Background: Iran's IRGC had previously declared RAF Fairford a legitimate target after accusing the US of launching B-1B bomber strikes from the base. Today, the IRGC escalated by warning that any nation, including Britain or Persian Gulf states, supporting the United States in the conflict would be considered a legitimate target. The warning came after Tehran summoned Ukrainian diplomats over a bombing of an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, which killed at least one soldier and injured another. The IRGC also reiterated that any Israeli return to hostilities would be met with a devastating response.

Background: Ukrainian drones have been targeting Wildberries e-commerce warehouses and fuel infrastructure across Russia to disrupt the war economy. On July 25, Ukrainian drones struck a Wildberries logistics warehouse in Yekaterinburg, approximately 1,080 miles from the border, and a suspected military unit near the Engels-2 strategic bomber base in the Saratov region, causing a large fire. President Zelensky confirmed a widespread series of drone strikes up to 1,200 km inside Russia, hitting a weapons component plant in Kirov, an oil refinery in Tyumen, a logistics facility in Yekaterinburg, and a fuel depot in Rostov-on-Don. The SBU detailed hits on an S-400 radar, Tor-M2 system, and electronic warfare complex in Rostov, as well as a missile boat and sanctioned cargo vessels in the Caspian Sea. Russia claimed to have intercepted 328 drones overnight across 22 regions.

Explosions were heard in Kyiv during an air raid alert after the Ukrainian Air Force reported Russian ballistic missiles heading toward the capital from Chernihiv region. The attack follows a night of Russian strikes using two missiles and nearly 160 drones, underscoring Ukraine's urgent need for air defense systems.

The Israeli Knesset postponed a vote to formally recognize the Armenian genocide, a move seen as a victory for Azerbaijani diplomacy. Azerbaijan, a key Israeli ally and oil supplier, lobbied against the motion to avoid straining its ties with Turkey. The Knesset dissolved for elections, effectively shelving the issue. The episode highlights complex regional dynamics involving Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Subsequently, Azerbaijan hosted Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the first such visit since 2011, signaling potential shifts in its regional stance. Additionally, a military hotline between Israel and Turkey in Syria was established through Azeri mediation to prevent direct confrontation.

Background: Gulf states convinced Trump to suspend imminent US strikes on Iran, citing ongoing negotiations. Today, Trump set aside plans to escalate the military campaign against Iran due to concerns that a wider war could deplete Patriot missile interceptor stocks in the Middle East. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen Dan Caine warned that renewed operations would reduce interceptor availability for US Central Command. Risks of regional war, vulnerability of Gulf allies, and global economic disruption were also discussed.

A Russian Shahed drone struck a Palau-flagged civilian grain carrier twice as it departed a port in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, carrying 2,800 tons of corn. The second strike caused a large fire. Two sailors are missing, and eight crew members and a pilot were rescued. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister condemned the attack as part of a deliberate Russian campaign targeting civilian shipping and port infrastructure to disrupt Ukraine's grain exports.

Tariffs imposed during the Trump administration are emerging as a political liability for Republican candidates ahead of upcoming elections, as voters express discontent over the economic impacts. The issue highlights the ongoing debate over trade policy and its electoral consequences. This development is distinct from prior coverage of trade deals and farm bill efforts, marking a new electoral challenge for the GOP.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia's deliberate strikes on Ukrainian ports and agricultural facilities risk triggering a new global food crisis, echoing the 2022 disruption that hit import-dependent nations in the Middle East and North Africa. He made the remarks after a Russian double drone strike set fire to a grain ship carrying corn departing Odesa, leaving two sailors missing. Zelensky said Ukraine will respond and coordinate with partners to protect normal life and food supplies.

Background: A federal judge in Massachusetts previously blocked key parts of President Trump's executive order that aimed to create a citizenship list and restrict mail-in voting, ruling it exceeded presidential authority. Today: A US federal appeals court in Boston has upheld that ruling, blocking the order in 23 states. The 2-1 decision rejected the Justice Department's argument that the challenge was premature, citing approaching deadlines for states. The DOJ may appeal to the Supreme Court. The ruling comes ahead of November's midterm elections, which will test Republican control of Congress.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 202 combat engagements on July 25, 2026, with Russian forces conducting one missile strike (two missiles), 56 airstrikes (165 guided bombs), 6,490 kamikaze drone attacks, and 2,302 shelling incidents. Ukrainian forces repelled assaults across multiple sectors, including Lyman, Sloviansk, Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Huliaipole, inflicting casualties and destroying equipment. In the Pokrovsk sector alone, Ukrainian forces eliminated 52 Russian troops and destroyed an ammunition depot, two artillery systems, and two vehicles.

Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down two drones violating Romanian airspace near the Ukrainian border on July 24-25, 2026, marking the first known combat interceptions by Romania since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The first drone, suspected to be a Shahed-type used by Russia, was destroyed over Buzău County in a joint NATO operation involving Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The second was shot down near Sfântu Gheorghe the following day by the same pilot. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu called the incursions a pattern, and European Council President António Costa commended Romania's response. The incidents highlight ongoing spillover from the war in Ukraine into NATO territory.

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) reports that Germany is losing 15,000 industrial jobs per month due to structural weaknesses, US tariffs, and Chinese competition. BDI head Tanja Gönner calls for urgent investment in AI and innovation to restore competitiveness. The report highlights the broader economic challenges facing Germany's industrial sector.

A report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reveals that more than 1 million children across 19 US states have lost access to SNAP food benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in July 2025. The law shifted costs to states based on error rates, leading to a steep decline in participation. Over 200 mayors have signed a letter urging Congress to reverse the cuts, warning of a deepening food security crisis. Food banks report surging demand they cannot meet, while states face a 2028 deadline to keep error rates below 6% or bear benefit costs themselves, creating administrative hurdles that further reduce access.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces lost 1,440 troops, 9 tanks, 8 armored combat vehicles, 70 artillery systems, 1 multiple-launch rocket system, 8 ground robotic systems, 1,450 operational-tactical UAVs, 1 cruise missile, 453 vehicles and fuel tankers, and 3 units of special equipment in the past 24 hours, bringing total estimated Russian combat losses since February 24, 2022, to approximately 1,438,990 personnel. The update reflects ongoing attritional warfare across the front line.

The UK National Crime Agency, working with Border Force and the Port of Felixstowe, seized 25 inflatable boats and 25 outboard engines from a container shipped from China. The consignment was destined for Hamburg, a known staging post for cross-Channel people smugglers. Each boat could carry about 80 people, potentially risking 2,000 lives. This is the first bulk seizure of its kind in the UK, disrupting criminal supply chains.

Background: Romania shot down a drone for the first time, China retaliated against EU sanctions, and Ukraine struck a Wildberries warehouse in St. Petersburg and an Avitek factory in Kirov. Today: Ukrainian forces struck at least 10 Wildberries warehouses across Russia and occupied Ukraine in the past week, potentially straining Russian air defenses. The Russian Central Bank lowered its key interest rate for the fifth time in 2026. Romanian aircraft shot down a drone in its airspace, and an explosion damaged a cargo vessel bound for Ukraine off the Romanian coast. Ukrainian long-range strikes continued against Russian energy and logistics assets.

During the 22nd Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum in Omsk, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev publicly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine should be frozen and that negotiations should resume under the 'Istanbul 2.0' framework, arguing the conflict benefits Russia's opponents. Hours earlier, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Siberia's Tyumen region and disrupted an athletics competition in Yekaterinburg. Russian-installed authorities in occupied Ukraine reported 12 killed in a Ukrainian strike on a tourist camp in Kyrylivka. The war continues with mutual strikes and stalled peace talks.

A MoneyLion analysis of Census and cost-of-living data reveals that middle-class household incomes in 14 US states declined by at least 10% from 2019 to 2024 when adjusted for inflation, with Massachusetts and New Jersey hit hardest. Rising home prices, energy costs linked to the Iran conflict, and higher mortgage rates are squeezing household budgets, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) detained a Russian agent in Dnipro who organized a scheme to illegally verify and activate over 1,000 Starlink satellite terminals for Russian forces. The suspect, a native of Luhansk region recruited via Telegram, used fake identities to register the systems at postal service branches. All illegally registered Starlink stations have been blocked. The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison for aiding an aggressor state.

Russian forces struck four gas stations and a fire station in Ukraine's Poltava region early Saturday as part of a massive drone and missile barrage involving 157 drones and two missiles. No casualties were reported in Poltava. Separately, a jet-powered drone struck a post office in Sumy, killing two men, and one man was injured in Zaporizhzhia. The attacks follow a deadly ballistic missile strike on a defense industry event in the Kyiv region on Friday that killed at least 10 and injured nearly 100. President Zelensky warned that intelligence indicates Russia has prepared missiles for another massive attack within 48 hours.

Moscow-installed officials in occupied Zaporizhzhia reported that Ukrainian strikes on holiday camps killed eight people, including two children. Ukraine's Sumy region reported three killed in a Russian drone attack on a civilian facility. Romania's military shot down a drone that breached its airspace near the Ukrainian border. The attacks follow a major Russian assault near Kyiv that killed at least 10 people.

On July 25, 2026, Russian forces struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhia with three guided aerial bombs, hitting a water purification facility, killing one woman and injuring 11 others, including three children. The attack followed a massive overnight drone and missile barrage across multiple Ukrainian regions and a separate deadly artillery strike on Kherson. This incident marked a continuation of intensified Russian aerial bombardments on the city. On July 26, Russian forces continued their aerial assault on Zaporizhzhia, using guided aerial bombs and drones. A guided bomb destroyed a private house, killing a 67-year-old man, and a drone strike on an apartment building injured a 53-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man. Additional drone strikes wounded two men, aged 38 and 25, one critically. The attacks also damaged a gas station, warehouse facilities, a vehicle, a multi-story residential building, and an educational institution. The Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office opened a pre-trial investigation for war crimes resulting in death.

Mohammed Asim Bashir was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years for preparing acts of terrorism, after conducting hostile reconnaissance of the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham alongside Jihad Al Shamie, who later attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. The pair discussed 'war' and made antisemitic remarks; Bashir drove while Al Shamie noted security arrangements. The case highlights ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the UK.

Background: Kazakhstan halted oil flows to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk after four drone strikes on tankers in four days, suspending loading. In a new development, the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk suspended tanker loading from July 21 due to increased Ukrainian drone attacks, with no crude oil loaded since that morning. The nearby CPC terminal also faced disruptions from elevated drone activity. Ukraine's Armed Forces struck a Russian tanker in the Black Sea and other targets, part of a broader campaign that has hit 172 vessels during a 13-day operation. The Sheskharis terminal has shipped an average of 650,000 barrels per day since the start of the year, and any extended stoppage risks pressuring global energy markets already strained by Middle East tensions.

On July 25, 2026, Russian forces shelled the central and Korabelny districts of Kherson, killing a 47-year-old man and severely injuring two others. The artillery fire damaged multiple residential buildings, an educational institution, and a vehicle. The attack followed a massive overnight drone and missile barrage across Ukraine, in which Russian forces launched 157 drones and two missiles, with 127 drones intercepted. Strikes also hit fuel infrastructure in Poltava and a post office in Sumy, killing three.

The Michigan Democratic Senate primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and centrist Haley Stevens highlights the party's internal divide. El-Sayed, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, campaigns on universal healthcare and opposition to Israel aid, while Stevens has corporate backing and establishment endorsements. The outcome will test whether left-wing candidates can win back working-class voters who shifted to Trump in 2024, in a must-win state for Democrats. El-Sayed's affordability platform and stance on Israel are key issues, and the race is being closely watched as a bellwether for the party's direction.

Russia's central bank, led by Elvira Nabiullina, has slashed its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 0.0-1.0% and raised its inflation forecast to 6-7%, citing a fuel crisis driven by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. The bank attributes the supply shock to reduced refining capacity, which is expected to gradually recover by year-end. The downgrade reflects slowing demand and persistent inflation expectations among households and businesses.

Police Scotland arrested 15 people during clashes between anti-racism and anti-immigration protesters in Glasgow on Saturday. Officers recovered weapons and used batons to contain disorder. The protests are part of a series of demonstrations across the UK over migration levels, fueled by online misinformation.

Five NGOs filed a case before France's highest administrative court, the Conseil d'État, seeking to force the French government to restrict French companies from operating in Israeli settlements, citing the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion that Israel's occupation is unlawful. The applicants identify French firms like Egis and Egis Rail as involved in settlement-related projects, including the Jerusalem light rail. The case tests the enforceability of international law obligations on states.

A Politico poll conducted July 12-15 among 2,061 US adults found that roughly 3 in 5 Americans overestimate the rise in local gas prices, with nearly a quarter believing prices increased by $3 or more. The actual average price is around $4, up from $3 before the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated. The survey highlights public misperception as fighting in the Middle East, including Iranian restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi rebel activity, continues to affect global oil markets. 46% of voters said gas prices could influence their vote in upcoming primaries and midterms. The survey also noted that self-identified MAGA Republicans are more likely to underestimate cost increases than other GOP voters. A separate Politico poll found support for the Iran war among President Trump’s followers has dropped by 13 points in recent weeks. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers attributed the price increases to temporary market disruptions and stated that as the U.S. military degrades Iran's ability to attack commercial vessels, oil and gas prices will return to pre-conflict levels.

Newly appointed UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting and Ukraine's Acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara, both appointed five days ago, held their first conversation. They discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, countering Russian jet-powered Banderol drones, and procuring Ukrainian-made unmanned systems via the ERA Loan mechanism financed by frozen Russian assets. Ukraine seeks British support for Gripen fighter jets and Meteor missiles to push Russian aircraft away from its borders, and emphasized the need for continued ammunition for F-16s and protection of the grain corridor.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's attempt to replace Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder stalled after designated successor Fritz Güntzler declined the post. The botched reshuffle drew criticism within the CDU/CSU, with CSU leader Markus Söder and Research Minister Dorothee Bär publicly affirming the government's stability and capability, stating the issue would be resolved soon. Designated Union faction leader Thorsten Frei described the failure as 'bad luck', while former chancellery chief Peter Altmaier sharply criticized the handling. Legal experts raised constitutional concerns about the reshuffle during the parliamentary recess. Subsequently, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder formally asked Merz to dismiss him on Sunday, citing an 'undignified situation' and the need for a swift resolution. Merz then proposed CDU parliamentary director Steffen Bilger as Schnieder's successor; Bilger, a former parliamentary state secretary in the transport ministry, accepted the nomination. CSU leader Markus Söder defended Merz's handling, stating the withdrawal of the initial candidate was not the chancellor's fault. Greenpeace called for a policy shift toward climate-friendly transport under the new minister. CDU lawmakers expressed widespread anger over Merz's personnel management, with some warning it would damage his standing in the parliamentary group.

The UK government announces devolution plans to give metropolitan mayors a share of income tax. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting offers US collaboration to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to repair bilateral relations after the Iran war. The cluster also covers European wildfires, a migrant stabbing in France, and a documentary deal for Sarah Ferguson.

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nine firms and four individuals linked to Iranian billionaire Babak Zanjani, targeting his Dot One conglomerate and associated entities in Turkey, UAE, and UK. The sanctions aim to disrupt Zanjani's sanctions evasion activities, including crypto exchanges allegedly used to launder money for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The move coincides with Senate efforts to add Iran penalties to a Russia sanctions bill.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Russia may employ 'fake diplomacy'—staged phone calls and bad-faith meetings—to derail upcoming US sanctions legislation. The warning comes as a bipartisan US Senate bill with over 60 co-sponsors, including Iran sanctions, is set for a vote. Sybiha urged vigilance to maintain pressure on Moscow.

A large wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, which burned for 10 days and forced evacuations, has been contained. Residents of Nethy Bridge were allowed to return home after Police Scotland stood down the major incident status. Firefighters remain on site with 75 personnel. The Scottish government and emergency services continue to monitor the situation. Local residents criticized the response as slow and poorly communicated, with the community council leader stating too many decisions were made from Edinburgh. The fire covered about six square kilometers and was tackled by over 500 firefighters at its peak.

Background: Over four consecutive days in July 2025, drone attacks hit four tankers loading Kazakh crude at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk, suspending loading and halting pipeline deliveries. Kazakhstan condemned the strikes as an infringement on its economic interests. New development: The Trump administration has formally warned Ukraine to stop attacking non-Russian vessels in the Black Sea, following drone strikes that disrupted oil operations linked to US energy giant Chevron. Chevron CEO Mike Wirth and other oil industry leaders met with senior US officials to protect their operations in Kazakhstan after Ukrainian forces struck four tankers near Novorossiysk, one chartered by Chevron. The US views the CPC as a vital conduit for Kazakh oil to European markets, and the attacks have forced Kazakhstan to reduce domestic oil production due to limited storage capacity at the Novorossiysk terminal. The administration considers attacks on non-Russian vessels unacceptable, as global oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel due to supply constraints from the Middle East.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has offered former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov an advisory position in Rome, citing his contributions to military innovation. Fedorov was dismissed by President Zelenskyy on July 15 after a prolonged conflict with then-Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, sparking nationwide protests. Fedorov later rejected a deputy prime minister role, insisting on reinstatement as defense minister. The dismissal also triggered political upheaval, leading to the replacement of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky with Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty. The offer from Italy highlights international recognition of Fedorov's work in modernizing Ukraine's military and regaining battlefield initiative through technology.

First Minister John Swinney formally requested UK Government military aerial assistance to combat the Cairngorms wildfire, now in its 11th day. The request, made under Military Aid to the Civil Authorities, seeks helicopters with underslung buckets for water drops. A major incident remains in place with evacuations from Nethy Bridge. The fire, which started on 15 July, has been exacerbated by strong winds.

Elon Musk stated in an Economist interview that a complete Russian withdrawal from Ukraine is unrealistic and advocated for a pragmatic peace agreement. He confirmed that Russian forces obtained Starlink terminals via smuggling networks from Ukraine, and that SpaceX worked with Ukraine to implement a whitelist, which inadvertently affected some civilian users. Musk also noted Russia's development of its own satellite constellation, Rassvet, as a domestic alternative to Starlink.

Electronic warfare operators from Ukraine's 413th 'Raid' Regiment suppressed 696 Russian UAVs over 19 days, including 646 FPV and 50 Molniya drones, using non-kinetic methods. This highlights the growing role of EW in countering Russian drone threats, particularly low-observable Molniya systems, and protecting Ukrainian units. The Russian military has upgraded Molniya drones into low-cost reconnaissance and surveillance platforms that are increasingly replacing traditional strike roles. Drone warfare expert Serhii 'Flash' Beskrestnov noted that Molniya drones' low radar visibility and low-altitude flight make them harder to intercept, requiring continuous improvement of Ukrainian EW capabilities. The 413th Regiment stated that Russia is increasingly losing the ability to effectively employ its UAVs due to daily EW operations. The ability to neutralize FPV drones via EW is particularly important as it deprives Russian operators of real-time targeting capability against civilians; Ukraine has documented over 11,000 Russian FPV drone attacks on civilians, including double-tap strikes. In May 2025, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that FPV drone attacks in Kherson Oblast constituted crimes against humanity.

Background: The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Hodeidah after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, with Houthis vowing retaliation. On July 25, 2026, Saudi air defenses intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting oil refineries in Yanbu, while the coalition struck Houthi sites in Hodeidah the previous day. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi had previously warned that Saudi oil infrastructure would become targets. Saudi Civil Defense issued warnings for Yanbu and Jizan, where a 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery is located. Social media video showed smoke rising from the Jizan refinery, and two Asia-based trading sources reported some damage at the site. The interceptions were carried out by Greek personnel operating a U.S.-made Patriot battery deployed since 2021. President Trump vowed major military punishment for Tehran and the Houthis. The Houthi naval blockade threatens oil flows bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi-led coalition said it would respond uncompromisingly. Houthi-run media reported strikes on telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah and on Kamaran Island.

Unconfirmed reports from Ukrainian partisan sources and local Telegram channels indicate explosions and gunfire in occupied Melitopol, Donetsk, and Crimea, with drones spotted over Feodosiia. No official confirmation has been provided.

Background: A 25-year-old law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was previously charged with possession of explosives after gardaí intercepted a car containing a viable bomb near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, as part of an operation targeting dissident republican activity. Today: Simon O'Donovan, a 44-year-old Dublin museum employee at the Collins Barracks National Museum of Ireland, has been charged with possession of an explosive substance in connection with the same incident. He appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Saturday evening and was remanded in custody until Monday. His solicitor did not take instructions due to a strike over legal aid fees.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is facing criticism for his perceived absence and silence on the collapse of the Iran peace agreement and escalating strikes. Analysts suggest this is a calculated political move to balance loyalty to Donald Trump with his own presidential ambitions, rather than a diplomatic choice. The analysis notes his presence at an ASEAN summit where he met his Russian counterpart to discuss Ukraine.

Background: NATO countries have adopted low-cost interceptor drones like Merops to counter Iranian Shahed drones, with Merops downing over 4,000 Russian drones in Ukraine and being integrated by allies. The US military achieved its first combat interception using the Merops system, downing an Iranian Shahed-type drone in Kuwait. The system, tested extensively in Ukraine where Ukrainian forces destroyed over 1,000 Shahed drones, costs about $15,000 per unit and uses AI to counter electronic warfare. Poland, Romania, and Lithuania have procured or plan to purchase the system. The US Army initially deployed the system to the Middle East in March, and Secretary Dan Driscoll stated that increased production could bring per-unit cost below $10,000. The deployment is part of broader integration of anti-drone technologies, including the Ukrainian-developed Sky Map platform at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The US Army aims to scale production.

Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured when their boat collided with Westminster Bridge in London while responding to a report of a person in the water. Three officers were thrown into the Thames and rescued by nearby boats. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating.

Ukraine has conducted a multi-year campaign to win over American conservative and MAGA figures, leveraging visits by influencers like Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer, targeted information campaigns, and personal testimony. This has shifted opinion among some Republicans, with polling showing increased support for Ukraine aid. However, a split remains in the MAGA camp between pro-Russia figures like Tucker Carlson and pro-Ukraine voices, reflecting ongoing ideological divisions. The article details efforts by the Ukraine Freedom Project and others to counter Russian propaganda and build bipartisan support.

The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) assesses that oil supply in Germany and Europe remains stable despite a 40% surge in Brent crude prices to over $100 per barrel due to renewed US-Iran conflict. DIW economist Franziska Holz notes that kerosene supply is more strained, but diversified sources prevent major disruptions. The price increase is driven by global market linkages, with nearly 20% less oil available than before the war.

Cecilia Vega, a former 60 Minutes correspondent, said at a journalism conference that CBS News executives pressured her to insert political bias into segments, including fabricating footage of protesters attacking ICE agents. She linked the pressure to the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief, a Trump ally with no broadcast news background, and described a climate of censorship at the network. CBS has denied the claims.

Ukraine's military received 10 experimental 'Predator' evacuation buggies, partly built from salvaged Russian equipment, to evacuate wounded soldiers from hard-to-reach front-line areas. The buggies, a volunteer project, are praised for their speed and cross-country ability, outperforming Western serial-production analogs in price and quality.

Two small businesses, Burlap & Barrel and Collective Horology, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the Trump administration's new Section 301 tariffs on products from 60 economies, which range from 10% to 12.5% and target forced labor. The plaintiffs argue the administration failed to demonstrate how the tariffs address forced labor policies or burden U.S. commerce. The lawsuit, represented by the Liberty Justice Center, contends the tariffs unlawfully replace expired IEEPA tariffs under a different statute. A separate suit was filed by Learning Resources, a plaintiff in the earlier Supreme Court case that struck down IEEPA tariffs.

Ukrainian satellite communications company Stetman is advancing a $1.1 billion plan to deploy a 360-satellite constellation by 2030, aiming to reduce dependence on SpaceX's Starlink. The system, developed with Danish firm GomSpace, will serve state and military users initially. First 120 satellites are planned for launch with SpaceX in 2027. The project parallels Russian efforts to develop its own satellite internet service, Rassvet.

The Bolsonaro family's electoral strategy has been undermined by US trade threats and internal scandals. On July 25, 2026, Flavio Bolsonaro was formally confirmed as the Liberal Party's presidential candidate at a convention in São Paulo, receiving in-person endorsement from Argentine President Javier Milei and a video message of support from Israeli PM Netanyahu, but lacking centrist backing and a running mate. The convention highlighted the absence of key figures, including stepmother Michelle Bolsonaro, though she later accepted his apology after a public feud. He trails Lula 43% to 48% in a potential runoff. The Trump administration imposed new tariffs of up to 37.5% on Brazilian exports, effective July 24, further complicating his campaign. A Supreme Court justice ordered an investigation into Flavio's request for film financing from jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, and another justice barred him from visiting his father until after the first round of voting.

Ukraine's national grid operator Ukrenergo announced no planned electricity consumption restrictions for Sunday, July 26, while urging consumers to use power responsibly and shift high-power appliance use to between 10:00 and 16:00. The Ministry of Energy has delivered high-capacity electricity storage systems to the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions, indicating ongoing efforts to stabilize the energy grid amid war-related damage.

Background: Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia have proposed a legal review mechanism to prevent abuse of Germany's Self-Determination Act, citing the case of convicted far-right extremist Sven Liebich. Today: Convicted neo-Nazi Sven Liebich, now legally Marla-Svenja Liebich after changing gender under the new law, is serving his sentence in a men's prison, sparking debate as the case is widely seen as an attempt to provoke and ridicule the state.

During the RIMPAC 2026 sinking exercise, the decommissioned USS Peleliu was sunk by multiple allied weapons including helicopter-launched missiles, ground-based systems, and naval aircraft. In a new development, the U.S. Navy also deployed one-way attack unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that detonated at the ship's waterline, inspired by Ukrainian tactics in the Black Sea. This marks a milestone in the Navy's push to field autonomous attack drones across air, surface, and underwater domains, advancing the Pentagon's Drone Dominance initiative.

The Ukrainian resistance movement Yellow Ribbon reported that Russian operator Russky Mir is offering free satellite TV connections and equipment in occupied parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions to expand Russian propaganda broadcasts and squeeze out alternative information sources. This follows a ban on satellite equipment capable of receiving non-Russian channels in occupied Luhansk.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office confirmed that a substance found in the vehicle of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, fatally shot by ICE officers on July 7, tested negative for narcotics. The shooting has drawn criticism from the ACLU and Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who call for an independent investigation. The FBI had obtained a search warrant based on visible bags that appeared to contain methamphetamine, but tests showed they were not drugs.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Koretskyi met with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso to discuss financial support projects, focusing on energy, transport, and critical infrastructure restoration. The EBRD has invested over EUR 1.4 billion in Ukraine this year. Talks also covered corporate governance and privatization of state-owned banks.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the UN Development Program in Ukraine, with Dutch financial support, launched a study in Kyiv to assess how mine action affects economic recovery, public safety, community development, environmental rehabilitation, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals in Ukraine, the world's most mine-contaminated country since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The study will analyze contamination profiles, new mine types, and clearance technologies, with implications for global demining practices amid ongoing conflict. It will combine existing data, field research, and consultations with state and international partners, with Ukraine's Defense Ministry shaping methodology. Colonel Oleh Shuvarskyi, head of the mine-action directorate, urged the research to account for contamination profiles across territories and Russia's use of new mines, munitions, disguised explosive objects, and improvised explosive devices. The study is distinctive because it draws on operational and technical data from an active conflict where mines are still being laid.

Denmark's Ministry of Defence signed a contract on July 22, 2026, to acquire multiple SDZ heavy demining robots from French company CEFA. The 10-12 tonne remotely operated vehicles will replace older mine-clearing systems and be assigned to engineer units of the 1st Heavy Brigade, operated from Patria XA-300 armored vehicles. This acquisition is part of Denmark's ongoing military buildup and NATO commitments.

Background: Péter Magyar's electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán on April 12 threatened Orbán's illiberal axis and signaled a pivot away from Russian energy dependence. Today's development: The new government is dismantling Orbán-era institutions like the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), which hosted MAGA celebrities such as Tucker Carlson and JD Vance. MCC's funding model, reliant on dividends from state-transferred shares in MOL and Gedeon Richter, is being dissolved, with assets returning to state control. The loss of state power and funding threatens the infrastructure that supported the MAGA-Hungary alliance, leaving its future uncertain as Fidesz officials express hope for continued ties with figures like JD Vance. Balázs Orbán, former chairman of MCC, now holds a seat in the European Parliament and vows to continue the fight. The network of think tanks and conferences that turned Budapest into a hub for the international right faces an uncertain future.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, completed initial ground and flight testing of its Nomad 100 uncrewed aerial system under DARPA's EVADE programme. The drone uses rotor blown wing architecture for VTOL and fixed-wing flight, and is designed for crewed-uncrewed teaming in contested environments. The MATRIX autonomous technology, with over 1,000 flight hours, underpins the system.

Georgia has extended its financial aid and healthcare program for Ukrainian refugees who arrived between February 2022 and October 2026. The extension includes monthly housing assistance of 300 Georgian lari and a 45 lari cash payment per recipient, as well as continued healthcare coverage. Payments are suspended if recipients leave the country. The decision was signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel Serhii Mahlovanyi has been awarded the Thales Prize as Best International Student at the UK Defense Academy's Advanced Command and Staff Course, a first for a Ukrainian in the program's 30-year history. He also earned the course's highest military award for operational planning. Selected from 252 officers from nearly 50 countries, Mahlovanyi graduated in the top 10% with an overall Grade A, and his written assignments and presentations earned the highest possible marks of A+. Beyond academics, he organized meetings between British course participants and Ukrainian commanders, co-authored a leadership and command handbook, supported Ukraine's defense attaché in the UK and the Ukrainian community in London, and contributed to Operation INTERFLEX training. He also completed a master's degree at King's College London while pursuing a second master's at a Ukrainian institution. His achievement underscores Ukraine's integration into NATO's professional military education and European security architecture.

Activists in countries like Iran, Russia, and Myanmar are increasingly adopting LoRa mesh networks to bypass state-imposed internet shutdowns. These networks use small, low-power radio modules to transmit encrypted text messages over several kilometers without centralized infrastructure, making them resistant to censorship and surveillance. While limited to short messages and vulnerable to physical tracking, the technology has been successfully deployed in Ukraine. Platforms like Meshtastic and MeshCore provide free, open-source software to build these networks, offering a viable alternative for secure communication under authoritarian regimes.