Russia extends counter-sanctions measures until the end of 2025

The new document has been published on the official website of the Government of Russia. The previous version of the decree on the introduction of special economic measures in foreign trade has now been extended until December 31, 2025. The decree introduces restrictions on the import and export of certain goods and raw materials (except those brought by individuals for personal use) according to the list approved by the government.

Specifically, the list includes telecommunications and medical equipment previously imported into Russia, as well as motor vehicles, agricultural machinery and electrical equipment. Exports of certain types of lumber, fertilizers, chemical raw materials, grain and other items are also restricted.

In another development, on July 20, the Washington Post (WP) quoted informed Ukrainian officials as saying that Kiev had begun using cluster munitions supplied by the US against Russian forces in southeastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian official told WP that cluster munitions were fired at Russian positions to destroy fortifications that would slow down Ukraine's counterattack. According to the news, the munitions are expected to be used near the city of Bakhmut, which is currently under Russian control.

On July 7, the US announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, which included cluster munitions. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has since warned that the Russian military would be forced to use similar weapons, which Moscow has in large numbers in its arsenal, against the Ukrainian armed forces. Currently, 123 countries have ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of this type of lethal weapon. However, the US, Ukraine, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and South Korea have not signed the convention./.