Russia stories

Jul 16, 2026

Greece blocks EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package over Russian LNG shipping ban

Greece vetoed the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package to shield Dynagas, a Greek LNG shipping company owned by George Prokopiou, from a proposed ban on transporting Russian LNG to third countries. Athens' objection delayed the package by at least a week after three days of failed negotiations.

Jul 16, 2026·4 sources

Jul 15, 2026

European Union approves use of defense loan for Ukraine to purchase Chinese drone components

For the first time, Brussels granted Ukraine an exemption from EU defense loan procurement rules, permitting Chinese-made drone components to be purchased under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan because European suppliers cannot produce them in sufficient quantities.

Jul 15, 2026·1 source

Top claims

▪The Greek veto stalled the European Union's 21st sanctions package, which requires unanimous support, for one week.
▪Dynagas operates 27 gas tankers, including approximately one-third of the specialized Arc7 ice-class fleet built for Russia's Yamal LNG plant.
▪Dynagas has transported over 10 million tons of Russian liquefied natural gas on 11 vessels across 144 voyages since the beginning of 2025.