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.
Germany is awaiting US President Donald Trump's decision on transferring Patriot systems to Ukraine. Washington has given a principled commitment to provide a replacement, which will allow Germany to transfer its own systems.
The German government is considering involving women and pensioners in truck driving to ensure the delivery of equipment and provisions to the front in the event of a war with Russia. This is due to a shortage of about 100,000 truck drivers and the potential loss of up to 300,000 Eastern European drivers in the event of a conflict.
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.
At the 29th meeting in the "Ramstein" format, partners announced key decisions regarding strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The USA is initiating a new mechanism jointly with NATO for European countries to purchase American weapons, and the Netherlands is allocating 125 million euros for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
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.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ramstein participants continue to work closely to support Ukraine, including through a new initiative that provides allies with access to purchase American equipment through the Alliance. This initiative will allow European NATO countries to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for further transfer to Ukraine.
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot systems, which will be deployed in the coming days. The purchase of long-range Ukrainian-made drones will also be financed.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine has a chance to receive a certain number of air defense systems in a short time, although not all of the announced 15-17 complexes. The US has allowed European partners to purchase and transfer air defense systems to Ukraine, which will speed up the process.
Ukrainian taekwondo fighter Maksym Manenkov won a gold medal at the World Summer Universiade in Germany in the weight category up to 58 kg. This victory became the seventh medal for Ukraine at the competition, and Manenkov admitted that he was inspired by Oleksandr Usyk's winning fight.
The UK Secretary of State for Defence will initiate a "50-day campaign" to arm Ukraine at the Ramstein meeting to force Putin to the negotiating table. This initiative supports Donald Trump's proposal for an ultimatum to Russia by September 2.
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.
Iran, Great Britain, France, and Germany may hold talks on Tehran's nuclear program next week. This comes after the E3 countries warned of renewed sanctions if no progress is made.
A bus overturned in southern Iran, killing at least 21 people and injuring 34. The incident occurred near Shiraz, and the cause of the accident is under investigation.
The Ukrainian national team won its first gold medal at the World Universiade in Germany in group exercises with 3 balls and 2 hoops. In total, the Ukrainian team won 5 medals, rising to 8th place in the overall standings.
Bundeswehr Major General Christian Freuding stated that Russia aims to expand drone production for simultaneous attacks of up to 2,000 UAVs. He emphasized the need for more effective air defense in Ukraine and the development of "smart countermeasures."
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha called for the return of Ukrainian names to foreign toponyms in official documents, referring to current legislation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will initiate the systematization of using names of Ukrainian origin for foreign toponyms.
Lieutenant General Alexus Grinkevich urged NATO countries to adopt Ukraine's experience in implementing innovations in the defense sector. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the military and the defense industry for the prompt supply of equipment.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would vote against the EU budget for 2028–2034, which provides for the allocation of 100 billion euros to support Ukraine. He justifies this by saying that the budget "sends Hungarians' money to Ukraine" and "destroys Hungarian farmers."
Taisiia Onofriichuk won a bronze medal in the individual all-around at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup stage in Milan. She also qualified for all four finals, which will take place on July 20.
In Düsseldorf, fireworks exploded at a low altitude at a fair, injuring at least 19 people, including a child. The organizers prematurely ended the celebration, and the police are investigating the causes of the incident.
The Trump administration is reviewing the schedule for transferring Patriot air defense systems so that Germany can promptly transfer two complexes to Ukraine. The US will accelerate arms supplies to allies who transfer their stocks to Ukraine.
Germany plans to transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, which is currently being produced by Raytheon. The delivery is expected no earlier than in 6-8 months, as the system is still in production.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubt about Ukraine's accession to the European Union by 2034. He noted that Ukraine's reconstruction after the war would be linked to its EU accession process, but this would take several years.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format will be held online on Monday, July 21. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal will hold talks with G7 defense ministers.
The ban on marketing agreements between pharmacies and drug manufacturers from March 1, 2025, negatively affects small manufacturers who have lost their promotion tools. This can also lead to market shadowization and job losses.
The new meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the "Ramstein" format is scheduled for July 21. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will take part in the virtual meeting, where issues of supplying Patriot systems will be discussed.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
