Russia Cancels Navy Day Parade Amid Drone Attacks; EU to Buy $750B in U.S. Energy
Key Takeaways
- Russia canceled Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg after over 50 Ukrainian drone attacks.
- EU to buy $750B in U.S. energy over three years to cut Russian reliance.
- Rouble-backed stablecoin A7A5 sees surge in transactions, exceeding $40 billion in July.
- Synopsys completes its $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, financed through bonds, loans, and cash.
- Nordwind Airlines resumes direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, once a month.
Top Stories
Russia cancels Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg after Ukrainian drone attacks.
On July 27, 2025, Russia canceled its Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg due to drone attacks from Ukraine. Over 50 drones were launched, causing airport disruptions and one death.
EU-U.S. trade deal: EU to buy $750B in U.S. energy.
The EU signed a three-year agreement to buy $750 billion in U.S. energy, aiming to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels. Critics argue it's unrealistic due to limited supply.
Rouble-backed stablecoin A7A5 sees surge in transactions.
In July 2025, the rouble-backed stablecoin A7A5 experienced a surge in transaction volumes, with total transfers exceeding $40 billion. This could help Russia circumvent Western payment restrictions.
Synopsys completes $35 billion acquisition of Ansys.
Synopsys has completed its $35 billion acquisition of Ansys. The deal was financed through $14 billion in bonds and term loans, alongside cash.
Nordwind Airlines resumes direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Nordwind Airlines resumed direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang on July 28, 2025. A Boeing 777-200ER flew the 8-hour route, with flights planned once a month.
Cultural Highlights
Ukrainian artist calls for cultural promotion amid conflict.
On July 29, 2025, Pavlo Makov, a Ukrainian artist, calls on Ukraine to promote its culture amidst the ongoing conflict. Makov stresses the need for Ukraine to support its artists and cultural institutions.
Economic Trends
UK shop prices up 0.7% in July, food prices up 4%.
UK shop prices rose 0.7% in July 2025, with food prices up 4% year-on-year, the largest rise since April 2024. This increase is attributed to tighter global supplies of staples like meat and tea.
U.S. and Chinese officials meet in Stockholm.
On July 28, 2025, U.S. and Chinese economic officials met in Stockholm to address economic disputes and potentially extend a tariff truce. The talks aimed to avoid higher tariffs.
French and Spanish leaders criticize EU-US trade deal.
On July 29, 2025, French Prime Minister François Bayrou and Spanish Vice President Yolanda Díaz criticized the EU-US trade agreement, focusing on the 15% tariffs on European goods.
Federal Reserve expected to hold interest rates steady.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) is expected to hold interest rates steady at its July 30, 2025 meeting. The market expects the Fed to maintain the current rates between 4.25 and 4.5 percent.
OPEC+ emphasizes oil quota compliance.
On July 28, 2025, the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) emphasized the importance of adhering to oil quotas and requested countries with incomplete compliance to submit updated compensation plans by August 18, 2025.
Hedge funds sell tech stocks at fastest pace in 12 months.
During the week of July 28, 2025, hedge funds sold technology stocks at the fastest pace in 12 months, according to a Goldman Sachs note. This occurred as the S&P 500 reached all-time highs.
Wall Street mixed after U.S.-EU trade deal.
On July 28, 2025, Wall Street showed mixed results following a U.S.-European Union trade deal. The Dow Jones fell 0.09%, the S&P 500 rose 0.10%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.32%.
Oil prices rise due to U.S.-EU trade agreement.
On July 28-29, 2025, oil prices rose due to a U.S.-EU trade agreement. Brent crude exceeded $70 per barrel, and WTI reached $66.93.
Gulf economies projected to rebound in 2025.
According to a Reuters poll, Gulf economies are projected to rebound in 2025 due to increased oil output and revenue diversification. Saudi Arabia's economy is forecast to grow 3.8%.
UnitedHealth Group's stock plunges due to rising costs.
UnitedHealth Group's (UNH) stock has plunged significantly this year, exceeding 40%, due to structural headwinds and rising medical utilization. Investors seek a roadmap on costs as CEO Stephen Hemsley faces scrutiny.
Shipley Do-Nuts sold to California-based firm.
Shipley Do-Nuts, a Houston-based donut chain, was sold to a California-based private equity firm on July 28, 2025. The deal was valued at $400 million.
Indian rupee expected to open little changed.
On July 28, 2025, the Indian rupee is expected to open little changed, supported by improved risk sentiment after a U.S.-EU trade deal. However, persistent foreign portfolio outflows cap the rupee's rise.
MediaForEurope increases takeover offer for ProSiebensat.1.
On July 28, 2025, MediaForEurope (MFE) increased its takeover offer for German broadcaster ProSiebensat.1, valuing the company at roughly $2.4 billion. The offer rose to €4.48 ($5.22) per share.
Global Conflicts
Drone attack in Kyiv injures eight, including a child.
On July 28, 2025, a drone attack in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district injured eight people, including a child, after a bomb hit an apartment building. All victims suffered shrapnel wounds.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire after border clashes.
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire after five days of border clashes, mediated by Malaysia. The conflict caused 38 deaths and 300,000 displaced people.
Political Pulse
Trump criticizes London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
On July 28, 2025, Donald Trump criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a press conference in Scotland, calling him a 'nasty person.' Trump plans to visit London in September.
Romanian Deputy PM resigns amid corruption scandal.
Following the resignation of Romanian Deputy PM Dragoș Anastasiu due to a corruption scandal, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan will reorganize state-owned enterprises. Anastasiu admitted to receiving bribes disguised as consultancy fees.
Investigation into $934 million transfer for Trump's Boeing 747.
Investigators found a $934 million transfer likely used for renovating a Boeing 747 given by Qatar to Trump. The US Congress is investigating the cost, which may exceed $1 billion.
Senator urges SpaceX to prevent fraud in Southeast Asia.
Senator Maggie Hassan urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to prevent transnational criminal groups in Southeast Asia from using Starlink for fraud against Americans. These groups have defrauded Americans of billions.
Fox News coverage of Trump-Epstein connections.
Financial Times reported on how Fox News is covering the connections between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. The article examines how the Epstein affair is straining Donald Trump's relationship with Rupert Murdoch's media empire.
Bloomberg Opinion column discusses potential collapse of US-led world order.
In a Bloomberg Opinion column published on July 28, 2025, Jessica Karl (Hal Brands) discusses the possible collapse of the US-led world order. The column explores how severe the risks have become by considering various ways an order might end.
Scottish newspapers focus on Trump and golf tournament.
On July 27, 2025, Scottish newspapers focused on calls for the First Minister to confront Donald Trump about tariffs and concerns regarding a golf tournament. The article reviews the front-page stories from various Scottish newspapers.
White House Budget Director discusses spending cuts.
On July 27, 2025, White House Budget Director Russ Vought discussed plans for another recissions package with Jake Tapper on CNN. Vought detailed the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts.
The New York Times reports on the Democratic Party.
On July 27, 2025, The New York Times reported on the Democratic Party. Tressie McMillan Cottom discussed the elite panic at the heart of liberal attacks.
The Economist's "Trading down" daily political update.
The Economist's "Trading down" is a daily political update, featuring stories that matter. The article was published on July 28th, 2025.
Space News
NASA faces budget cuts and leadership shake-up.
NASA faces turmoil with budget cuts and leadership shake-up on July 27, 2025. Nearly 300 current and former NASA employees criticized budget cuts and a 'culture of organizational silence.'
Tech Innovations
Anjali Kapoor appointed BBC News Director for AI, Innovation and Growth.
Anjali Kapoor has been appointed as BBC News' new Director for AI, Innovation and Growth, starting in September. She will focus on driving audience growth and accelerating AI adoption.