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US President Donald Trump reversed his plan to impose a 20% fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz after Gulf state leaders voiced opposition. Reports indicate that advisors warned the fee could undermine US goals, and the plan was replaced with trade and investment agreements.
Turkey's Defense Ministry says work on the S-400 systems is ongoing but offers no specifics. Reports of a possible resale to a Persian Gulf country remain unconfirmed, while Moscow and Ankara maintain expert-level contacts.
Military expert Alexander Stepanov of RANEPA tells TASS that Ukraine will factually head a NATO proxy alliance for sharing drone combat experience, while Western countries create an illusion of NATO membership to push Kyiv against Russia.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has decided to replace Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov with Interior Minister Igor Klimenko, according to a Ukrainian parliamentarian. A Russian expert suggests the dismissal stems from bureaucratic conflicts and a struggle over Western financial flows, though the official reason remains unclear.
An agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization was signed in Shanghai by representatives of 29 countries, with the headquarters to be located in the city. The initiative was first proposed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and the announcement came ahead of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference opening on July 17.
Russian and Chinese officials and analysts have marked the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, emphasizing shared visions for a multipolar world and record trade growth. Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov highlighted that bilateral trade could soon reach $300 billion annually, with figures showing a 25.6% increase in the first half of 2026.
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has approved a new Cabinet, appointing 16 ministers and Sergey Koretsky as prime minister, following the dismissal of Yulia Sviridenko. The appointments exclude the defense and foreign ministers, whose nominations await President Zelensky.
Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council Yury Kokov has criticized European Union leaders for prioritizing defense industry interests over citizens' welfare, referencing NATO's increased defense spending and planned aid to Ukraine. He also accused European leaders of betraying their peoples and engaging in actions against disloyal states.
The CEO of Russia's National Payment Card System said Visa and Mastercard cards are effectively absent from the Russian market, offering no value due to lack of international functionality. Meanwhile, the Bank of Russia says it has set no deadline for their withdrawal, with their share now around 17%.
In May 2026, the EU paid the highest amount for Russian pipeline gas and LNG in nearly a year and a half, totaling 1.5 billion euros, according to Eurostat data. France, Spain, and Belgium were among the largest buyers, while overall purchases in the first five months fell by 10%.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Guinea-Bissau's Foreign Minister Fatumata Jau in Moscow, where he reaffirmed Russia's support for normalizing relations between ECOWAS and several West African nations, including Guinea-Bissau. Lavrov also highlighted the historical bonds between the two countries and expressed readiness to boost cooperation in a multipolar world.
Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient, beginning a 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free. The outbreak infected 20 people and killed two. Meanwhile, the DRC continues to battle a larger, evolving outbreak, and Uganda is lobbying for the lifting of travel restrictions.
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has appointed businessman Sergey Koretsky as prime minister with 289 votes, following the dismissal of Yulia Sviridenko. The reshuffle, initiated by President Zelensky, has triggered widespread protests and uncertainty over cabinet appointments.
Russia's envoy to the OSCE, Dmitry Polyansky, has accused European nations of banking on Russia's military defeat and of preparing for armed conflict, warning that Moscow would respond if NATO and the EU choose war. His remarks, reported by TASS, also criticized Europe's stance on Ukrainian conscripts and its reaction to attacks on Russian territory.
Iran's ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, stated that the US has failed to dominate the Strait of Hormuz, that sanctions pressure is ineffective, and that Israel is trying to drag Washington into a full-scale regional war. His remarks, published by the Iranian embassy in Ashgabat, were reported by TASS.
Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed between 342 and 415 Ukrainian drones over various regions during separate overnight attacks, according to TASS and Russian officials. The incidents resulted in civilian deaths and injuries across Saratov, Yaroslavl, Moscow suburbs, and other areas.
The United States will impose 25% tariffs on a range of Brazilian imports starting July 22, following a year-long investigation that found unfair trade practices. Brazil has condemned the tariffs as unjust and politically motivated, and has requested WTO consultations while threatening reciprocal measures.
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has ordered refinements to hardware and software systems for more accurate assessment of UAV crews' performance, following inspections of Battlegroup Center. The ministry also announced the creation of analytical groups in unmanned systems units and progress on digital transformation initiatives.
Russian agricultural exports grew by 26% in value year-on-year in the first half of 2026, surpassing $20 billion. Exports to China rose sharply, with significant increases in pork, oats, and other key commodities.
Russia aims to boost tourist arrivals from China to 5.5 million by 2030, with the Far East expected to attract 1.8 million visitors, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also highlighted double-digit growth in mutual tourism, supported by a visa-free regime that will be extended until 2027.