January 8, 06:39 PM • 61899 views
January 8, 08:37 AM • 59871 viewsJanuary 4, 05:30 PM • 142824 viewsBlackRock Inc. stopped seeking investors for a multi-billion dollar Ukraine reconstruction fund earlier this year after Donald Trump won the US presidential election. The fund was supposed to raise at least $500 million from countries and $2 billion from private investors.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's readiness to cooperate with France in nuclear energy, aviation, AI, green energy, and biotechnology. Issues concerning Ukraine and the Middle East were also discussed, and China resolved the issue of anti-dumping duties on European cognac.
The United States of America is considering imposing 17% tariffs on agricultural exports from the European Union. European officials are trying to negotiate exemptions for certain goods, including aircraft parts and alcohol.
A Flixbus bus, en route to Vienna, veered off the A19 highway near Röbel and overturned. 31 people were injured, one of them seriously, and Ukrainians are among the casualties.
The Kremlin commented on Donald Trump's statement about disappointment with the results of his conversation with Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia will continue its "special operation" due to the lack of diplomatic channels. At the same time, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia is also interested in achieving its goals through "political-diplomatic" means.
Ryanair is increasing the maximum dimensions of under-seat carry-on baggage from 40×25×20 cm to 40×30×20 cm, which increases the bag's volume from 20 to 24 liters. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and will exceed the minimum dimensions recommended by the EU.
European airlines are canceling hundreds of flights due to the announced strike by French air traffic controllers. Airlines have urged the EU to reform regulations to avoid similar incidents.
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.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Chinese companies' support for Russia in the war against Ukraine poses a serious threat to European security. She urged China to cease material support for the Russian military-industrial complex and to promote peace in Ukraine.
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.
The United Kingdom and Germany are preparing to sign a wide-ranging mutual defence agreement that provides for mutual assistance in the event of strategic threats. The agreement will establish a binding link in security policy.
The late Karl Lagerfeld's villa near Paris was sold for 4. 7 million euros at an auction using the traditional "candle" method. The two-hectare estate, acquired by a real estate company, includes three buildings, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron had a constructive conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a call to the Russian dictator. Macron informed Zelenskyy about the details of the conversation, which, among other things, discussed the war in Ukraine.
The President of France discussed the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as Iran's nuclear program, on the phone with Russian dictator Putin. Putin stated that the conflict in Ukraine is a consequence of the policy of Western states.
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.
From July 3, an anticyclone from the West will bring a temperature increase, reaching +35-37 degrees in the south and Transcarpathia on July 4. However, the heat will be short-lived, as a temperature drop is expected already on July 5.
Elina Svitolina started Wimbledon 2025 with a victory, defeating Hungarian Anna Bondar in the first round with a score of 6:3, 6:1. This is the Ukrainian's second victory over Bondar this year and her fifth consecutive successful start at Wimbledon.
The European Commission wants to allow EU countries, starting from 2036, to transfer part of their climate efforts to poorer countries by using international carbon credits. This would allow counting greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved in other countries towards the EU's own 2040 target, which stipulates a 90% emission reduction from 1990 levels.
Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many countries. Spain recorded a June high of 46°C, leading to fires and evacuations, while the UK and Germany are also expecting historical highs.
The Ukrainian men's national volleyball team secured its fourth victory in the 2025 Nations League season, defeating Japan 3:2. This was the first official encounter between the two teams, which ended in Ukraine's favor and allowed them to take fourth place in the standings.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak discussed with advisors from partner countries the results of the NATO summit and the prospects for Ukraine's European integration. The discussion focused on increasing pressure on Russia and the importance of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump.
President Zelenskyy stated that last year, deliveries of machine tools for Russia's military-industrial complex were recorded from at least 12 countries, including China, the US, and Germany.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a European tour from June 30 to July 6, visiting the EU headquarters, Germany, and France. The purpose of the visit is the final согласоvание of details for the China-EU summit in Beijing on July 24-25.
The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.
The Ukrainian men's national volleyball team won its third victory in the League of Nations 2025, defeating Turkey with a score of 3:0. This is the first victory over the Turks since 2018, which brought the team 10 points and a spot in the top 6.
The French government plans to cut spending by nearly €5 billion this year to meet its budget deficit target. This decision was made due to high government spending, despite stable tax revenues.
North Korea opens Wonsan Kalma beach resort to domestic tourists after a six-year delay. According to dictator Kim Jong Un's plans, the resort should stimulate tourism development and attract foreigners, although it is currently only for locals.
A severe storm in France on June 25-26 caused the death of two people: a 12-year-old boy and a man on a quad bike. More than 40,000 lightning strikes and fallen trees were recorded as a result of the bad weather.
The wealth of the world's 3,000 billionaires has grown by $6. 5 trillion in a decade, equivalent to 14.6% of global production. The richest 1% earned $33.9 trillion, which could overcome global poverty 22 times.
