Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that China could ask Russia to start hostilities in Europe to distract the West in the event of an attack on Taiwan. He emphasized the need to deter Russia and China by strengthening NATO and cooperating with the Indo-Pacific region.

Nutritionist Natalia Dubovyk spoke about the benefits of watermelons, the safe time for their consumption, and how to avoid poisoning. She emphasized that watermelons ripen naturally and contain a minimal amount of nitrates only from August onwards.

A Chinese component was found in a Russian drone in Kyiv after a night attack. The same night, the building of the Chinese Consulate General in Odesa suffered minor damage from Russian strikes.

Brent and WTI oil prices fell amid Iran's reaffirmation of commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and expectations of increased OPEC+ production. The US plans to resume nuclear talks with Iran next week.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Putin deliberately attacked Kyiv after talking to Trump to send a signal to the United States. The Kremlin wants Ukraine to remain within its sphere of influence, attacking the rear, as it cannot achieve its goals at the front.

Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine, Antal Heizer, was summoned to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry due to attempts to draw Ukraine into Hungary's internal political struggle. The Ukrainian side considers these actions deplorable and offensive, especially against the backdrop of the Hungarian people's assistance to Ukraine.

A large-scale wildfire is raging on the Greek island of Crete, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists. Strong winds complicate firefighters' efforts, and several people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems.

Ryanair has canceled 170 flights, affecting over 30,000 passengers, due to a nationwide air traffic control strike in France. The disruptions affect flights to/from France and over its airspace, impacting routes from the UK to Greece and from Spain to Ireland.

The Pentagon's decision to suspend some arms supplies to Ukraine came as a surprise to many, including members of Congress and European allies. The move caused concern and disappointment, especially among Republicans, due to the influence of official Elbridge Colby.

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.

On July 2, an anticyclone from Western Europe will bring clear weather without precipitation to most of Ukraine; daytime air temperatures will reach +29°. Short-term rains and thunderstorms are possible on the Left Bank.

A 49-year-old Chernivtsi resident set up a scheme for illegally transporting conscripts abroad for 6,000 euros per person. He was detained while receiving 12,000 euros for two men.

Chinese automotive brands, including BYD and MG SAIC Motor, have achieved more than 9% of the European market share for hybrid and electric vehicles. BYD plans to produce small cars in Europe next year.

Europe, particularly France, has been gripped by an anomalous heatwave, which has led to the declaration of a red alert level and the closure of the Eiffel Tower. Air temperatures could reach 41°C in Paris, 43°C in Spain, and 34°C in London. In France, schools are closed, there are power outages and train disruptions, and in Italy, outdoor work is prohibited.

At the summit in The Hague, Czech President Petr Pavel suggested to Donald Trump that economic pressure on Russia be increased, similar to "the US success with China". This should force the Kremlin to negotiate, though without causing an economic collapse of the Russian Federation.

Norway will send some of its F-35 fighter jets to Poland in the autumn to enhance the security of Polish airspace and protect the logistics hub near Rzeszów. This measure will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of international military aid to Ukraine.

A Russian LNG tanker docked at the Arctic LNG 2 plant, which is idle due to US sanctions, for the first time since October. Russia seeks to increase gas exports and is expanding its "shadow fleet", changing management companies to circumvent restrictions.

President Zelenskyy ordered to clarify the details of the death of F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who destroyed seven aerial targets during the attack. The President also discussed the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense after massive enemy strikes.

Budapest hosted its largest LGBTQ+ Pride in 30 years, gathering 200,000 participants despite the Orbán government's ban. The Mayor of Budapest and the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain led the demonstration, while the European Parliament emphasized support for European values.

Denmark will become the first European state to legally enshrine citizens' copyrights to their biometric data. This step is aimed at combating deepfakes and will allow demanding the blocking of content without consent.

On June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day, adopted in 1996. On the same day, the world celebrates International Milk Chocolate Day and other events.

Lithuania officially notified the UN of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines. This decision was made due to the perception of Russia as a long-term existential threat, with the aim of using all means to protect the population and territory of NATO.

The Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that sanctions successfully deter Russia from aggression against Europe and NATO. He emphasized that sanctions and the struggle of the Ukrainian nation are the only things holding them back.

Estonia has confirmed its readiness to host F-35 aircraft of the North Atlantic Alliance on its territory, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called this "dangerous" for Russia.

The warming in Ukraine will begin on June 29 thanks to an anticyclone from Europe. This was announced by Natalia Ptukha, spokeswoman for the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center. The weather will become more stable, less windy and sunnier.

The Chinese government has called on NATO to correct its “misconception” of the Asian giant. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said that China is reorganizing and building up its military power. NATO sees what China, North Korea, and Iran are doing, emphasized the NATO Secretary General.

U. S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has extended extraordinary measures to avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. The Treasury will no longer be able to meet all of its obligations without congressional action to raise or suspend the debt limit by mid-to-late summer.

The number of drug users in the world reached 316 million in 2023, according to a UN report; this growth is causing additional violence and mortality worldwide. The cocaine market is showing the fastest growth: production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, an increase of one-third.

People's Deputy Maria Mezentseva spoke about the details of the Agreement on a Special International Tribunal regarding Russia's military aggression. This tribunal will ensure the responsibility of high-ranking Russian officials, a clear definition of aggression as an international crime, and the possibility of convicting criminals in absentia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine is protecting the security of Europe, therefore NATO partners will continue to support it. According to him, a significant strengthening of NATO is a strong result for Ukraine.