UK and EU impose new sanctions on Russia
The British government unveiled 100 additional sanctions on Tuesday, aimed at Russia's military, energy, and financial sectors, as well as individuals implicated in disseminating misinformation about the Ukraine crisis. The United Kingdom pledged to push for a reduction in the $60-per-barrel oil price threshold, which would further limit Russia's revenue, according to Xinhua.
On the same day, the European Union approved its 17th round of sanctions against Russia, with the goal of increasing pressure for a cease-fire in Ukraine.
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia will not accept ultimatums and accused Europe of attempting to prolong the conflict by rearming Ukraine.
Thailand seeks to avert US tariffs with trade proposal
Thailand is pushing to avoid a steep 36 percent US tariff set to take effect in July, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Tuesday. The current 10 percent rate is protected by a moratorium soon to expire.
Speaking at a Thai-US investment forum, Pichai said Thailand has proposed measures to reduce the trade imbalance, including improved market access for US goods, stricter transshipment controls, and Thai investments to create US jobs, Reuters reported.
He estimated the plan could cut the US trade deficit by up to $15bn and emphasized growing cooperation in green energy, biotech, and food sectors.
The US is Thailand’s top export market, accounting for $55bn in trade last year. Washington reported a $45.6bn deficit with Thailand, as stated by Reuters.
EU urges tougher sanctions on Russia over Ukraine
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying peace efforts in Ukraine and called for stricter EU sanctions, especially targeting Russian energy exports.
Pistorius said Russia’s continued attacks show it is not serious about negotiations and is using diplomacy to buy time, Reuters reported.
Following Putin’s recent call with US President Donald Trump, EU leaders agreed to increase pressure on Moscow if it refuses an unconditional ceasefire.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called Putin's stance hypocritical, while EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas urged the United States to join the EU in taking greater action. She pointed out that Ukraine had already accepted a cease-fire agreement over 60 days ago, which Russia refused, according to Reuters.
Russia-China Forum kicks off in Russia's Khabarovsk
The Russia-China Forum began Monday in Khabarovsk, gathering over 3,000 participants to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
Dmitry Demeshin, Governor of Russia’s Khabarovsk Territory, highlighted growing collaboration with China in industry, energy, and transportation, describing it as a “bridge of trust and shared prosperity”, Xinhua reported.
Chinese Consul General Jiang Xiaoyang noted Khabarovsk’s key role in regional cooperation.
The forum includes talks on joint projects, such as the development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, and aims to expand trade, investment, and business ties between the two nations, according to Xinhua.
