Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova stated that Bulgaria does not support certain measures in the EU's 21st anti-Russian sanctions package, particularly those concerning energy and Patriarch Kirill, citing economic damage to member states and potential counter-productivity.
Japan imported approximately 364,000 barrels of Russian oil in May, primarily linked to gas supply contracts under the Sakhalin-2 project. These purchases are exempt from G7 sanctions and price caps, with oil costing around $103 per barrel. This comes amid Middle Eastern supply disruptions.
Turkey is prepared to mediate and host talks to promote a settlement in Ukraine, according to top diplomat Hakan Fidan. Meanwhile, other reports cover escalating tensions between the US and Iran, a B-52 crash in California, and Belarus's stance on nuclear weapons.
The House of Representatives has approved a bill to provide $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy.
The EU and US have declared strong support for Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan ahead of elections, as Russia imposes economic sanctions and threatens membership in the Eurasian Economic Union due to Armenia's pro-Western stance. The EU announced a €50 million support package and a joint task force.
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon stated that Chisinau must abandon unilateral anti-Russian sanctions and resume direct flights to Moscow to improve relations with Russia. He also advocated for rejoining the CIS and EAEU.
The UK sanctions crypto exchange HTX for aiding Russia's financial sector through alleged ties to A7, a Russian crypto exchange. UK institutions are banned from doing business with HTX, and may freeze related transactions.
The UK has controversially eased sanctions on Russian crude oil imports for diesel and jet fuel to prevent shortages, as the Iran war disrupts global supply. The move, not mirrored by the EU, faces political backlash.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia has urged the US government to grant several banks licenses to use dollars in payments to Russian companies. AmCham Russia head Robert Agee said American businesses hope sanctions will be lifted as they hinder trade, while warning that Russian companies are already finding alternatives like stablecoins.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that Brussels inflicts harm to itself and undermines its energy security by imposing sanctions against Moscow
The European Union has imposed sanctions on the Belarusian Oil Company, Volat-Sanjiang, and China's Space Sanjiang Group as part of the 20th anti-Russian sanctions package. The Belarusian Oil Company is targeted because its management is appointed by President Alexander Lukashenko. China Space Sanjiang Group becomes the first Chinese state-owned company blacklisted under the Belarus sanctions regime for supporting Belarus's military-industrial complex.
"Russia’s ability to acquire tankers for its shadow fleet will be restricted, and services to Russian icebreakers and LNG tankers will be prohibited," the ministry added
The EU remains determined to maintain and increase pressure on Russia, the European Commission stated
The European Union has added Vladimir Lepin, General Designer of Kalashnikov Concern, to its 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, along with Sergey Sakhnenko of United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation and Igor Nasenkov of Technodinamika, both part of Rostec. Olga Sokolova, CEO of a company producing FPV drones Boomerang, Osa, and Bryus-1, was also sanctioned.
The European Union has added Simbirsk Design Bureau (SKB), manufacturer of Piranha FPV drones that destroyed the first American Abrams tank in February 2024, to its 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions. The company produces up to 10,000 drones monthly and is considered extremely valuable by the Russian military. Clevercopter and Arkhangel Center were also sanctioned.
The EU Council has completed approval of €90 billion in funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions at the ministerial level. EU Council President Antonio Costa announced the milestone on X, stating the funding will provide financial and military support to Ukraine while increasing pressure on Russia. Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos confirmed loan disbursements will begin as soon as possible.
The European Union will expand its broadcasting ban on media outlets as part of the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, Estonia's Foreign Ministry announced. The broadcasting ban will be extended to entities that continue to distribute content from sanctioned media outlets. The final wording will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Thursday evening or Friday morning.
EU Permanent Representatives approved 90 billion euro financing for Ukraine and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions after Hungary and Slovakia lifted their veto. The veto lift came after Russian oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia resumed through the Druzhba oil pipeline via Ukraine.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said there is a new momentum
The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran.
