Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: July 12, 2025
Russia central bank says current account surplus in January‑May at $24.3 bln
Russia reported a current account surplus of $24.3 billion for January–May 2025.
Insight
The substantial surplus, though likely lower than prior periods, suggests continued external resilience potentially supported by energy exports, despite sanctions.
Russian Coal Sector’s Slide Into Crisis Shows Cracks in Economy
Russia’s coal industry is in crisis, weakened by high borrowing costs, Western sanctions, and softening Chinese demand, leading to suspended production and widespread financial strain.
Insight
The sector’s collapse reveals broader vulnerabilities in Russia’s resource-dependent economy and the growing impact of sanctions across critical industries.
US envoy Kellogg to travel to Kyiv next week, Ukrainian media reports
The U.S. resumed military supplies to Ukraine and will send its special envoy, Keith Kellogg, to Kyiv early next week. The envoy is expected to stay in the city throughout the week to boost military cooperation.
Insight
The envoy’s week-long visit signals renewed U.S. engagement, especially in military collaboration, reinforcing support after a brief pause in weapons deliveries.
NATO needs more long-range missiles to deter Russia, US general says
U.S. Major General John Rafferty emphasized NATO’s heavy reliance on U.S. long-range missiles and called for increased capabilities. European nations are collaborating on ELSA (>2,000 km missiles), and the U.S. plans temporary deployments in Germany from 2026.
Insight
Recognizing strategic shortfalls, NATO is accelerating development of sovereign strike platforms and reinforcing forward deterrence via U.S. deployments.
Everybody is tired’ of war in Ukraine, UN migration chief says
IOM Director General Amy Pope warned that weariness over Ukraine war and cuts to foreign aid—particularly from the U.S.—are undermining support for displaced people. She stressed that peace is essential to sustain funding and humanitarian efforts.
Insight
The growing fatigue and shrinking funding underscore the fragility of current support structures; resolving the conflict is essential to prevent humanitarian collapse.
Kremlin says wartime censorship is justified
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended wartime censorship, citing the “information war” parallel to armed conflict. He noted shutdowns of opposition media and blocking of Western platforms are warranted.
Insight
Russia’s justification of deep censorship reflects its strategy to control narrative and suppress dissent amid ongoing conflict—underscoring the information front in modern warfare.
Gazprom, CNPC discuss future Russian gas supplies to China
Gazprom and China’s CNPC met in Beijing to plan future gas supplies. Russia aims to reach full capacity on the Power of Siberia pipeline in 2025, and to start 10 bcm from Sakhalin from 2027. Power of Siberia 2 plans (50 bcm via Mongolia) are stalled over pricing. Putin will visit China in September.
Insight
Moscow is deepening energy ties with China amid European realignment, but pipeline expansion faces economic hurdles; scheduled diplomatic exchange underscores strategic pivot.
