United States

The United States announced unprecedented sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on July 11, four years after anti-government protests. The sanctions include visa restrictions for Díaz-Canel and other high-ranking officials for human rights violations.

The trade agreement between the US and the EU may fall apart due to disagreements over customs tariffs on agricultural products and cars. The EU proposes to limit tariffs on agricultural exports to 10%, while the US insists on flexibility; there are also disagreements regarding tariffs on cars.

US President Donald Trump is considering a new military aid package for Ukraine worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The funds will come from a fund approved by Congress last year, which allows the US Department of Defense to withdraw weapons from arsenals.

US President Donald Trump may be denied the right to address the British Parliament during his state visit in September. The Speaker of the House of Commons has not received a request, and MPs have expressed concern over Trump's previous comments.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the preparation of new European defense packages. Strong steps regarding sanctions against Russia are also expected.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resumption of military aid supplies to Ukraine, particularly from the US and European partners. Ukraine is working on new deliveries, increasing its own weapons production, and strengthening air defense.

President Zelenskyy announced work on new agreements regarding weapons and air defense, emphasizing rapid implementation. He expects detailed reports from officials, warning of personal personnel conclusions for failures.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued new directives to accelerate the production and deployment of drones in the US army. This will allow commanders to independently purchase and test drones, removing bureaucratic restrictions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the continuation of work with the American side at the military level next week, confirming the visit of US President's special representative Keith Kellogg. New European defense packages are also being prepared, and strong steps regarding sanctions against Russia are expected.

The US Senate Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides for $500 million in aid to Ukraine and extends the Security Assistance Initiative until 2028.

Retired British Army Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon believes that Russia is seriously considering a scenario of a nuclear strike on Ukraine. He emphasizes that the creation of a Franco-British nuclear alliance could become a deterrent for the Kremlin.

Pedro Pascal, who played Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four: First Steps," said that the remake focuses on family ties and caring for humanity. The film, set to be released on July 24, 2025, in Ukraine, will introduce Marvel's first superhero family, who will confront Galactus.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged the strike on a Ukrainian hospital and expressed disappointment with the Russian dictator. He promised an "important statement" on Monday.

Ukraine has developed a "Plan B" in case of cessation of arms supplies from the US, increasing its own production and joint ventures. The country is working on air defense and developing new technological solutions to combat various threats.

Experts emphasize that without the adoption of the "Defence City" bills, the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex will not be able to fully develop, compete, and attract investments. The bills provide for tax, customs, and budget changes, as well as amendments to the Criminal Code.

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.

The US will continue to support Ukraine, with the possible provision of additional air defense systems. The head of the special service notes the consistency of Trump's position.

The US State Department is laying off 1,353 employees, including civil servants and diplomats, as part of a large-scale reorganization by the Trump administration. This move has drawn criticism regarding the potential weakening of America's global leadership.

MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi stated that Ukraine has not seen Russia's peace concept, which Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov handed over to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukraine will study the concept if it is handed over, but for now, it only sees Russian strikes on cities.

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that a truce in Ukraine could be reached long before the end of the year, and a ceasefire – in the coming months. This requires the participation of Ukraine, Russia, and the USA.

Andriy Kolomiiets, convicted by the Russian Federation in 2015, has returned to Ukraine. He was deported to Georgia after serving a 10-year prison sentence.

New contacts between the Ukrainian and American sides will take place today and next week. Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi does not announce who exactly will arrive in Ukraine for security reasons, although US President's special representative Keith Kellogg previously stated his visit to Kyiv.

Dozens of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters symbolically began disarmament by burning their weapons in Iraqi Kurdistan. This step is a gesture of goodwill after the announcement of the organization's dissolution.

US defense support for Ukraine continues, despite media discussions about possible delays. Ukrainian and American teams are working to clarify the details of the allocated aid packages.

Special Representative of US President Donald Trump, Keith Kellogg, will arrive in Kyiv on Monday and stay in Ukraine for a whole week. He emphasized the need for a "Marshall Plan" for Ukraine's reconstruction.

The US Department of State plans to lay off hundreds of employees after a Supreme Court decision allowed job cuts. This reduction, which accounts for about 15% of the staff, aims to increase the department's efficiency.

South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

Donald Trump announced the introduction of a 35% tariff on imported goods from Canada starting August 1, 2025. This decision is part of the trade war, despite Canada's cancellation of the digital services tax.

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.

Ford Motor is recalling 850,318 vehicles in the US due to a potential low-pressure fuel pump malfunction that could lead to engine stalling. The defect has been found in 10% of vehicles, including Lincoln Aviator, F-150, and Mustang models.