against Russia and implementing packages of restrictions against Iran. The sanctions apply to individuals and legal entities from various countries, including the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Iran.
Ukraine calls for the removal of Russian sambo wrestlers from the XII World Games due to their involvement in military structures and support for aggression. Violations have been found among neutral participants that contradict the IOC's recommendations.
The Polish Sejm voted in favor of the country's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, allowing the use of anti-personnel mines. The Minister of Defense stated that the country cannot have restrictions in protecting itself from a Russian invasion.
Russia is preparing the public and military for a potential war with NATO. NATO Secretary General Rutte points to Russia as the biggest existential threat and warns of a possible attack within 3-7 years, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy believes that Russia will be ready for war with NATO by 2030.
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.