Bloomberg L.P.
The US Army plans to spend over $1. 3 billion on Patriot missiles in the next fiscal year, increasing the target procurement volume to 13,773 units. This decision is driven by the growing demand for air defense systems, which have proven critical for Ukraine and US forces in the Middle East.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for the resignation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and rejected Brussels' economic recommendations regarding fiscal policy. The Hungarian government refused the EC's demands for permanent fiscal measures to reduce the budget deficit, citing national priorities.
The volume of Russian seaborne oil supplies fell to 3. 12 million barrels per day, the lowest figure since February 2025. This reduction is explained by a faster increase in refinery processing compared to production.
The European Union is considering creating a 100 billion euro fund for long-term support to Ukraine, which will start flowing from 2028. This will strengthen Europe's role in financing Ukraine amid uncertainty regarding aid from the United States.
Trump announced that new "reciprocal" tariffs will take effect from August 1, 2025, without delay. This announcement is part of his trade strategy aimed at reshaping global trade flows.
Russia has stopped publishing monthly population statistics, making it difficult to assess the demographic situation. This is happening amid significant losses in the war against Ukraine and a decline in birth rates.
Chinese suppliers play a key role in providing Russia with components for the production of attack drones used against Ukraine. 92% of foreign components in Russian drones are of Chinese origin, with supplies made directly and through intermediaries.
Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna denied talks about her possible dismissal and appointment as Ukraine's ambassador to the USA. She noted that such discussions had not taken place either in the government or in parliament, and her work schedule was planned until the end of the year.
Daniel Abraham, a New York billionaire who created the Slim-Fast "weight loss empire," died at the age of 100. His fortune was estimated at $2.4 billion, and he sold Slim-Fast to Unilever NV in 2000 for $2.3 billion.
US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on goods from Japan and South Korea starting August 1. This applies to countries that have not yet concluded trade agreements with his administration and is part of his policy of reviewing trade relations.
President Zelenskyy discussed replacing the current Ukrainian ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, with President Trump. Among the potential candidates for the ambassadorial position are Denys Shmyhal, Olha Stefanishyna, Rustem Umerov, and Herman Halushchenko.
BlackRock Inc. stopped seeking investors for a multi-billion dollar Ukraine reconstruction fund earlier this year after Donald Trump won the US presidential election. The fund was supposed to raise at least $500 million from countries and $2 billion from private investors.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's readiness to cooperate with France in nuclear energy, aviation, AI, green energy, and biotechnology. Issues concerning Ukraine and the Middle East were also discussed, and China resolved the issue of anti-dumping duties on European cognac.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) withdrew its inspectors from Iran due to a new Iranian law that criminalizes the activities of international monitoring missions. This decision caused concern among Western countries and intensified the isolation of Iran's nuclear program.
US President Donald Trump signed a bill that raises the national debt limit by $5 trillion, cuts social programs, and increases military funding. The document also provides for tax breaks and funding for combating illegal migration.
The US government is ceasing the production of pennies, as minting them cost more than their value. This decision is symbolic, but could lead to prices being rounded to the nearest nickel.
The Slovenian parliament approved a referendum on increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, which could hinder government plans. The opposition and two coalition parties supported the initiative, which is consultative in nature.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hopes for US flexibility regarding arms supplies to Ukraine after some deliveries were suspended due to concerns about stockpiles. The Pentagon suspended the transfer of artillery shells and air defense systems to Ukraine, citing a review of US stockpiles.
Germany is holding "intensive discussions" on providing Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems. This comes amid intensified Russian attacks and a halt in arms supplies from the US.
US President Donald Trump will personally decide on extending the term of customs negotiations with trade partners after July 9. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Trump will determine whether partners are negotiating in good faith.
The IMF warned that Trump's tax bill would make it harder to reduce the US budget deficit and debt burden. The bill increases the deficit by $3.3 trillion, which contradicts the reduction of federal debt in the medium term.
On Thursday, Zimbabwe experienced a massive nationwide power outage due to a system failure that led to a loss of production at two power plants. Electricity imports from South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique were also interrupted.
Russia's oil and gas revenues in June decreased by 33. 7% compared to last year, reaching their lowest level since January 2023. The fall in global crude oil prices and the strengthening of the ruble are reducing the profitability of oil companies and burdening the federal budget.
Donald Trump has called for an end to the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption. This has sparked debate in Israeli society regarding interference in the country's judicial system and internal politics.
Europe continues to suffer from an intense heatwave caused by a heat dome, bringing red and amber warnings. In France and Germany, temperatures reach 39°C, and climate change intensifies the intensity of heatwaves, threatening health and straining energy systems.
Analysts predict global tourism spending to grow from $5 trillion in 2024 to $15 trillion in 2040. Developing countries, primarily China, India, and Saudi Arabia, will be the main drivers of this growth.
Columbia University received a warning from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education regarding potential loss of accreditation due to non-compliance with safety, ethics, and inclusivity standards. The university remains accredited but must address the concerns to maintain its status.
The Trump administration stopped funding USAID, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims that the agency has not shown results since the Cold War. This decision could lead to increased mortality and draws criticism from USAID supporters.
Poland's Supreme Court confirmed Karol Nawrocki's presidential election victory, despite controversy and numerous complaints. The decision paves the way for Nawrocki to take the oath of office and assume his post.
Iran has disconnected IAEA nuclear observers and refused inspections, raising questions about its nuclear program. The whereabouts of 409 kg of Iranian near-bomb-grade uranium remain unknown.