The EU unveiled its largest sanctions package in four years against Russia, leading FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend his activity. The measures target 218 individuals and entities, including banks, vessels, and military-industrial complex, while Ukraine faces ongoing attacks.
China's significant role in global maritime finance and shipping has led to a carve-out in certain regulations, demonstrating Beijing's economic leverage. An EU official detailed how Chinese financial arrangements and shareholding in vessel companies create a risk of asset loss for borrowers.
The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, significantly diluted due to objections from member states like Greece, which secured a 12-month waiver for EU companies to transport Russian LNG. Other proposals, including military service entry bans and fish import phase-outs, were also scaled back.
The EU approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia, including a "watered-down" exemption allowing EU companies, notably Greek shippers like Dynagas, to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months after Greece lobbied against a full ban.
EU countries reached a deal on their 12th sanctions package against Russia, resolving a dispute over Russian gas shipments to third countries with a limited exemption for existing contracts. The bloc also agreed to freeze its price cap on Russian crude oil for 12 months.
The EU is reportedly preparing to allow Greek shipping company Dynagas to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months, capping volumes at 2025 levels, as part of its 21st sanctions package, following opposition from Greece and other member states seeking exemptions.
EU ambassadors in Brussels failed to reach an agreement on the 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions, which included softer restrictions on Russian LNG transportation to third countries and excluded a proposed ban on Russian fish.
Indonesia has confirmed it does not recognize Western personal sanctions against Russian individuals, assuring Russian Ambassador Sergey Tolchenov that there is no risk of Russian citizens being arrested in the country based on these sanctions, unlike Thailand where such arrests have occurred.
Maria Lvova Belova, Russia's Children's Rights Commissioner, met with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric in Moscow to discuss reuniting children with families in Russia, Ukraine, and third countries. Since the start of the special military operation, 30 children have reunited with families in Russia, and 141 with families in Ukraine and third countries, often with ICRC assistance.
Giorgia Meloni e Mette Frederiksen, con altri 17 leader UE, chiedono l'attuazione rapida di norme sui migranti, inclusi hub in Paesi terzi, e incoraggiano la Commissione a sostenere tali sforzi.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
Russian and US postal operators have agreed to resume the delivery of mail and parcels to Russia via transit through third countries. Imports resumed at the end of May, with the first batch of parcels already arriving in Russia.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Russia has achieved "absolute sovereignty" in financial matters and is independent of decisions made by third countries. He emphasized that budgetary decisions are made independently based on national priorities and needs.
EU lawmakers reached a provisional deal on stricter asylum rules and "return hubs" outside the bloc, aiming to increase deportations. The measures, supported by right-wing parties, could see rejected asylum seekers detained for up to 24 months and face benefit withdrawal if they don't cooperate.
The EU has agreed on deportation centers in third countries and stricter asylum rules to facilitate more deportations. The agreement, pending final approval, includes measures for rejected asylum seekers and potential detention.
The EU has reached an agreement on stricter asylum rules and deportation centers in third countries to facilitate more deportations. The compromise still needs final approval from the European Parliament and member states.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the intent to strengthen China-Panama relations, unaffected by third-party interference, amidst a dispute over Panama Canal port operations that has drawn US pressure.
South Korea eases customs regulations to allow U.S. crude oil routed through third countries to qualify for FTA benefits, aiming to stabilize supply amid Middle East tensions.
The Trump administration is temporarily halting refugee removals to the DRC due to the Ebola outbreak, but experts argue it won't prevent disease spread. A Colombian woman, Adriana Zapata, remains in limbo in Kinshasa despite a judge's order for her return to the US, with officials citing the travel ban.
The Trump administration pauses refugee removals to the DRC due to an Ebola outbreak, but experts say this won't prevent the spread of the disease and may put immigrants at risk
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans to establish 'return centers' in third countries by year-end to deter irregular migration. Discussions are underway with EU partners and several nations, aiming to signal that entry into Germany does not guarantee a right to stay if the country of origin is uncooperative. This initiative follows a decline in deportations.
The UK government has eased sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, citing soaring fuel prices due to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The move, allowing imports from countries like India and Turkiye, was criticized by the EU but defended by the UK as temporary and specific.
The UK government has relaxed sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing imports of refined jet fuel and diesel from third countries like India and Turkey. This move, aimed at curbing surging fuel costs and protecting national interest amid global conflicts, has drawn criticism from opposition figures concerned about supporting Russia.
In a conference centre in The Hague last October, a roomful of Asia-watching European officials and experts were gathered for a symposium on relations with China when news broke that Beijing was expanding export controls on rare earths and other minerals. Crucially, there was now an extraterritorial element: China could deny exports not only to direct buyers, but also restrict products made in third countries if they contained Chinese-origin rare earth content or controlled inputs. In practice,...
