Jul 31, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that freezing the war in Ukraine remains impossible due to Kyiv's stance, reiterating that hostilities will end only if Ukraine accepts Moscow's demands. Peskov's comments followed diplomatic calls for a ceasefire, including a proposal from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched aerial strikes across Ukraine. In Kyiv, attacks caused fires in the Desnyansky, Shevchenkivsky, and Solomyansky districts, damaging a warehouse, vehicles, and an abandoned building. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, preliminary findings cited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicate Russia deployed a North Korean ballistic missile during a strike on the village of Radushne. Intelligence reports had previously warned of imminent large-scale missile attacks.

In international developments, International Criminal Court member states voted to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following sexual misconduct allegations involving a colleague.

Sources: N1, Tanjug

British energy giant BP is planning to sell its North Sea oil and gas platforms after operating in the region for six decades. The assets currently produce approximately 100,000 barrels of oil and gas per day.

According to statements reported by the Financial Times, executive leadership indicated that the North Sea operations would be better positioned under another company's ownership. The potential divestment marks a significant shift for the energy producer, reflecting evolving strategic priorities across its global upstream portfolio. Further details regarding potential buyers or a formal timeline for the sale process have not yet been disclosed.

Sources: Dagens Industri.

French consumer prices increased higher than anticipated in July, according to preliminary statistical data released by INSEE. On a month-on-month basis, inflation rose by 0.6 percent compared to June. On an annual basis, the consumer price index grew by 2.1 percent relative to the same month of the previous year.

The preliminary figures indicate a slight pick-up in price growth across France. Financial analysts and European markets monitor these national inflation metrics closely as they evaluate broader monetary policy conditions and potential future interest rate decisions by the European Central Bank.

Sources: Dagens Industri

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, experienced a share price decline following the release of its first-half earnings report for 2026. Despite the negative market reaction, the airline conglomerate reiterated an optimistic operational outlook, stating that it expects passenger travel demand to remain strong during the second half of the year. IAG, which also owns carriers including Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling, reported that forward booking trends reflect resilient consumer interest in air travel across its key markets despite wider economic uncertainties.

Sources: Dagens Industri