United Arab Emirates
An opinion column by financial expert Olena Sosedka.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree on new personal sanctions against dozens of individuals and legal entities from Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE. The restrictions apply to companies involved in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals for drone production and the supply of military-purpose technologies to the Russian military-industrial complex.
The suspect, together with accomplices, defrauded over 100 citizens of more than 50 million hryvnias.
Dubai's real estate market recorded a record $117 billion in transactions in the first half of 2025, the highest figure in the emirate's history. This surge is driven by strategic planning, growing investor confidence, and a flexible ecosystem that attracts international and local capital.
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.
Poland is finalizing negotiations to acquire a stake in the satellite company Iceye, which gained prominence for tracking Russian troop movements. This investment will add to the $550 million raised by the company, which is valued at over $1 billion.
Kazakhstan increased oil production by 11. 6% in the first half of 2025, reaching 49.9 million tons, exceeding OPEC+ quotas. The country does not plan to withdraw from OPEC+, despite difficulties in adhering to quotas due to the expansion of the Tengiz field.
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."
Chinese suppliers play a key role in providing Russia with components for the production of attack drones used against Ukraine. 92% of foreign components in Russian drones are of Chinese origin, with supplies made directly and through intermediaries.
There are no legislative initiatives in Ukraine regarding the reduction of the work week, and during the war, its duration can reach 60 hours. However, employers offer vacancies with various working time regimes, including part-time.
OPEC+ countries plan to approve a significant increase in oil production in September, completing the phased unwinding of voluntary cuts. The United Arab Emirates will also receive a larger production quota.
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.
Donald Trump announced the introduction of an additional 10% tariffs on countries that join BRICS' "anti-American policies. " This announcement came amid the BRICS summit in Brazil, where the group criticized US tariff policies.
OPEC+ countries decided to accelerate the increase in oil production in August by 548 thousand barrels per day. Eight participating countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, confirmed their commitment to compensation and compliance with the Declaration of Cooperation.
From July 1, Ukrainians abroad can submit documents for notarial acts online through the "e-Consul" system. This innovation simplifies the process, allowing citizens to upload necessary data and certificates without a physical visit to diplomatic missions until the last step.
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.
Adam Kadyrov is preparing for the official wedding ceremony, which will take place tomorrow in the village of Akhmat-Yurt. The event, which will include invitations to high-ranking representatives from the Middle East, has political significance.
Artur Yemelyanov, former deputy head of the Supreme Commercial Court, has been notified of suspicion of illicit enrichment amounting to over UAH 97 million. He acquired property, including 6 apartments, 5 garages, 18 land plots, 3 cars, and corporate rights, which does not correspond to his legitimate income.
Russia bypasses sanctions by obtaining Western aircraft spare parts through Turkey, China, and the UAE. One billion euros worth of parts entered the Russian Federation between February 2022 and September 2024 through a network of intermediaries.
The US federal regulator has contacted Tesla regarding documented traffic violations by its self-driving taxis. The company lags behind competitors by relying solely on cameras, raising questions about the safety of the technology.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges citizens to carefully weigh the risks when planning trips across the countries of the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. Ukrainians who are in these regions are advised to follow the instructions of local law enforcement agencies.
Persian Gulf countries are increasing security measures following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Bahrain and Kuwait are taking extraordinary measures, while other regional states are calling for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
Iran has sharply increased oil exports following the escalation of the conflict with Israel. The country seeks to maintain revenues by dispersing tankers and ensuring supply stability through the Strait of Hormuz.
The tanker Adalynn, which belongs to the Russian shadow fleet, caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with another tanker. 24 crew members were rescued.
Two oil tankers collided in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire. The crews of both vessels were successfully evacuated, and no oil spill was recorded.
Due to the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, oil tanker owners are suspending routes through the Middle East. This led to a jump in freight rates by 20-30%.
Due to Israeli attacks on Iran, ships are advised to avoid the Gulf of Aden. Britain and Greece call for the registration of flights through the Strait of Hormuz and to exercise caution.
France condemns Iran's nuclear program, reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. Macron called on the parties to exercise restraint to avoid destabilizing the region.
Ben Gurion Airport in Israel is closed until further notice. Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and Wizz Air are canceling flights, the situation affects flights in other countries.
Israeli airstrikes on Iran have sparked a wave of criticism. China has expressed concern, and Arab countries have condemned the actions, emphasizing the violation of sovereignty and the threat to regional stability.