#Sanctions

On August 19, VK filed a lawsuit with the Arbitration Court of Moscow against three Apple entities, demanding the return of "VKontakte", "Odnoklassniki", and VK Music to the App Store and the imposition of a penalty of 58 million rubles for each day of their absence.

U.S. Special Envoy John Cole, through jokes and vodka, secured the release of 500 political prisoners in Belarus, but critics argue that the partial lifting of sanctions is too high a price for this "diplomacy."

Iran's National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned neighboring countries that joining the US sanctions campaign against Tehran will be regarded as a hostile act. Iran outlined a three-stage strategy and threatened strikes on oil routes in the Persian Gulf.

Ukrainian MFA Head Sibiga stated that Russia intentionally attacked a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih and delivered a second strike upon the arrival of rescuers, calling on the world to tighten sanctions against the Russian defense industry.

Germany is discussing the closure of the 'Russian House' in Berlin as a response to a drone attack on a Ukrainian An-124 in Leipzig. The German Foreign Office has confirmed that corresponding discussions are taking place.

The CSB of Latvia has begun publishing a list of about 170 companies trading with Russia and Belarus, following June amendments by the Saeima aimed at supporting Ukraine and limiting the income of aggressors.

Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 746/2026 and imposed sanctions on former Regional Party member Yuri Ivanyushchenko, whom NABU is searching for in connection with a case regarding the legalization of 18 hectares of land near Kyiv worth over 160 million hryvnias.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys called for Ukraine to be granted full EU membership by 2030, reacting to a new massive Russian attack on Kyiv and the region.

In August, Russia is increasing imports of gasoline and jet fuel from Asia to 270,000 tons against the backdrop of a second wave of fuel shortages after strikes on refineries. Imported fuel is 40% more expensive than domestic fuel and is driving up retail prices.

Trump announced the launch of the "most devastating economic operation" against Iran and warned third countries about sanctions for helping Tehran. The statement came against the backdrop of an active ceasefire and growing dissatisfaction among US allies.

The head of Iran's Central Bank stated that not a single frozen asset abroad has been unblocked after the expiry of the Islamabad Memorandum with the US. Estimates of the value of the blocked funds exceed 100 billion dollars.

Kyrgyzstan forcibly liquidated 19 companies for evading EU and US sanctions against Russia. Banks severed ties with hundreds of firms following the introduction of the EU's 20th sanctions package.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in the Kremlin on August 18, 2026. The meeting became an important stage in the development of bilateral relations, which, according to the leaders, have become more trusting and active on the international arena.

The Federal Court of Canada rejected Volga-Dnepr's lawsuit to lift sanctions. The giant An-124 will remain under arrest in Toronto, and the parking debt has exceeded one million dollars.

🇺🇸 The US has imposed sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seyie. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused them of prosecuting individuals from countries that do not recognize the court's jurisdiction. Assets have been frozen, and access to the financial system has been blocked. Previously, ICC judges sued Trump over similar measures. 🏛️⚖️ #ICC #Sanctions #Politics

🚫 IBU extended sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Athletes will miss the 5th season in a row. Neutral status in biathlon is impossible. Federations are challenging the decision in CAS. 🏂❄️

🚨 SBU simplifies diesel fuel imports from sanctioned ports! 🇺🇦 Cancellation of inspections and sampling will accelerate deliveries. 22,000 tons of Indian diesel fuel arrived in the first half of August. Traders expect restrained demand. #Ukraine #Fuel #Energy

🇺🇸🇷🇺 Secret Trump-Putin Talks: Rodney Cook Jr. Met with Anton Kobyakov in St. Petersburg. Goal — Ending the War in Ukraine. Lavrov Rejects Ceasefire. #Trump #Putin #Ukraine