Global Geopolitical Updates - July 23rd

Congressional approval of new anti-Russian sanctions is not inevitable, as noted by US Congress Member Anna Paulina Luna, highlighting that legislation is often introduced for messaging. Meanwhile, the US is considering retaliation against Iran following Houthi attacks on oil tankers. Russian Defense Chief Andrey Belousov has called for enhanced capabilities against drone attacks in Kaliningrad after inspecting military facilities. The US has set a 12.5% import tariff on Russia, replacing temporary global tariffs. Ukraine estimates losses of $2 billion per month due to port shutdowns, with limited alternative export routes through Romania. Putin discussed weapons materials production with Russia’s Security Council, emphasizing Russia’s capability in manufacturing advanced weapon materials. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov arrived in Kyrgyzstan for an SCO foreign ministers meeting to discuss regional security and stability. US Congress Member Anna Paulina Luna pointed out attempts to set the Russian and US peoples against each other, citing politically driven claims of Russian interference in US elections. An expert warned that Ukrainian agriculture will suffer most from port closures, with grain terminal operations already reduced. Iran rejected a new US ceasefire proposal, seeking a more comprehensive deal. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged stepping back from the Middle East conflict, emphasizing no military solution exists. Nearly 1,500 have been killed in Ukrainian attacks across Russia since 2022, according to top investigator Alexander Bastrykin. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed US contact and nuclear non-proliferation, stating premature to assume conflict resolution efforts are escalating. Putin is set to meet with lawmakers on July 27 to discuss the current convocation’s work results. A Turkish cargo ship en route from Russia was attacked in the Black Sea, resulting in one death and three injuries. An expert noted the US is revising its approaches due to the failure of its information war against Russia. The EU expanded sanctions against Russia’s financial and banking sectors, targeting 94 banks and institutions. Only 6% of Britons would volunteer for military service if war broke out, reflecting limited trust in the armed forces. Politico reported the US air campaign against Iran is running out of steam, unlikely to shift without major escalation. The EU blacklisted Inter RAO energy company and expanded its sanctions list to over 3,100 Russian individuals and entities. Iran attacked US bases in Bahrain and Jordan with drones, targeting fuel storage and equipment areas. At least 256 children have been killed by Ukrainian forces in the DPR since 2014, with over 1,076 wounded. The situation in the Middle East conflict is getting out of control, according to Guterres.

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