Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko will hold a meeting with G7 ambassadors in August to discuss the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada must adopt changes regarding in absentia proceedings and war crimes to harmonize legislation with the EU.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
Brent and WTI crude futures edged lower after three sessions of declines. This happened amid a US-Japan agreement and discussions of sanctions against Russian oil, which affects global trade sentiment.
US President Donald Trump announced new trade agreements, setting tariffs on imports from Japan at 15% and from the Philippines at 19%. These steps are shaping a new trade landscape where 10% is considered the new norm, and American companies still profitably import goods.
The United States of America and Japan have concluded a trade agreement that includes 15% import tariffs and $550 billion in Japanese investments in the US. Following the announcement of the agreement, Japanese stocks rose, and the Nikkei 225 index reached a three-week high.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will meet with the leaders of Japan and China. In Tokyo, agreements on cooperation in the defense industry and economic security are planned to be signed, while no significant agreements are expected from the summit in Beijing.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
On July 21, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed new ambassadors to a number of countries and international organizations. Among the appointments are ambassadors to Kenya, Kuwait, Spain, Oman, Canada, Mexico, Cyprus, Malaysia, Belgium, Japan, Angola, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE, Algeria, and South Africa.
Spot gold prices rose 0. 6% to $3368.39 per ounce, while US gold futures rose 0.5% to $3376. This occurred amid a weakening dollar and expectations regarding trade talks and the Fed meeting.
A study by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center found a direct link between climate extremes and sharp spikes in food prices. This highlights the growing vulnerability of food systems to environmental shocks, leading to inflation and affecting the consumption of poorer households.
Japan's ruling coalition, according to exit polls, is losing its majority in the upper house of parliament, putting pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government. This comes ahead of the deadline for concluding a customs agreement with the United States, which could lead to political turmoil.
July 18 marks Perfect Family Day, World Listening Day, Tetris Birthday, International Nelson Mandela Day, and commemorates the holy martyrs Hyacinth and Emilian. On this day in 1985, "Tetris" first went beyond the USSR, and the UN proclaimed July 18 International Nelson Mandela Day.
July 17 marks International Tattoo Day, World Day for International Justice, Ethnographer Day, and World Emoji Day. On this day, the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Marina is also honored.
Japan recognized China's military cooperation with Russia as a serious security threat that could change the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing criticized the report, calling it an "incorrect perception of China."
On the night of July 15, drones attacked the Lipetsk, Voronezh, and Rostov regions of the Russian Federation. Explosions occurred in Yelets and Voronezh, and one person was injured.
North Korea accused the United States of threatening regional peace by deploying strategic bombers over the Korean Peninsula for trilateral exercises. The exercises involved US, Japanese, and South Korean aircraft, demonstrating their ability to respond to security challenges.
The Ukrainian government concluded 200 agreements worth over 13 billion euros at the Recovery Conference in Rome. The funds will be directed towards strengthening air defense, restoring infrastructure, housing, medicine, and supporting IDPs.
The Pentagon is demanding that Japan and Australia clearly define their actions in the event of a US-China war over Taiwan, causing frustration among allies. This is part of US efforts to strengthen deterrence and prepare for a potential conflict.
Starting August 1, the United States is imposing 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union and Mexico. President Donald Trump announced this on social media, expanding tariff restrictions to a number of countries.
South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported on the construction of over 110 new factories and enterprises during the war. Ukraine's economy shows stable growth thanks to loans from international partners and offers investors a full package of opportunities.
Czech President Petr Pavel presented a plan for post-war reconstruction of Ukraine in Rome. It envisages attracting private capital, institutional reforms, and shared responsibility of allies.
Oil prices fell due to new Trump tariffs threatening global economic growth. Brent and WTI futures lost value, despite rising US crude oil inventories and record demand for air travel.
Brent and WTI crude futures fell after rising to two-week highs. Investors are awaiting new developments regarding Trump's tariffs and the increase in US crude oil inventories.
The third season of the Japanese series "Alice in Borderland" will be released on Netflix on September 25. The teaser shows the characters returning to the real world and Usagi's kidnapping, which forces Arisu to go back to Borderland.
The European Commission is considering options to finance Ukraine's budget deficit for next year, which could reach $19 billion. Off-budget grants, advance loans, and the use of Russian assets are being discussed.
Asian stock markets are stable, while the dollar strengthens and oil prices fall after the US announced increased tariffs for 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, starting August 1. The European Union will not receive new increased tariffs.
Gold prices stabilized after rising due to Trump's tariff threats, which stimulated demand for safe-haven assets. A stronger dollar limited further gains in metal prices.
US President Donald Trump informed the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and South Africa about the introduction of new import duties. The size of the duties ranges from 25% to 40%, and companies can avoid them by moving production to the US.
US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on goods from Japan and South Korea starting August 1. This applies to countries that have not yet concluded trade agreements with his administration and is part of his policy of reviewing trade relations.
