Diplomacy
WNBA star Brittney Griner’s trial will start in Russia on July 1. She could face 10 years in prison.
Lithuania has reportedly been hit by a cyberattack over its efforts to block shipments to Russian exclave Kaliningrad. Lithuania says it will veto efforts to allow shipments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will supply Belarus with missile systems capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) is in Kyiv.
Sanctions
A White House fact sheet announced the G7 would take the following additional actions related to Russia:
- Further restrictions on Russia’s military supply chain and industrial inputs
- Seeking authority in their individual countries to use revenues from tariffs on Russian imports to help Ukraine
- Increasing tariffs on Russian imports (potentially 570 products worth $2.3 billion)
- Banning Russian gold imports (seen as largely symbolic)
- Sanctioning additional companies, human rights abusers, private military companies, and other senior officials
G7 countries are also exploring the possibility of an oil price cap and may be close to an agreement.
Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced legislation to ban imports of Russian uranium, plywood, silver, and platinum.
Consequences
Russia defaulted on its foreign debt for the first time since 1918 after the grace periods for two Eurobond coupons expired Sunday.
The EU is examining options for how it can weather a gas shutoff by Russia. Germany is considering expropriating the portion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on its territory.
Sri Lanka sent two ministers to Russia to negotiate fuel shipments, while the U.S. and EU continue to lobby India on the topic.
Russia will spend $14.5 billion to boost local aircraft production.
Ukraine Sitrep
Ukraine retreated from the eastern city of Severodonetsk after weeks of brutal battles.
The Pentagon spelled out its latest $450 million military aid package. The U.S. could also purchase NASAMS, an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, for Ukraine.
The EU will provide Ukraine with equipment to protect against chemical and nuclear threats.
Russia fired a barrage of cruise missiles at Kyiv, hitting an apartment, shopping center, and other buildings.