Russia Attacks Ukraine; Trump Considers New Sanctions, Releases Defensive Weapons
Key Takeaways
- Russia attacked Ukraine with 728 drones and 13 missiles, targeting Lutsk.
- Trump criticized Putin, considers sanctions, and will release defensive weapons to Ukraine.
- UK warns Iran of 'dramatic sanctions' over its nuclear program and UN access.
- Macron: Europe will never abandon Ukraine; Paris and London should pursue ceasefire.
- Zelenskyy intensifies US military cooperation, focusing on air defense and supplies.
Top Stories
Russia attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles, targeting Lutsk.
On July 9, 2025, Russia launched a drone and missile attack on Ukraine, primarily targeting Lutsk and the Volynska Oblast, using 728 drones and 13 missiles. The attack included the 'Motor' factory in Lutsk, and President Zelenskyj demanded sanctions against the Russian crude oil trade.
Trump criticizes Putin, considers new sanctions, and releases defensive weapons to Ukraine.
On July 8, 2025, Donald Trump criticized Putin for the Ukraine war, considering new sanctions and announcing the release of defensive weapons to Ukraine. This represents a shift in Trump's stance, given his previous emphasis on friendly relations with Putin.
UK warns Iran of sanctions over nuclear program.
The UK warned Iran of 'dramatic sanctions' if it doesn't clarify its nuclear program and allow UN inspectors. Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the statement, emphasizing that Iran cannot assume Israel will avoid striking its nuclear sites.
Macron: Europe will never abandon Ukraine.
During his July 8, 2025, visit to the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe would never abandon Ukraine, echoing the sentiment that Europe will work towards a ceasefire and negotiations. Paris and London should work together to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy intensifies US military cooperation, focusing on air defense.
On July 8 and 9, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy focused on increasing US military cooperation, instructing the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief to intensify contacts with the American side, particularly concerning air defense and other supplies.
Business Today
Trump advocates for reciprocal tariffs.
On July 8, 2025, Bloomberg discussed Donald Trump's trade policies, including his advocacy for reciprocal tariffs. Trump stated, "that means they do it to us and we do it to them, very simple, can’t get any simpler than that.”
Environmental Concerns
BBC reports on environmental impacts of rare earth mining in China.
On July 8, 2025, the BBC reported on the environmental and social impacts of rare earth mining in China, highlighting scarred landscapes, polluted water, and health concerns. Mining one tonne of rare earth minerals creates approximately 2,000 tonnes of toxic waste.
Global Watch
French DGSE: Israeli, US strikes delayed Iran's nuclear program.
On July 8, 2025, Nicolas Lerner, head of France's DGSE, stated that Israeli and American strikes delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months. Lerner expressed uncertainty regarding the location of Iran's highly-enriched uranium stocks, with 450 kg remaining.
Political Pulse
Liberal foundations raise $250M to counter Trump's tendencies.
Liberal foundations are secretly raising $250 million to counter President Trump's perceived authoritarian tendencies, focusing on nonpartisan groups that file lawsuits, protect activists, or support democratic institutions.
Tech Insights
AFT launches AI training program for teachers with $23M funding.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is launching the 'National Academy for AI Instruction' with $23 million support from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. The five-year program aims to train 400,000 US teachers in AI, focusing on the ethical use of generative AI tools.