Jul 24, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Russian attacks on civilian cargo ships in the Black Sea threaten global food security, comparing Moscow's actions to Iran's disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement follows intense cross-border strikes. Ukrainian forces targeted a military aviation components plant in Kirov and an oil facility, while a Russian ballistic missile hit a Kyiv region training ground, leaving 10 dead and nearly 100 injured.

Concurrently, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi expressed concern over long-term water supply risks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant following shelling around Enerhodar. Meanwhile, the European Union formally adopted its 21st sanctions package targeting 218 entities, Russian oil price caps, and shadow fleet operations.

Sources: Ukrinform.

China has imposed export controls on 14 European Union entities in response to the EU's sanction packages targeting Chinese firms over Russia's war in Ukraine.

Beijing announced an immediate ban on exporting dual-use goods—goods and technologies that can be utilized for both civilian and military applications—to the listed organizations. Among the sanctioned entities are major European industrial and military suppliers, including German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall AG, Polish technology company Vigo Photonics S.A., and Czech heavy vehicle manufacturer Tatra Trucks.

The retaliatory action follows recent EU measures restricting European trade with Chinese firms suspected of assisting Russia's military-industrial complex.

Sources: Respect.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has officially inscribed the ancient archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank and several historical fortresses in southern Lebanon onto its World Heritage List. Among the newly designated Lebanese locations is the prominent Crusaders-era Beaufort Fortress. The decisions were approved during a committee session despite strong resistance from Israel, which had urged members to reject the applications. Israeli officials raised formal objections regarding the heritage status of these locations situated in areas under its military presence or ongoing territorial disputes. UNESCO's listing aims to offer enhanced international protection and recognition to these culturally significant landmarks.

Sources: Respect

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings indicating that TikTok is violating the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA). According to the EU executive, the popular short-video social media platform fails to adequately protect minors within its online environment. The assessment targets concerns regarding TikTok's safeguards for children, including risk assessments and measures designed to prevent harmful content exposure and addictive user behavior. If these preliminary conclusions are confirmed, the company could face significant fines under the EU's regulatory framework. TikTok will now have the opportunity to defend its practices and examine the findings before the European Commission issues a final binding decision.

Sources: Respect

A Czech court has acquitted members of the pro-Russian paramilitary group Czechoslovak Reserve Soldiers for Peace of charges related to supporting terrorism.

While clearing the defendants of terrorism-related allegations, the court handed Ivan Kratochvíl, the militia's leader, a one-year suspended sentence alongside a five-year ban on organizing military or paramilitary training groups. Additionally, group sympathizer Vladimír Štádler received a six-month suspended sentence for illegal firearms possession. Two other defendants associated with the organization were fully acquitted of all charges.

The state prosecutor is expected to appeal the ruling. The group had previously drawn scrutiny from Czech law enforcement and intelligence services over its pro-Kremlin stance and paramilitary training activities.

Sources: Respect