Diplomacy
No news of note
Sanctions
The EU will suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia.
Consequences
Russian officials said they expect the economy to contract by less than 3% this year.
Ericsson and Nokia are planning to wind down their Russian operations by the end of the year.
Ukraine Sitrep
Ukraine has reportedly begun a counteroffensive in the south to retake Kherson and other areas. Facing an ammunition shortfall (as is the U.S.), Ukraine has been “MacGyvering” its weapons by using them in ways not necessarily designed, which has surprised the Department of Defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the situation near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is still “very risky and dangerous.” Satellite images show damage to the roof of a building adjacent to nuclear reactors. The U.S. is advocating a controlled shutdown and demilitarized zone in the area.