U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorised a pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine without informing the White House, sparking confusion in the Trump administration and angering allies. President Trump distanced himself from the move, directing a partial restart of arms transfers, including Patriot missiles. Key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were also unaware of the decision. The halt reportedly stemmed from concerns over U.S. stockpiles, though no evidence of critical shortages was shared with Congress. The incident reflects ongoing disarray within Trump’s national security team and rising tensions over aid to Ukraine amid stalled peace talks with Russia.
TRUMP SLAMS PUTIN OVER UKRAINE ASSAULT
Ukraine endured its largest aerial assault yet, with Russia launching 728 drones and 13 missiles in a single night, striking multiple cities, including Kyiv and Lutsk. President Zelensky condemned the timing of the attack, calling out Moscow’s disregard for peace efforts. Meanwhile, President Trump reversed last week’s aid suspension, pledging renewed weapons support, including Patriot missiles. He openly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling frustration over stalled peace talks. Trump is also reviewing a sanctions bill against nations trading with Russia. The escalation comes amid fading hopes for a ceasefire and ongoing Russian offensives in Ukraine’s east.
TRUMP DELAYS RECIPROCAL TARIFFS
President Trump has delayed his promised “reciprocal” tariffs, extending the deadline from July 9 to August 1, highlighting the administration’s struggle to finalise trade deals. Only a fraction of the touted “90 deals in 90 days” have materialised. Nations like Japan and South Korea are reacting strongly, with Japan hinting at using its U.S. debt holdings as leverage. Meanwhile, China boosts exports to other regions despite a drop in U.S. trade. Markets remain calm for now, but global pressure, legal challenges, and inflation concerns loom as America edges closer to a full-blown trade standoff.
SIX NORTH KOREANS REPATRIATED
South Korea has returned six North Koreans who accidentally drifted across maritime borders earlier this year. The individuals expressed a persistent desire to return home, prompting Seoul to coordinate their repatriation via the United Nations Command. This marks the first such transfer under President Lee Jae-myung, who has pledged to ease tensions with Pyongyang. While official communication remains severed, the handover likely involved behind-the-scenes coordination. Experts believe the returnees will face intense scrutiny and propaganda use in the North. Critics argue they should have been exposed to defector voices before returning to authoritarian control.
SLOVAKIA BLOCKS RUSSIA SANCTIONS
Slovakia has reiterated its veto on the EU’s new sanctions package against Russia, demanding financial compensation for losses from the planned phase-out of Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Prime Minister Robert Fico argues the shift endangers Slovakia’s energy security and could lead to legal action from Gazprom over a breached long-term gas deal. Despite recent talks with Brussels on diversifying energy sources, no breakthrough has been reached. The deadlock persists amid Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine and rising pressure within the EU to act decisively. Another diplomatic meeting is scheduled as tensions within the bloc simmer.
