Organization · 1458 published stories · 229 outlets
US President Donald Trump has suggested he might delay his departure from Europe to take part in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran, while also joking about assigning credit or blame to Vice President JD Vance. The deal, which has already been electronically signed, is set for a formal ceremony in Switzerland, with negotiations expected to begin on a 60-day path toward a final agreement.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed US commitment to the alliance despite reductions in US contributions to NATO's force model, urging European allies to 'backfill' the gap. He outlined plans for a 'stronger European-led NATO' with Europeans assuming more responsibility in Europe and Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned as 'reckless' the firing of warning shots by a Russian frigate at a UK-flagged yacht in the English Channel, an incident that Russia says was a preventive measure to avoid a collision. The encounter, which took place about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, caused no injuries or damage.
At the G7 summit in Evian, leaders from the world's major democracies agreed to strengthen Ukraine's air defences and increase sanctions pressure on Russia's oil and gas sector. The summit also saw US President Donald Trump sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, a move that leaders said could facilitate tougher measures against Moscow. However, Brazilian President Lula da Silva suggested that Western leaders are growing weary of the conflict and are seeking a resolution.
The European Union and the UK have scheduled a summit on 22 July to discuss a 'reset' in relations, focusing on a youth mobility scheme, trade in food and farm produce, and emissions trading. Talks remain complex, with the future of the youth scheme unresolved, and UK prime minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his government's stance against rejoining the EU.
The European Parliament has approved a trade deal with the US that cuts tariffs on many American goods, fulfilling the EU's side of an agreement struck last year. The move comes ahead of a July 4 deadline set by President Trump, who had threatened higher tariffs if the EU failed to act. The deal includes safeguards such as a sunset clause and conditions for tariff reductions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and European nations over Ukraine, accusing them of Nazi-style behavior and double standards. Wadephul, in turn, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to NATO and Ukraine, calling Russia the aggressor.
Germany and Poland mark 35 years since the Treaty on Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, a pact that helped overcome decades of enmity. Recent defence agreements and shared responses to the Ukraine war are bringing the two nations closer.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky would be received in Moscow if he sought serious talks, while Zelensky ruled out visiting Moscow, suggesting Turkey, Switzerland, or the Middle East. Peskov also said no official communication channels exist between Moscow and Kyiv and that no dates are set for US envoys Witkoff and Kushner's visit to Russia.
TASS reviews Russian press coverage of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which aims to end hostilities in the Middle East and restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts quoted in the Russian press express cautious optimism but warn of fragility, while also noting Europe's perceived attempts to derail Ukraine peace talks and falling oil prices amid hopes for de-escalation.
Kim Leadbeater, sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, says political hatred in the UK is likely worse now than before the 2016 Brexit referendum. Her comments come amid concerns over far-right unrest, social media amplification, and the legacy of Cox's call for 'kinder, gentler politics.'
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi used the G7 summit in France to deepen ties with Italy, pitch a critical minerals stockpile plan, and leverage her rapport with Donald Trump to bridge divides within the bloc. As she seeks to cement an 'Iron Lady' image, her approach draws both praise and criticism.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin says Bern remains in contact with all parties to the Ukraine conflict and is ready to host peace talks, while Moscow questions Switzerland's neutrality. The remarks come as the US signals a new focus on Ukraine after an Iran deal.
European Parliament member Michael von der Schulenburg has called for renewed dialogue between the EU and Russia, arguing that the current spiral of escalation serves no one and that Europe needs peace more than Russia does. Speaking to TASS, he highlighted the conflicts surrounding Europe and predicted that the US will further disengage from the Ukraine conflict.
South Korean ministers have urged the U.S. to address pending trade issues, including proposed tariffs over forced-labor import bans, within the framework of their bilateral trade agreement. The USTR has proposed duties of 10% or 12.5% on goods from 60 economies, with South Korea among 54 facing the higher rate.
As the EU prepares to sharply reduce tariff-free steel imports from July 1, the UK and South Korea are taking steps to protect their steel industries. UK business secretary Peter Kyle is set to raise concerns with the EU trade commissioner, while South Korea's trade ministry vows to safeguard its companies' interests amid ongoing negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wines and champagnes unless Paris scraps its digital services tax on tech firms, escalating a simmering trade dispute ahead of the G7 summit. French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to keep the tax and expects a 'respectful but firm' dialogue with Trump.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, after talks in Belarus, said Europe mistakenly believes Russia is losing the conflict in Ukraine and is issuing ultimatums based on that misjudgment. He expressed hope that the US will prioritize peace and not leave the initiative to European nations. The remarks were reported by Russian state news agency TASS.
European Union foreign ministers failed to agree on sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, despite many member states proposing economic restrictions. The decision comes amid international outrage over Ben-Gvir's actions toward activists trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The European Union has introduced additional sanctions against Russia, targeting more than 80 individuals and organizations, including energy companies, officials, and journalists associated with RT. The measures were published in the EU's Official Journal on June 15.