US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued new directives to accelerate the production and deployment of drones in the US army. This will allow commanders to independently purchase and test drones, removing bureaucratic restrictions.
The US Senate Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides for $500 million in aid to Ukraine and extends the Security Assistance Initiative until 2028.
The updated War&Sanctions database now contains information on 626 vessels of the Russian and Iranian "shadow fleet" that ensure illegal oil supplies bypassing sanctions. Among them are 20 Russian tankers and 11 Iranian vessels that finance the war and attacks on Ukraine.
The Russian coal industry is experiencing a crisis due to high borrowing costs, sanctions, and falling demand in China. Only half of the companies remain profitable, and some mines have suspended production.
South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
Oil prices rose after Trump's statement about possible sanctions against Russia, but fears about tariffs and increased OPEC+ production limited the growth. Brent and WTI futures rose, partially recovering from the fall.
China is verifying information about the detention by the Ukrainian side of its citizens who attempted to transfer secret documentation regarding the Neptune missile system. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Beijing would protect the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens.
The flood on the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal, which claimed at least nine lives and left over two dozen missing, was caused by the depletion of a glacial lake in Tibet. 19 people remain missing in Nepal and 11 in China, and the "Friendship Bridge" has been destroyed.
Oil prices fell due to new Trump tariffs threatening global economic growth. Brent and WTI futures lost value, despite rising US crude oil inventories and record demand for air travel.
Ukraine's defense industry is transforming traditional models of military procurement, creating innovations in drone production. This allows the country to replace artillery with drones for conducting deep-strike warfare.
Tropical storm "Danas" approached the eastern regions of China, causing heavy rains and flood warnings. The storm is moving through the country's industrial heartland, where up to 300 mm of precipitation is expected.
Beijing denied Berlin's accusations of using laser weapons against a German plane during the EU mission "Eunavfor Aspides" in the Red Sea.
Chinese citizens have been detained in Ukraine for attempting to transfer secret documentation about the Neptun missile system to the PRC security agencies. Among those detained are a 24-year-old former student and his father, who coordinated the intelligence work.
Western Europe recorded its hottest June ever, with an average temperature of 20. 49°C. This is 2.81°C above the 1991-2020 average, indicating increased heat stress in the region.
Gold prices fell in Asia due to a stronger dollar and uncertainty over US tariffs. US copper futures reached record highs after Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on red metal imports.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced that the US Senate will soon consider a bill on tough sanctions against Russia, China, and India. The bill provides for presidential powers to maximize pressure on countries supporting Putin's war machine.
US President Donald Trump has postponed the increase of trade tariffs on imports from the EU until August 1. Experts believe that this may be another postponement, as the customs war is not beneficial to either side, and its impact on Ukraine will be insignificant.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has filed a complaint with the ECHR, challenging a court decision to bar her from the elections. This happened amid a European Public Prosecutor's Office investigation into the misuse of EU funds by the far-right group.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in the British Parliament, warned Europe against excessive dependence on the United States and China. He emphasized the need to protect democratic models from foreign interference and disinformation.
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.
Sudden floods caused by torrential rains devastated the Himalayan valley between China and Nepal. 8 people died, 31 people are missing, including employees of a Chinese depot.
The European Union calls on China to help end Russian aggression against Ukraine. China's support for Russia's military efforts negatively affects relations between the EU and China.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against five Chinese companies that supplied components for Russian drones. This is a decision of the National Security and Defense Council dated July 8, 2025, adopted after the discovery of Chinese components in downed Shahed drones.
Germany has accused China of a laser attack on a German aircraft during the EU mission "Eunavfor Aspides" in the Red Sea. Berlin summoned China's ambassador over the incident, which occurred in early July.
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.
Tropical Storm Danas is heading towards China's eastern coast, with Zhejiang province preparing for its landfall. The storm has already swept through Taiwan, causing two deaths and injuring over 600.
Putin did not attend the BRICS summit in Brazil due to the ICC warrant, and Xi Jinping did not visit the event. Andriy Kovalenko stated that BRICS did not become an anti-Western axis, and Russia is a ballast in this coalition.
TikTok is developing a new version of its app for users in the US, which is planned to launch on September 5. This comes amid negotiations for the sale of TikTok's US assets, the deadline for which has been extended to September 17.
