A Bundeswehr helicopter crashed into the Mulde River in Germany, killing two people. The Minister of Defense visited the crash site, and the search for one person is ongoing.
Germany plans to increase its defense budget to 162 billion euros by 2029, which is double the current level and significantly exceeds NATO targets. Part of the funds, 9 billion euros annually, will be directed to support Ukraine, as well as to a large-scale modernization of the German army.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the compromise in the tariff dispute with the administration of US President Donald Trump would significantly harm the German economy and lead to higher inflation. He thanked the European Commission for the negotiations, noting that it was the best possible outcome, although it cannot satisfy Germany.
Five Ukrainian citizens, including a family with two children, were injured as a result of a regional express train derailing in Germany. All Ukrainians are undergoing examination, their lives are not in danger.
The US is conducting a global force posture review, which could lead to a reduction of American troop presence in Europe by up to 30%. Germany, which hosts the largest number of American service members, anticipates changes in America's posture, but there are no specific commitments regarding US plans yet.
According to the German Chancellor, the trade agreement between the EU and the US helped avoid a conflict that could have harmed Germany's export-oriented economy. In particular, tariffs on cars will decrease from 27.5% to 15%, which is key for the German automotive industry.
In Germany, on July 27, a passenger train derailed in Baden-Württemberg near Riedlingen. At least three people died and 30 were injured in the accident.
Alina Komashchuk won a bronze medal at the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, which was her first individual medal at a world championship. The Ukrainian athlete defeated several strong opponents, losing in the semifinals to a Polish sabre fencer.
More than 90% of environmental defenders and climate activists worldwide have experienced online harassment, most often on Facebook. A Global Witness study found that online attacks often escalate into real-world threats, and Meta's social networks are the primary platforms for such abuse.
22-year-old Tim Schramm, deputy head of the AfD district branch in Wuppertal, may be expelled from the party due to his participation in hostilities on the side of Ukraine from March to June 2025. The party leadership considers his actions to be "extremely damaging behavior for the party," which contradicts its principles and harms its reputation.
Germany has already provided Ukraine with three Patriot systems and is negotiating with the US to send another one. Berlin will also facilitate the provision of five Patriot missiles, and Switzerland will postpone its Patriot order to support Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
Lithuania plans to allocate up to 30 million euros for the purchase of American long-range Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. This decision is part of an agreement under which European NATO members will buy American weapons for Kyiv.
Veteran Leonid Fedorovsky reported an improvement in the situation with the number of people who can provide qualified assistance during Russian attacks. The Association of Operators and Instructors of First Aid Tactical Medicine is implementing a project to place first aid kits and train children.
Global electric vehicle sales grew by 37% in the first half of 2024, reaching 5. 9 million units. China remains the dominant market with 3.7 million new EVs, while Europe recorded a record 1.2 million sales.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with US President Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss a trade deal. European diplomats do not expect a quick agreement due to Trump's tendency for last-minute cancellations and the complexity of decision-making in the EU.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the issue of transferring the Patriot system to Ukraine has not yet been discussed, although the country will continue military support. Romania has an agreement for seven Patriot systems with the US, four of which it has received, one it has transferred to Ukraine, and it expects the next three from 2027.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak held meetings with representatives of the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and France. Issues of security, reforms, the peace process, military cooperation, and the exchange of 1200 prisoners of war from each side were discussed.
The Ukrainian government has appointed new deputy ministers of defense, who are to implement systemic changes in the defense sector. The team includes Ivan Havryliuk, Serhiy Boyev, Anna Hvozdiar, Volodymyr Zaverukha, Yuriy Myronenko, and Oksana Ferchuk.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi discussed with Alexus Hrynkevych the situation at the front and the US and NATO plan for Ukraine to receive air defense systems paid for by Europe. Syrskyi thanked Trump and Rutte for the prompt delivery of air defense systems, which are already on their way.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to recognize the Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. This decision drew sharp condemnation from Israel and the United States, but received a positively neutral reaction from European allies.
Ukraine is working to acquire ten Patriot systems that will be sold by the United States. Germany has confirmed the provision of two systems, Norway - one.
Chinese automaker Zeekr, part of the Geely group, plans to expand its operations in the EU despite the imposed tariffs. The company is preparing to enter the markets of Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 12-24 months.
German defense company Hensoldt has received an order to supply TRML-4D and SPEXER 2000 3D MkIII radars to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The total value of the order exceeds 340 million euros.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed government officials to present the bill on strengthening the powers of NABU and SAPO to all partners and to engage expert capabilities. The bill provides for the return of old norms, mandatory polygraph for employees with access to state secrets, and a ban on travel abroad for NABU employees.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, proposing that Germany participate in the expert review of the draft law on anti-corruption bodies. The situation at the front and the need to finance drone production were also discussed.
Mykhailo Kokhan won a gold medal in hammer throw with a result of 77. 10 m at the World Universiade, which became the 11th medal for Ukraine. Overall, Ukraine ranks 7th in the overall standings.
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.
