On Monday, June 30, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that Moscow will block access to websites of 15 European media outlets. This move comes as a response to the European Union's 16th sanctions package, which targeted eight Russian publications and broadcasting channels, including Eurasia Daily, Lenta, and "Krasnaya Zvezda".

Moscow accused European entities of "escalating the sanctions spiral," while refraining from specifying which European media outlets would be affected by the blockade. …

Germany and Ukraine are planning to bolster their cooperation in the defense sector, according to Johann Wadephul, Germany's Foreign Minister, during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha in Kyiv on Monday, June 30. This marks a "logical continuation" of Germany’s military assistance to Kyiv. According to Wadephul, both countries can benefit from defense cooperation. Germany stands to gain from a wide array of ideas and expertise from the Ukrainians in defense matters.

As part …

Two Baltic nations are taking steps to ready themselves against a potential Russian military invasion. These countries have submitted documents to the United Nations announcing their withdrawal from a treaty prohibiting the use of landmines. LRT reported that Lithuania has officially informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres of its decision to exit the Ottawa Convention, which bans the production, transfer, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel mines. Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Kę …