The Kremlin considers US President Donald Trump's statements about sanctions against Russia "very serious. " Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow is ready to negotiate with Kyiv, but will continue the "special military operation" if there is no response.
The US administration combines pressure and diplomacy to force Putin into negotiations and end the war, setting a new 50-day deadline. Serhiy Leshchenko, advisor to the Office of the President, expressed surprise at the length of the term, as it should be shortening, not lengthening.
Global sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids increased by 24% in June, reaching 1. 8 million units. Sales in China and Europe showed significant growth, while the US recorded a 1% decline.
Despite initial resilience to US tariffs, China's economy is showing a slowdown in growth. A drop in new housing prices and a slowdown in retail sales have been recorded, indicating the impact of the prolonged crisis in the real estate market.
Donald Trump, in a private conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 4, asked if the Ukrainian Armed Forces could strike Moscow and St. Petersburg if the US provided appropriate weapons. Zelenskyy answered in the affirmative, and Trump supported the idea to force Russia into negotiations.
President Zelenskyy reshuffled the government, proposing Yulia Svyrydenko for the position of Prime Minister and Denys Shmyhal as Minister of Defense. This occurred simultaneously with Trump's announcement of a new arms sales program to Ukraine.
Three European Union countries oppose lowering prices for Russian oil as part of the 18th package of sanctions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated the lack of consensus, without naming specific countries.
China plans to purchase 140 million barrels of oil for its strategic reserves by the first quarter of 2026, as long as prices remain below $80 per barrel. This will ensure a high level of imports and soft commercial demand.
Nvidia plans to resume sales of H20 AI chips in mainland China, having received assurances from the US government regarding licensing. Chinese companies, including ByteDance and Tencent, are already placing orders for these chips.
Bitcoin fell 3. 2% to $117,386 after a record surge above $123,000. The pullback occurred amid optimism about US digital asset legislation and a rally in risk assets.
Oil prices fell after Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine eased supply concerns. Brent and WTI futures fell 0.2% as Trump's softening stance on sanctions and his tariff plan impacted the market.
Political scientist Ruslan Bortnyk believes that changes in Trump's strategy will not affect Putin; on the contrary, Russia will intensify its efforts within 50 days. This period is likely related to new Russian peace proposals and ends on September 2, the anniversary of the end of World War II.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X Corp. , announced her resignation after two years. The Financial Times reports that the reason was disagreements with Elon Musk, whose direct style clashed with her sophistication, despite the successful expansion of X's advertising business.
The United States will prioritize the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine through Europe. Europe and Canada will pay for weapons manufactured in the US.
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin, but said he was not done with him. Trump also announced plans to supply weapons to Ukraine and warned of possible tariffs on Russia.
Germany has asked the administration of US President Donald Trump to provide Ukraine with two more Patriot missile batteries. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed this issue with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Donald Trump considered the possibility of transferring Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, capable of reaching Moscow and St. Petersburg. This issue was discussed, but the missiles are currently excluded from the list of supplies.
The US Supreme Court overturned restrictions on disbanding the Department of Education, allowing the Trump administration to dismiss employees and transfer functions. This decision is part of a plan to reduce the federal government's role in education.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on world leaders trading with Moscow to encourage Putin to peace in Ukraine. This is related to the threat of secondary tariffs imposed by President Trump, who also plans to increase military aid to Ukraine.
Republican Majority Leader John Thune will postpone the advancement of the bill on sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to act if Putin does not take steps towards a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the continuation of rapid and substantial deliveries to Ukraine. He welcomed Trump's decision on modern weapons and increased economic pressure on Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Trump's priority is to end the war in Ukraine through a long-term negotiated settlement. This was discussed during talks with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Great Britain.
Germany will transfer Patriot air defense batteries to Ukraine and purchase replacements from the USA. The delivery of weapons may take months, despite Zelenskyy's calls.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his country will make a decisive contribution to financing Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. This will help Ukraine defend itself against bombings and increase pressure on Moscow to achieve peace.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, discussing cooperation between Europe and the US to support Ukraine. They talked about supplying additional "Patriots" and other weapons, as well as increasing pressure on Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation with US President Donald Trump, discussing means of protection against Russian attacks and strengthening Ukraine's position. The leaders agreed to call each other more often to coordinate steps.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief foreign affairs representative, welcomed Donald Trump's tough stance on Russia but called the 50-day ultimatum to punish Moscow "very long. " Trump announced strict tariffs for Russia if there is no ceasefire agreement in Ukraine within 50 days.
The US plans to sell weapons worth about $10 billion to NATO countries. These supplies, which include missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells, are intended for further transfer to Ukraine.
The US can transfer short-range missiles, howitzers, and medium-range air-to-air missiles to Ukraine through NATO members. This decision by Trump has multifaceted justifications to avoid political criticism.
US President Donald Trump announced a deal with NATO on arming Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the deal "really big," noting that it is the first wave of aid.