French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as an independent state in September this year at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need to end the war in the Gaza Strip, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza.
Law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, France, and Europol exposed the developer of one of the world's most famous hacking platforms in Kyiv. This platform, which operated for over 10 years, had over 50,000 registered users, including well-known hacking groups.
The European Commission has received support from EU member states for the introduction of 30% tariffs on goods from the USA if a trade agreement is not reached. The tariffs could affect goods worth 93 billion euros, but their introduction has been suspended until August 7 for negotiations.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association called for additional incentives for electric vehicles after the largest drop in new car sales in 10 months in June. New EV registrations fell by 5.1% to 1.24 million, indicating a slowdown in demand growth.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal discussed with French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu joint drone production in Ukraine and grant support for the Ukrainian defense industry up to €200 million. Ukraine also expects a new aid package from Sweden after a conversation with Minister of Defense Pål Jonson.
Ukrainian epee fencer Vlada Kharkova won a gold medal at the Fencing World Championships in Tbilisi. This is the first "gold" for Ukrainian women's epee fencing in 22 years.
During a mission, a technical failure occurred in the Mirage-2000 fighter jet; the pilot successfully ejected, and his condition is satisfactory. Experts note the coordinated response of the Ukrainian aviation system and well-trained personnel, despite the age of the aircraft.
The US decided to burn nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives purchased for USAID humanitarian programs. These supplies were stored in Belgium after the Trump administration froze foreign aid programs, and proposals for their repackaging and repurchase were rejected.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko will hold a meeting with G7 ambassadors in August to discuss the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada must adopt changes regarding in absentia proceedings and war crimes to harmonize legislation with the EU.
The European Union plans to impose 30% tariffs on American goods worth about 100 billion euros if the US follows through on its threat of tariffs after August 1. This will include industrial goods, cars, and whiskey, affecting a third of American exports to the EU.
Germany and France are rallying EU members to support retaliatory measures against US tariffs until Washington compromises. They propose using the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), which would allow blocking American companies and restricting import/export.
Greece is closing the Acropolis and urging outdoor workers to suspend operations due to a third heatwave that will bring temperatures up to +43°C. Authorities are on high alert, and tourists and residents are advised to avoid the heat and crowds.
The 2025 Venice Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 9, presenting new works by famous directors and actors. Among the premieres are Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia" and Paolo Sorrentino's "Grace", as well as Netflix films.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kharkiv to discuss strengthening air defense and protecting the city from Russian terror. They saw firsthand the consequences of Russian strikes on civilian targets and discussed attracting additional international support for the region's residents.
A French court has convicted the director of the company Anavim and two men of human trafficking, who worked in inhumane conditions during grape harvesting. The company was dissolved, and the culprits were ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
Iran does not plan to abandon uranium enrichment, despite serious damage to facilities from US strikes, which is a matter of national pride. Negotiations with European states, China, and Russia on the nuclear issue and possible sanctions are resuming, as the 2015 agreement expires in October.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Iran has expressed readiness for indirect talks with the US regarding a new nuclear deal. Tehran expects the lifting of American sanctions in exchange for dialogue.
A delegation from France and Ukraine visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, inspecting the New Safe Confinement and a facility damaged by a UAV attack. The parties discussed cooperation in nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Ukrainian companies to accelerate cooperation in the production of weapons and drones. French companies expressed readiness for joint drone production in Ukraine.
US President's Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, during his visit to Kyiv, discussed with the Ukrainian side the necessary weapons, including Patriot systems, and joint arms production. The visit took place in the context of agreements between the leaders of the US and Ukraine, confirming the continuation of high-level dialogue.
Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations with Russia, expecting a constructive dialogue and a mandate to resolve important issues. A meeting at the level of leaders involving Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, European leaders, and Erdogan is proposed.
Rescuers extinguished fires in Kyiv and Kharkiv that arose as a result of Russian attacks. Two people died, 15 were injured, and more than 50 people were evacuated.
Ukraine and France will create a €200 million fund to support Ukraine's critical infrastructure and economy starting in 2026. Issues of weapons, finance, reconstruction, and sanctions against Russia were also discussed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine plans to open over 10 new consular offices by the end of the year, including in Romania, Iraq, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, France, and Poland. Consulates in Antalya and Gdansk will receive general consulate status.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defense assistance to Ukraine, particularly strengthening air defense. The parties also discussed joint defense production, including the manufacturing of drones in Ukraine.
The French government has launched a criminal investigation against company X for alleged algorithm manipulation and fraudulent data extraction. The company denies the accusations and calls the investigation politically motivated.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced a visit to Kyiv to participate in the annual conference of ambassadors. He will reaffirm unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude futures rose by 6 cents to $69. 34 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 17 cents to $67.51. This comes as the impact of new European sanctions on Russian oil supplies is being assessed, alongside concerns about declining demand due to tariffs.
