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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said members are spending around 4% of GDP on defense and announced tens of billions in new contracts, including $40 billion for drone defense. Hungary pledged to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, while reports highlighted Europe and Canada's spending trajectory.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said US rhetoric on Ukraine is drifting away from negotiations and that Washington has abandoned New START compliance. He also described the Ukraine conflict as provoking the collapse of the Euro-Atlantic security model and dismissed European dialogue offers as a diversionary tactic.
NATO leaders gathered in Ankara amid renewed US criticism and European pledges of €70 billion in military aid to Ukraine, while Russia denounced the summit's decisions. The meeting highlighted the alliance's debates over burden-sharing and collective defense.
Britain and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Russian scientists and research institutes allegedly involved in developing chemical weapons, including toxins linked to the death of Alexei Navalny. The measures follow Western accusations that Moscow violated the Chemical Weapons Convention, while Russian officials maintain Navalny died of natural causes.
Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, European leaders are reportedly set to announce a two-year aid package for Ukraine worth at least €140 billion, with the United States declining to contribute. NATO members have yet to agree on the timing of future assistance, with Italy opposing the extension of aid into 2027.
Germany's federal cabinet has approved the 2027 draft budget, featuring €555.4 billion in spending and over €200 billion in new borrowing, with a significant boost for defense. In a separate development, reports indicate Canada has selected German shipbuilder TKMS for a submarine deal.
NATO's Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II reconnaissance aircraft has conducted multiple flights around the Baltic states assess, including circling over the Gulf of Finland and near Russia's Kaliningrad Region, according to TASS reports citing EU air traffic control sources. The aircraft, based in Romania, has also been observed over the Black Sea, alongside British and Dutch surveillance planes.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that Hungary's new government has shown interest in clarifying the parameters of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant construction, and that Rosatom is ready for such discussions. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said his government is reviewing financing arrangements for the project amid concerns over the state budget deficit.
A wildfire in southwestern France has forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people from towns near the Spanish border, scorching 4,600 hectares. The EU is sending waterbombing aircraft, and officials warn of deteriorating conditions. An arrest has been made in Spain related to the fire's origin.
Hamas has announced the dissolution of its government emergency committee in Gaza, transferring administrative powers to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as part of the US-brokered peace plan. Israeli officials have dismissed the move as a stunt aimed at avoiding disarmament, while the NCAG says it will be guided by 'actions, not promises.'
Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least 14 people and wounding about 60, according to Ukrainian officials. The strike came on the eve of a NATO summit, prompting urgent calls from President Zelenskyy and EU leaders for more air defense support.
China has officially denied reports that it trained Russian servicemen, with the Foreign Ministry calling the claims 'slander and defamation.' The reports, which allege high-level military cooperation, have drawn concern in Europe, though Beijing maintains its balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening, the first visit by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities took power in December 2024. The trip follows Syria's announcement of his expected visit and includes talks on bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
FIFA suspended US striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban for the World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium, following a reported phone call from President Trump. The decision triggered sharp criticism from Belgian football officials and UEFA, who condemned it as unjust and unprecedented.
Serbian Minister Nenad Popovic reiterated that Serbia will never impose sanctions on Russia despite immense pressure and threats, emphasizing the country's reliance on Russian gas and the strength of bilateral ties. He also highlighted Serbia's 12-year refusal to join EU sanctions, a stance supported by historical and cultural bonds.
The United States has sanctioned a major Rwandan gold refinery, its executives, and three mining companies, accusing them of smuggling minerals from rebel-controlled areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The measures target the Gasabo Gold Refinery and its leadership, while Rwandan officials have rejected similar allegations in the past.
A Paris appeal court has upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds but reduced her ban from public office, potentially allowing her to run in the 2027 presidential election. The ruling has sent political shockwaves through France, with Le Pen vowing to appeal and her rivals drawing parallels to Donald Trump.
Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Rota in the Northern Marianas, bringing hurricane-force winds and torrential rains. The National Weather Service warned of catastrophic wind damage and long-lasting power outages, while the region is still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The AfD concluded its party conference in Erfurt, confirming Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders amid protests and ahead of key regional elections. Weidel also called for the German government to resign, citing low approval ratings, and advocated EU reforms.
As Zambia heads to the polls on August 13, 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term on the back of economic stabilisation, while opponents argue that fiscal discipline has come at the expense of social protection and jobs. The election carries high stakes for investment in critical minerals and Zambia's global relationships, with more than 70 percent of the population still living in poverty.