Legislative reports indicate that a bill granting the president authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy, including India, China, Turkey, and Japan, has advanced through the U.S. Congress. While analysts suggest the measure may serve as diplomatic leverage ahead of the Chinese president’s visit, discussions noted potential economic impacts on India amidst ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.

The legislation includes provisions for presidential waivers and aims to restrict revenues supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund reported a 15.7 percent increase in returns from its remaining Israeli holdings during the first half of 2026, amounting to $2.4 billion since the end of 2025. While the fund reduced its portfolio from 61 to 29 Israeli companies last year citing humanitarian concerns and has halted new investments, advocacy groups continue to criticize the continued allocation of public capital to these firms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with CBC News that he believes Moscow aims for Ukraine's absorption into Russia and rejected the premise of a "win-win" outcome, prioritizing the preservation of human life. He indicated that Ukraine would be open to an unconditional ceasefire along the current line of contact to facilitate diplomatic negotiations mediated by international partners, while noting that his views differ slightly from those of U.

S. envoy Jared Kushner.

The Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Russia's VTB Bank, alleging the institution facilitated Iranian sanctions evasion through correspondent relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks. While officials described the measure as a step in isolating Iran’s financial network, some observers questioned its overall economic impact, noting that VTB is reportedly the only Russian bank with a branch in China.