Germany
The Presidential Office commented on the possibility of enemy strikes during the visit of Donald Trump's special envoy: the experience Kellogg might undergo will be conveyed to the US President.
At the Krakovets–Korczowa border crossing, customs officers discovered 205 kg of Swiss perfume concentrates in a MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER minibus. The 25-year-old driver from Prykarpattia chose the "green corridor" but failed to declare the goods worth over UAH 800,000.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the possible introduction of 30% tariffs by the US would "hit German exports in the heart. " Germany is considering counter-tariffs and coordinating actions with EU leaders to prevent this.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the country will not supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine to avoid depleting its own stocks. Berlin has already transferred three out of twelve Patriot systems to Kyiv and will ask the US for permission to purchase two more for Ukraine.
As of early 2025, the EU population exceeded 450 million, an increase of 1. 07 million over the year. The growth is driven by migration after the COVID-19 pandemic, although the overall growth rate is slowing down.
In Germany, police discovered over 300 kg of the synthetic stimulant Captagon, valued at over 20 million euros, in a vegetable shop. The drugs were hidden in seed pallets, marking one of the largest seizures of its kind in the country.
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format will be held online within the next 10 days. The meeting will be co-chaired by Great Britain and Germany.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements on strengthening air defense and additional investments in weapons production following the Ukraine Recovery Conference. The event also became a platform for strengthening the Defense Forces and developing weapons production.
Germany will finance the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine for a significant sum, with the first systems expected in late July. This will strengthen Ukraine's air defense and capabilities.
Ukraine is negotiating the supply of Italian-French SAMP/T systems, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said that Ukraine is actively working with partners to obtain these air defense systems.
Ukraine's accession to SEPA will allow Ukrainian banks and fintech companies to operate under European conditions, simplifying euro transfers. This will open up new opportunities for businesses and Ukrainians abroad, although the euro exchange rate will depend on other factors.
Agreements to support Ukrainian hydropower were signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025. The European Investment Bank will provide a 200 million euro loan, while Italian and German companies will assist with infrastructure and specialist training.
The German Ministry of Defense denied Politico's report about plans to increase the F-35 fleet to 50 units. Currently, Germany has ordered 35 fighters to replace outdated Tornado jets.
The German government plans to purchase 15 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, increasing its planned fleet to 50 aircraft. This comes amid disagreements with France over the European next-generation fighter program.
In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in Rome that Russian assets could be unfrozen on the condition that Ukraine is compensated 500 billion euros. Frozen Russian assets abroad amount to over 300 billion euros.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's defense needs. The leaders also touched upon strengthening air defense and cooperation in arms production.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated that Ukraine will receive American Patriot air defense systems. This comes amid intensified Russian drone and ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian territories.
President Zelenskyy reported on a positive dialogue with Trump regarding Patriot systems. Germany and Norway are ready to pay for three Patriot systems for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Rome. The parties discussed the situation on the battlefield, support for Ukraine's defense production, and joint arms production, as well as challenges for Europe due to Russia's cooperation with allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing massive Russian shelling, increased investment in Ukrainian drone production, and the situation on the battlefield. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine on its path to European integration and called on Slovakia to unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the country's readiness to buy additional Patriot air defense systems from the US for transfer to Ukraine. He discussed this issue with US President Donald Trump.
The European Commission announced a new financial support package for Ukraine worth €2. 3 billion, which includes grants and loan guarantees. The funds will be directed towards supporting businesses, investments, urban reconstruction, energy security, and critical infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of achieving justice for Ukraine, which has been suffering from war for over three years. She also stressed the need to rebuild destroyed schools and hospitals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He will speak at the plenary session alongside leaders from Italy, Germany, the European Commission, and Poland.
Large-scale fires are raging in Greece, causing evacuations near Athens and on the island of Thassos. Significant parts of Europe, including Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and France, are preparing for the return of an anomalous heatwave with temperatures above 30°C.
The meeting in Rome will focus on Ukraine's long-term recovery and the mobilization of investments, particularly private sector funds.
Germany is discussing the purchase of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles worth 25 billion euros. This is part of a plan to form six NATO brigades and transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.