The National Bank of Ukraine reports that food prices in Ukraine have converged with European ones, and some, like butter, have even exceeded them. This is due to internal and external factors, including high production costs and differences in VAT rates.
Ukrainian police, together with foreign colleagues, identified a resident of Dnipro who sent false reports about the mining of educational institutions and leisure centers in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Latvia. He has been charged with knowingly false reporting of a threat to public safety.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine plans to open over 10 new consular offices by the end of the year, including in Romania, Iraq, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, France, and Poland. Consulates in Antalya and Gdansk will receive general consulate status.
Ukraine welcomes the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, but considers it insufficient. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the need to strengthen sanction policy, particularly from the US, to limit Russia's ability to continue the war.
The European Union has approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, covering the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors. The package includes a new dynamic oil price cap, and Slovakia supported it after receiving guarantees regarding gas prices.
EU ambassadors approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, which previously blocked the sanctions, supported them after reaching agreements with the European Commission on gas prices.
Slovakia will allow the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on July 18. Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed with Ursula von der Leyen on guarantees regarding gas prices and its possible shortage.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the country will not support the EU's REPowerEU initiative to abandon Russian gas from 2028. Slovakia links this issue to the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, demanding a postponement of the vote.
EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation on July 16. Discussion of the issue may resume on Friday, despite Poland's optimism and Slovakia's resistance.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed optimism about the swift adoption of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This will happen despite public opposition from Slovakia, which blocked it the day before.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha confirmed Ukraine's readiness for peace talks in any format and geographical zone. He refuted Russia's statements about delaying negotiations, calling them manipulation.
A man was detained in Dnipro who last year threatened terrorist attacks in schools in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. His activities were financed by Russians, and the detention took place with the participation of Ukrainian, Czech, and Slovak special services.
US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO on arming Ukraine. Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, Canada, and Great Britain supported the initiative, while the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia refused.
The 2025-2026 hunting season has begun in Zakarpattia with the aim of preventing an increase in the number of predatory animals and the spread of infectious diseases. Hunters must obtain a permit and hunting licenses, and hunting is allowed only within established limits.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.
The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.
The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.
Malta and Slovakia did not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. A decision is expected after the meeting of EU ambassadors.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that the EU could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week after receiving written guarantees regarding gas imports. Slovakia cannot block the ban on Russian gas imports from 2028, but requires unanimity for the sanctions package.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to unconditionally unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. He insists on EU gas guarantees for Slovakia after the cessation of Russian gas supplies from 2028.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the adoption of the 18th package of anti-Russian EU sanctions. Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions against Russia and warned of Slovakia's possible isolation.
EU ambassadors have practically agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a 15% reduction in the price cap for Russian oil. A final agreement is expected before the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
Slovakia aims to conclude an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by July 15 regarding energy security guarantees. Without these guarantees, the country is blocking a new package of sanctions against Russia, related to the cessation of Russian gas imports.
In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
The European Commission this week will propose a floating price cap on Russian oil as part of a new package of sanctions. The mechanism will adjust price limits based on changes in the global price of energy resources.
EU governments are demanding that Brussels keep national plans for phasing out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027 secret. This is due to the desire to avoid influencing market prices and disclosing confidential information.
President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.
Ukrzaliznytsia is launching an additional daytime train No. 218/217 in test mode, which will connect Zakarpattia with Lviv region on July 17, 19, and 25. It will have convenient connections to international and domestic flights.
A group of Russian websites is publishing confidential data of Ukrainian military personnel and their families, using technical services in Slovakia. The goal is public humiliation and intimidation, which is part of information-psychological warfare.
