Europe

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.

Iranian Minister of Communications Sattar Hashemi stated that the internet in Iran has returned to its "previous state" after the ceasefire. However, the ban on social networks such as X is still in effect, and Iranians use VPNs to access them.

President of Poland Andrzej Duda stated that he does not expect an immediate Russian attack on NATO countries, as Russia is exhausted by the war in Ukraine. However, he emphasized a real threat in the future and called for increased defense spending.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the increase in NATO defense spending is a result of members' "own convictions", and not a favor. NATO leaders plan to officially approve an increase in spending to 5% of GDP, which is attributed to pressure from Donald Trump.

New Tesla car sales in Europe fell by 27. 9% in May, while overall electric car sales in the region rose by 27.2%. The decline is attributed to competition from cheaper Chinese electric vehicles and protests against Elon Musk's policies.

The Ukrainian delegation at the NATO summit in The Hague announced preparations for a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump. Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak reported that negotiations with the American side are already underway.

Denmark has allocated almost 3. 3 billion hryvnias for launching Ukrainian defense production on its territory. This project is the first step of the Build with Ukraine initiative, agreed upon during the Ramstein format meeting in Brussels, and will strengthen cooperation in the defense sector.