Russia should take seriously the statements of U.S. President Donald Trump, who sharply condemned the recent massive strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities and hinted at the possibility of new sanctions against Moscow. This was reported by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. She also stated that the Russian Federation could demonstrate interest in the peace process if it focuses more on what it can do to “stop the bloodshed” in Ukraine.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that European countries should coordinate their actions with the United States to force Russia to engage in peace talks with Ukraine as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, deputies of Russia’s State Duma are once again discussing scenarios for raising taxes to replenish the federal treasury, which this year has faced a double-digit decline in oil and gas revenues.
The Russian authorities have admitted the failure of their food market regulation following a sharp spike in vegetable prices, which have increased by tens or even hundreds of percent. Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev admitted that measures to stabilize the food situation were “belated.”
In addition, Russia has nationalized the assets of the country’s largest polyvinyl chloride (PVC) producer, Sayanskkhimplast, valued at more than 92 billion rubles.
From January to April, the average receipt for fruits and berries in Russia was 306 rubles—26% more year-on-year. This category leads the growth on the food market. Confectionery products rose in price by 5%, vegetables by 15%, and bread by 13%. On average, the food receipt increased by 8% to 1,900 rubles.
Bookstores in Russia have received a list of 37 books to be destroyed. The list includes works by both foreign and Russian authors. Among them are Pulitzer Prize winner Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Virgin Suicides and Middlesex, the collection Žižek’s Jokes by philosopher Slavoj Žižek, and works by Viktor Yerofeyev, including Russian Apocalypse and Encyclopedia of the Russian Soul.
Russian energy company T Plus expects losses in 2025 due to high interest rates on borrowing. The company has suspended development investments and is only maintaining existing infrastructure.
The International Olympic Committee has officially announced that Russian sports teams, including the national ice hockey team, will not be allowed to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. The decision is part of ongoing sanctions imposed following Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Lithuanian swimmers participating in the World Masters Games in Taiwan refused to step onto the podium alongside Russian athletes.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that he supports Vilnius’ efforts to demand over €200 million in compensation from Belarus for the migration crisis provoked by the regime of the self-proclaimed president Lukashenko.
Belarusian authorities have moved joint military exercises with Russia, initially planned for September, away from the border with NATO countries, according to Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.
Amid a food crisis in Belarus, the Belarusian government has lifted restrictions on the import of several agricultural products, including potatoes, from EU countries. According to the resolution, the import of potatoes, apples, onions, and cabbage from so-called “unfriendly countries” is now permitted.
