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

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has pointed out  that the European Union will provide Ukraine with a fifth loan tranche of  EUR 1.4 billion, funded by proceeds from frozen assets of russia’s central bank.

“…Ukraine will be a significant addition to this union (the EU). Likewise, Ukraine’s accession to NATO will strengthen the Alliance itself. Ukraine is already a powerful guarantor of security for the EU and NATO,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braže.

“I strongly condemn the latest russian missile attack against Kyiv, which has once again caused the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. Striking civilians and urban areas with ballistic missiles and drones is a serious violation of international law and is unacceptable,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, condemning russia’s nighttime shelling of Kyiv and its suburbs.

“russia is trying to break Kyiv. The shelling is now happening so frequently that people don’t have time to catch their breath between attacks,” said the EU’s Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternová regarding russia’s attack on Kyiv on the night of August 5.

“Switzerland condemns russia’s nighttime attacks on Kyiv and Kyiv region, which killed at least 17 civilians and wounded dozens. International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian objects. It must be respected under all circumstances,” Switzerland’s Embassy in Ukraine stated in its condemnation of russia’s nighttime attack on Kyiv and Kyiv region on the night of August 5.

“The escalating attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure  and businesses across Ukraine prove every day that russia is not interested in peace. Stronger pressure is needed to stop its war,” said Canada’s Embassy in Ukraine regarding russia’s large-scale attack on Ukraine on the night of August 5.

“russia outpaces the free world in the number of ballistic missiles it produces compared to the interceptors needed to stop them. Every delay costs human lives, pushes us further from ending the war, and contributes to further escalation of the conflict. This is a matter of security for Ukraine – and for all of Europe. History will judge us,” said Lithuania’s Ambassador to Ukraine Inga Stanite-Tolockiene, following the russian shelling on the night of August 5.

Canada is ready to help provide Ukraine with additional grain sleeves for temporary storage of the harvest amid russian attacks on port infrastructure.

Lithuania is joining an international mechanism to support cultural sites damaged as a result of russian aggression.

“Lithuania is also preparing to localize the production of Ukrainian drones on its territory under a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the defense industry,” said Minister of Defence of Lithuania Robertas Kaunas.

The Vilnius City Council will no longer accept written statements and complaints from residents in russian.

Kazakhstan’s “Tengizchevroil” plans to export 100,000 tons of oil in August through the Georgian port of Batumi following the shutdown of the terminal in novorossiysk.

“India will not purchase new russian Su-57 fighter jets,” said Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Defense Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Growing economic problems are forcing russian businesses to cut personnel costs. 40% of companies surveyed in July intend to do so; their share has nearly doubled over the past three months. Among these firms, more than a quarter (28.1%) are considering staff reductions, and every fifth (20%) intends to cut salaries and/or streamline employee benefits. This represents 11% and 8% of all survey participants, respectively.

Due to sales difficulties, the price of wheat and barley on russia’s domestic market has fallen by 8–14.5% since mid-July and by 17.8–20.1% over the past year. Only half of russia’s harvest is being exported: exports in July fell by 17–83% and are unlikely to recover in August. For russian farmers, this situation poses a threat of a profitability crisis.

Kvas production in russia from January through June 2026 declined by 9.2–11% year-on-year. This is more than double the average decline for the beverage category and is attributed to a drop in demand caused by a sharp rise in prices.

One of russia’s largest transportation groups, “fesco”, has reported that it stopped accepting requests for shipments through the Black Sea after its container ship, the “yanina”, was sunk.

The rf’s authorities plan to use “russia’s post” warehouses instead  of the burnt-down “wildberries”’ hubs.

Owners of “wildberries” pickup points have seen a drop in sales and revenue. As a result, many pickup point owners may begin to delay payments to employees and landlords. In some regions, the income of “wildberries” pickup points owners fell by 15–20% year-on-year in July, and by 30–40% on peak days. This is due to a decrease in the number of orders, shipping delays, and, as a result, reduced foot traffic at the pickup points.

“mosenergo”’s  net profit fell by nearly 19% in the first half of the year. “mosenergo” comprises 13 power plants with an installed capacity of 12,300 MW.

In russia, quotas intended for orphans and people with disabilities have been allocated to “heroes of the special military operation” entering universities  and their children.

russian banks issued by approximately 70% fewer student loans in the summer of 2026 than at the end of 2025, despite an increase in applications from students.

The situation in belarus will be considered at the 63rd  session of the UN Human Rights Council. Along with the situation in belarus, the UN will consider the situation in Ukraine resulting from russian aggression, as well as the situations in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Burundi, the rf, and iran.

Latvia has expanded the list of products whose import from belarus and russia is prohibited. Until now, the ban applied to grains, vegetables, fruits, and certain types of animal feed. The updated list includes live animals, fish, fish products, dairy products, flour mill products, oilseed crops, meat products, processed fruits and vegetables, all types of animal feed, coffee, tea, spices, sugar, and certain types of animal and vegetable fats and oils.

During the first month of summer, belarus’ trade deficit in goods increased by more than half a billion dollars, reaching $2.78 billion for the first half of the year.

In the first half of 2026, 11 minors in belarus were convicted under “extremist” charges. Nine minors were convicted under the article on facilitating “extremist activity”. One teenager was sentenced under the article on calls for sanctions, and one – under the article on desecration of state symbols.

From 2020 through the end of July 2026, at least 2,053 NGOs – including associations, labor unions, foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and associations – were dissolved in belarus.