Ahead of the annual Danube Day, experts and environmentalists are drawing attention to the large-scale environmental threats facing Europe’s largest river system. Over the past 150 years, the Danube has lost about 80% of its natural floodplains and wetlands due to human intervention, dam construction, hydropower, active shipping, and river regulation. This has led to a sharp decline in biodiversity, the disappearance of sturgeon fish, and a weakening of the ecosystems’ ability to withstand floods and droughts.
The total length of the Danube is approximately 2,857 km. It is the most international river in Europe, flowing through or serving as the border of ten countries.
In Germany — about 214 km,
in Austria — 294 km,
in Slovakia — 166 km,
in Hungary — 334 km,
in Croatia — 129 km,
in Serbia — 269 km,
in Bulgaria — 148 km,
in Romania — 825 km,
in Moldova — 49 km,
in Ukraine — about 109 km.
Approximately 83 million people live in the river basin, more than 20 million of whom depend on the Danube as a source of drinking water. The capitals of four European countries are located along the Danube: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade.
Among the most serious problems are:
pollution with organic and toxic substances coming from sewage and agricultural land;
clogging with household waste, including plastic;
climate change and water level fluctuations;
invasive species;
construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants that interfere with fish migration;
poaching of sturgeon for black caviar.
Hydraulic structures such as the Iron Gate dam on the border between Serbia and Romania have completely blocked the path to spawning grounds for dozens of fish species.
The WWF Living Danube Partnership initiative has already restored more than 1,700 hectares of wetlands and improved water supply over an area of 3,700 hectares.
The LIFE-Boat 4 Sturgeon project is working to conserve sturgeon, create a genetic bank, and restore populations.
Rational water use systems are being developed, water purification filters are being introduced, and sustainable land use is being implemented.
Companies operating in the Danube basin are being held accountable for water resources.
The Danube remains a vital river for tens of millions of people and the last refuge for unique species of fish and birds. The conservation and restoration of the Danube requires international coordination, a systematic approach to nature conservation, and conscious policies on the part of the countries in the region. The river that Strauss wrote about in his famous waltz “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” must retain its natural character in the 21st century.
The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has imposed a preventive measure in the form of bail of UAH 120 million on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, who is suspected of abuse of office and receiving unlawful benefits on an especially large scale.
The HACC made this decision on Friday after considering a request from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
“The request of the NABU detective is granted in part: apply to the suspect Alexei Mikhailovich Chernyshov… a preventive measure in the form of bail. Set bail at 120 million 2 thousand 668 hryvnia,” the judge said.
The court granted the motion in part, as the prosecution requested, among other obligations, the wearing of an electronic monitoring device (bracelet), which was not mentioned in the court’s decision.
According to the court’s decision, the suspect is subject to the following obligations: to appear when summoned by a detective, prosecutor, or court; to report any change of residence or place of work; and not to leave Ukraine without the permission of the investigator, prosecutor, or court.
In addition, Chernyshov must refrain from communicating with suspects in the case and witnesses about the circumstances set out in the notice of suspicion.
The obligations imposed on Chernyshov are valid for two months, i.e. until August 27, 2025.
As for the bail itself, it may be paid by the suspect or another individual or legal entity.
Until the bail is paid, the suspect must comply with the obligations imposed on him.
The decision may be appealed within five days.
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During its spring offensive, Russian forces took control of one of Ukraine’s most promising lithium deposits — the Shevchenkivske site in Donetsk region. Previously under development by an American critical minerals company, the site was seen as a key asset in the growing economic partnership between Kyiv and Washington in the field of strategic resources. Its capture now poses serious risks to future joint projects and has already raised concerns among Western investors.
The Shevchenkivske deposit contains significant reserves of spodumene — a mineral from which lithium is extracted. Lithium is essential for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Ukraine had earlier signed a framework agreement with the United States on cooperation in the field of critical raw materials, including the development of domestic lithium, titanium, and rare earth element extraction — crucial for the West’s green energy transition. The agreement envisioned attracting investment into Ukrainian subsoil resources. However, with Shevchenkivske now under Russian control, the feasibility of that cooperation is under threat.
Myroslav Zhernov, the director of the company holding the license for the site, confirmed the loss in a comment to The New York Times. According to him, the battle for the deposit lasted several weeks: “It was very hot. They were bombing with everything they had. And now they’re there.” Zhernov warned that this may not be the end: “If the Russians advance farther, they will control more and more deposits.”
The New York Times reports that signs of activity have already been observed on the occupied territory: an assessment of reserves is underway, and preparations for future extraction may be in progress. In this way, control over lithium could give the Kremlin not only military but also geoeconomic advantages. The article notes that Russia is already leveraging its influence in global raw materials supply chains, particularly in uranium markets.
Although Ukraine still possesses two other major lithium deposits in its western regions, Shevchenkivske was considered the most promising due to its high spodumene concentration — up to 90%. In peacetime, the development of this site could have become not only a source of revenue, but a strategic lever for integrating Ukraine into Western critical materials markets.
Former head of the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources, Roman Opimakh, explained that such investments are subject to enormous risks during wartime: “Security and control over a deposit is the main prerequisite. The military threat scares away investors, and the loss of such a site effectively nullifies any near-term development plans.”
Observers note that the war is increasingly taking on characteristics of economic conflict. Russia is not only destroying infrastructure but is actively targeting resources that could be useful to itself or potentially strengthen Ukraine. Gaining control over lithium assets allows for pressure on Western corporations and contributes to reshaping global dependencies.
Despite the loss, Zhernov said his company is not giving up on investing in Ukraine and is exploring other options. However, he admitted the situation has fundamentally changed risk assessments: “Before, we saw this project as a driver of economic growth. Now — it’s just another front in the war.”
Earlier, the Experts Club information and analysis center produced a detailed video analysis of the prospects for rare earth element mining in Ukraine.
In January-May this year, Ukrainian mining companies reduced exports of iron ore in physical terms by 12.8% year-on-year to 13 million 545,967 thousand tons from 15 million 542,428 thousand tons.
According to the statistics released by the State Customs Service on Friday, during this period, foreign exchange earnings from the export of iron ore decreased by 21.5% to $1 billion 73.888 million from $1 billion 367.161 million.
Exports of iron ore were carried out mainly to China (44.98% of supplies in monetary terms), Slovakia (17.17%) and Poland (16.65%).
In addition, in January-May 2025, Ukraine imported iron ore worth $46 thousand in the amount of 65 tons from the Netherlands (46.67%), Norway (28.89%) and Italy (24.44%), while in the same period last year it imported 303 tons worth $121 thousand.
As reported, in 2024, Ukraine increased exports of iron ore by 89.8% compared to 2023 – up to 33 million 699.722 thousand tons, while foreign exchange earnings increased by 58.7% to UAH 2 billion 803.223 million.
In 2024, Ukraine imported iron ore worth $414 thousand in a total volume of 2,042 thousand tons, while in 2023, 250 tons of this raw material were imported for $135 thousand.
In 2023, Ukraine decreased exports of iron ore in physical terms by 26% compared to 2022 – to 17 million 753.165 thousand tons. Foreign exchange earnings amounted to $1 billion 766.906 million (down 39.3%). The company imported iron ore for $135 thousand, totaling 250 tons.
Campari Group has reached an agreement to sell its Cinzano vermouth and sparkling wine production to Caffo Group 1915, a private Italian spirits company (owner of the Vecchio Amaro del Capo bitter brand), according to a press release from Campari.
The sale also includes the Frattina grappa production business.
The deal is part of Campari Group’s strategy and commitment to optimize its portfolio by selling non-core brands to strengthen its commercial and marketing focus on its core spirits business and simplify its overall operations, according to the press release.
The agreement provides for the contribution to the newly created company of the Cinzano and Frattina businesses, including all intellectual property, finished product inventories, certain production equipment in Italy, contractual relationships, and other related assets. Production facilities in Italy and Argentina, where the Campari Group also produces other brands, are excluded from the scope of the transaction.
The transaction, which is valued at €100 million, is expected to close by the end of 2025.
In 2024, net sales of Cinzano and Frattina amounted to €75 million. The average annual growth rate over the past four years was 5%. Their share in the Campari Group’s total sales amounted to 2%.
