Ukraine and the World – Against russia’s Aggression. Sanctions in Action

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has responded to the russian strikes on Kyiv region and Sloviansk and assured that Europe will continue to support Ukraine. “russia is losing the war it started, and is increasingly targeting civilians in a desperate attempt to crush Ukraine’s spirit. But Ukraine’s spirit is unbreakable. And so is Europe’s resolve to support Ukraine’s defence,” von der Leyen emphasized.

The EU is seeking ways to speed up the process of imposing anti-russian sanctions. One option being considered is to coordinate and implement sanctions individually or in small thematic packages.

The European Union has developed a mechanism allowing member states to confiscate and sell russian oil and grain from ships belonging to russia’s “shadow fleet”. The proceeds will not be transferred to russian individuals or legal entities.

“Ukraine’s position is now the strongest it has been since the start of the war. Continued support from partners is crucial to maintaining this momentum,” said President of Finland Alexander Stubb, who believes Ukraine is ready for peace.

The government of Georgia has extended the financial support program for Ukrainian citizens and individuals eligible for permanent residence in Ukraine who arrived in Georgia due to the war until October 1, 2026.

France will stop issuing temporary residence permits to russians under humanitarian visas.

Minister of Transport of Latvia Rihards Kozlovskis has stated that his country does not need road signs on motorways pointing toward russia and belarus, so preparations are underway to remove them.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania is calling for the law on national sanctions to be amended with new restrictions on citizens of russia and belarus. Specifically, it is proposed to prohibit them from purchasing real estate near strategic facilities, as well as to ban cultural, educational, and sports figures who support russian aggression from entering the country. For those wishing to work or perform in Lithuania in the aforementioned fields, a mandatory declaration is proposed. Those who sign this document will be required to publicly condemn russia’s actions, confirm their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and affirm their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. The list of signatories is planned to be made public.

After being added to the EU sanctions list, the “zolotaya korona” money transfer service stopped delivering rubles to Georgia and Kazakhstan – countries experiencing a new wave of emigration.

The bank of russia has significantly raised its inflation forecast for 2026 due to the fuel crisis, which has caused the sharpest spike in petrol and diesel prices in 16 years. In its new macroeconomic forecast, the central bank projects inflation this year at 6–7%, although as recently as April it had expected it to slow to 4.5–5.5%. According to the central bank’s new assessment, even the best-case scenario for inflation (6%) will be worse than the worst-case scenario it had initially projected (5.5%).

The central bank of the rf has also acknowledged that rising petrol prices are beginning to affect “prices for a wide range of goods and services”.

russia will continue its ban on petrol exports through the end of the year.

In russia, wheat prices fell by 2.8% over the week, and barley prices – by 6.5%. Compared to last year, prices have fallen by 12.6%. This is due to restricted shipping in the Sea of Azov: farmers are forced to sell grain while export volumes are declining, as are purchase prices.

Coking coal prices in Far East ports fell by 7.5% over the past month. In the second half of the year, prices could drop by 20%.

The transportation monopoly “rzd” has imposed restrictions on freight shipments to the southern ports of azov and taganrog.

The hotel industry in russia is losing its investment appeal. The number of liquidations of companies in this sector rose by 21.8% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. The market is experiencing declining demand; hotels are facing a drop in occupancy rates and are forced to lower room rates.

russian companies remain dependent on foreign machinery and equipment, despite the government’s declared policy of import substitution. The majority of enterprises (52%) have reported that they cannot find local equivalents to foreign equipment, and nearly half (45%) have complained about the lack of russian-made components and assemblies.

In the first six months of 2026, 995 new funeral service companies were registered in russia. Against this background, the total number of market participants has reached 11,500 organizations.

The cost of a range of medical services in private clinics in russia rose at double-digit rates during the first half of the year. Initial doctor consultations saw the sharpest price increase – by 19%. Prices rose due to a shortage of personnel and rising costs.

rosstat has stopped using the term “price increases”. All products whose prices have risen are now accompanied by the phrase “prices have changed”.

russians are now having their foreign currency and multicurrency Visa cards blocked.

state duma’s mp, lieutenant general in reserve andrei gurulev has stated that marketplace owners must independently invest in protecting their logistics centers and warehouses from drone attacks.

The “wildberries” marketplace has removed the “everything for the special military operation” section but continues to sell military goods.

The “megamarket” marketplace, owned by “sberbank”, has changed its terms for sellers and absolved itself of liability for failure to fulfill obligations in case  of drone attacks. “ozon”, “wildberries”, and “yandex market” had previously done the same.

The EU has expanded the list of goods prohibited from being supplied to belarus “that may contribute to belarus’ military-technological advancement or the development of its defence and security sectors.” The ban covers nickel and beryllium powders, nickel and its alloys, certain materials for the aviation and defense industries, as well as equipment for UAVs – ground control stations, electronic warfare and interception systems, launchers, servo motors, and flight termination systems. More than 25 other product categories are also subject to restrictions, including copper, nickel, and lead ores; precious metal ores; unprocessed zinc; alkaline earth metals; zinc and chromium oxides; as well as tall oil, semi-finished glass products, tableware, and automotive parts.

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs has stated that the country’s National Security Council has approved new measures to strengthen the Latvian-belarusian border. This announcement came amid a rise in the number of attempts to cross the border illegally.

belarusian refrigerators and freezers account for less than 30% of the market share in minsk’s retail chains, perfumes and cosmetics – for less than 20%, and outerwear – for less than 10%.