This week's update includes several articles that analyze the recent resignation by Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and its implications for the country.

Ukraine's current internal political instability makes the need to address the country's economic crisis, exacerbated by the fighting in Eastern Ukraine, even more pressing. While the IMF has praised economic reforms recently introduced by the Ukrainian government, increased military expenses and disruption in manufacturing in the areas of unrest has shrunk Ukraine's economic output. I want to highlight a Washington Post article in this week's update by Steven Mufson, which details Ukraine's need for further aid.

In Washington and Brussels, calls for stronger sanctions against Russia are growing louder. EU leaders are currently discussing potentially introducing sanctions targeting sectors of Russian economy, which could be unveiled early next week.

On July 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed several new restrictive laws, further regulating Russia's internet and introducing harsher punishments for holding unauthorized demonstrations and inciting separatism. Russian authorities also added five more NGOs to the 'foreign agents' list, according to the law that requires all NGOs that receive foreign funding to register as foreign agents.

NCSEJ continues to closely monitor developments in the region and provide you with accurate and timely information and analysis. If you haven't seen this week's latest Ukraine updates, please visit http://www.ncsej.org/content/ncsj-latest-updates-ukraine.