EU trade ministers convened in Brussels on July 14 after President Trump pledged to impose 30 per cent tariffs on most EU imports starting August 1. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said talks with U.S. counterparts were progressing and expressed cautious optimism, though he warned that the threatened tariffs could severely disrupt transatlantic supply chains. The EU has paused its first package of retaliatory tariffs on $24.5 billion of U.S. goods and is poised to approve a second package targeting $84 billion if negotiations fail. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani underscored the bloc’s readiness to deploy the full list of €21 billion countermeasures, while unity among member states remains firm.
TRUMP ARMS UKRAINE
In a sharp policy shift, President Donald Trump announced plans to send Patriot missile systems and offensive weapons to Ukraine, signalling frustration with Vladimir Putin’s stance on ceasefire talks. In Kyiv, President Zelenskiy discussed strengthening air defences and joint weapons production with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy nominated Yulia Svyrydenko to replace Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, citing a government transformation. Svyrydenko, a seasoned economist, has led negotiations with the U.S. on mineral deals. Germany may co-fund Patriots as NATO allies prepare coordinated support. Kyiv’s defense and economy remain fragile, heavily reliant on Western military and financial aid.
AIR INDIA CRASH RAISES QUESTIONS
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the preliminary report into last month’s deadly Ahmedabad crash—which killed 260 people—offers clarity but raises further questions. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found no mechanical faults and no pilot medical issues, yet cockpit voice recordings captured confusion during the flight’s final moments. One pilot questioned a fuel cut-off he hadn’t made, while both engine switches flipped almost simultaneously. The report does not assign blame or make recommendations. Wilson advised staff not to conclude as the investigation continues. The crash has intensified scrutiny of Air India and its operational practices.
SHUKLA RETURNS TO EARTH
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his three Axiom-4 crewmates have begun their return journey from the International Space Station (ISS) after an 18-day mission. Their SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked at 4:50 pm IST on July 14, with splashdown expected off California’s coast at 3 pm IST on July 15. Shukla, who became the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, led microgravity experiments on muscle loss and microalgae-based food. The team also studied cancer biology, blood flow, and astronaut mental health. The spacecraft is carrying 250+ kg of scientific cargo, closing a milestone mission for India’s growing space ambitions.
GERMANY DENIES MISSILE REQUEST
Germany has declined Ukraine’s renewed request for Taurus long-range cruise missiles, despite escalating Russian air assaults. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the decision, citing national security limitations and NATO obligations. The Taurus, developed by Germany and Sweden, can hit targets up to 500 km away with high precision and stealth, making it a sought-after weapon by Kyiv. Ukrainian officials view it as a battlefield game-changer, especially for striking fortified Russian targets. Germany has already sent three Patriot systems but says further transfers aren’t feasible. Russia has warned of dire consequences if Berlin reverses course and supplies Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
