Hong Kong

Since the beginning of the war, the NBU has transferred over UAH 35. 9 billion for defense needs from a special account. As of August 1, 2024, the account balance exceeded UAH 1.3 billion.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited Hong Kong. He called on local authorities to take measures to prevent Russia from using Hong Kong to circumvent sanctions imposed for its aggression against Ukraine.

China has significantly reduced the volume of semiconductor supplies to russia after the new US sanctions. From January to may 2024, the supply of advanced components through Hong Kong fell by 28%, and through mainland China - by 19%.

In the United States, a russian man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for money laundering and smuggling military microelectronics for russia. He ran a network of front companies in Hong Kong to illegally purchase technology.

Taiwan warns its citizens against traveling to China because of Beijing's threats to execute "ardent" supporters of Taiwan's independence.

According to a study by Julius Baer Group Ltd, Singapore remains the most expensive city in the world, followed by Hong Kong and London.

Hong Kong recorded the hottest summer solstice in the last 40 years - 34°C. Meteorologists warn of a hotter-than-usual summer due to climate change and a series of periods of extreme heat.

The NATO Secretary General warned that China will face consequences if it continues to support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russian companies facing difficulties in trading with China due to Western sanctions are increasingly using cryptocurrencies such as Tether and barter transactions to circumvent financial restrictions.

A 37-year-old former British Marine accused of spying for Chinese intelligence has been found dead in a park near London under unclear circumstances.

France and the Netherlands propose that the EU impose sanctions on any financial institution worldwide that helps the Russian military obtain prohibited goods or dual-use technology.

On Wednesday, the price of bitcoin fell slightly to $62,000, despite the weakening dollar and a small positive movement.

The European Commission has sent the EU countries a draft of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes restrictions on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, a ban on transshipment of Russian LNG in European ports, sanctions against the Russian "shadow fleet" transporting oil, restrictions on trade with more than 50 non-EU companies that help Russia avoid sanctions, and a ban on Russian funding of political parties and non-governmental organizations in the EU.

The women's foil fencing team of Ukraine won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Hong Kong, becoming the first Ukrainian team in history to compete at this level.

Apple reported disappointing quarterly results due to weak demand in China and stiff competition from Huawei, but remains optimistic about the long-term potential of China and other markets such as India, announcing a record $110 billion share buyback plan and hinting at future AI product launches.

The price of bitcoin remains relatively stable near the lower end of the trading range as investors continue to sell off cryptocurrency assets, especially in the United States.

Bitcoin and ethereum prices are declining due to investors' fears of stagflation, a scenario of high inflation and low economic growth in the United States, which poses risks to high-risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Despite Western sanctions, russia is likely to obtain British luxury cars through neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, where exports from Britain have increased unprecedentedly.

Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Fraülein Lieser," which had been considered lost for 100 years, was sold for 30 million euros to an unknown buyer in Vienna.

The EU is considering imposing sanctions on more than 10 companies from russia, Turkey, the UAE, China, and Hong Kong for importing millions of euros worth of banned European goods for use by the russian military-defense complex, despite significant trade restrictions.

Heavy rains in the Chinese province of Guangdong caused floods that killed 4 people, displaced 110,000, and destroyed roads and bridges.

Tesla and Chinese electric car makers such as Li Auto have cut prices amid fierce competition, including in the Chinese electric car market.

In 2022, Ukraine's population growth rate was an alarming 0. 9. There were 187,000 reported newborns and a high premature mortality rate, exacerbated by the war and the massive emigration of up to 7 million citizens.

Russia is using cryptocurrencies such as Tether to circumvent Western sanctions and buy dual-use goods that are imported and used to produce weapons to attack Ukraine.

Russia is promoting an information campaign that falsely links Ukraine to the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Mall, citing statements by pro-Russian journalists and bloggers.

The Hong Kong authorities have unveiled a national security bill that provides for life imprisonment for high treason and sedition. In addition, the new bill expands the government's powers in the field of anti-espionage and protection of state secrets.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited the Falkland Islands for the first time in 30 years to pay tribute to the British military who died in the 1982 conflict and reaffirm the UK's commitment to protecting the islands' sovereignty.

Polymetal International agrees to sell its Russian assets for $3. 7 billion to Mangazeya Plus.

The UAE's largest banks have restricted settlements with Russia and started closing client accounts due to the risk of secondary sanctions.

For the first time, the EU proposes to impose sanctions on companies in mainland China as part of its latest package aimed at closing loopholes that allow Russia to obtain military technology through third countries for its weapons factories, the report said.