Trump will announce an "aggressive" arms plan for Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump will announce a new arms plan for Ukraine on July 14, which is expected to include the provision of offensive weapons, writes the American publication Axios, citing two sources familiar with the plans of the American leader.
These sources reported that they have reason to believe that it may involve long-range missiles capable of reaching targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow. However, the interlocutors are not informed about what Trump's final decision will be.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham noted that "Trump is very angry with Putin" and that "his statement tomorrow will be very aggressive."
According to reports, one of the things that convinced Trump to provide weapons to Ukraine was a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin that took place on July 3. At that time, the Russian leader made it clear that he planned to continue escalation.
Trump previously stated that the weapons he would provide to Ukraine would include, among other things, Patriot air defense batteries. Trump said that European countries would pay for the supplies. He emphasized that he is "very disappointed" in Putin.
Germany will not supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine
This was stated by the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview with the Financial Times. On Monday, Pistorius is set to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, where, according to him, they will discuss a "roadmap" for U.S. support for European security. Also on the agenda for this meeting are Ukraine and the pressing issue of American Patriot air defense systems after Washington suspended their supply to Kyiv. Berlin has already handed over three of the originally available 12 Patriot systems to Kyiv. "We only have six left in Germany," Pistorius said in the interview, adding that two more were transferred to Poland and at least one is constantly unavailable due to maintenance or training. Pistorius mentioned that he would discuss a proposal he made to Hegseth last month to allow Germany to purchase two Patriot systems from the U.S. for Kyiv.
Macron announced an increase in defense spending
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to French troops on July 13, ahead of Bastille Day, announced a significant increase in the country's defense budget. According to him, Europe faces the most serious threat since the end of World War II, and freedom on the continent "has never depended so much on the decisions being made now." "We are living in a turning point. Imperialistic politics, annexation of territories, the principle that 'might is right' – all of this has returned to the agenda," Macron stated, referring to Russia's actions.
"To be free in this world, it is necessary for us to be feared. To be feared, we must be strong," the president added. According to his plans, in 2026 the defense budget will increase by €3.5 billion, and in 2027 – by another €3 billion. By 2030, defense spending is expected to reach €67 billion per year – double that of 2017. Since Macron came to power, France's defense budget has significantly increased – from €32.2 billion in 2017 to €50.5 billion now. The Chief of Defense Staff of France, General Thierry Burkhard, previously described Russia as a "long-term threat" to Europe and noted that France is already considered the "main opponent" of Moscow on the European continent. He also pointed to the rise in cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and potential terrorist attacks.
Zelensky discussed the future configuration of executive power in a meeting with the Prime Minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the preparation of a "significant administrative transformation" that would allow for cuts in state apparatus maintenance costs, ensure significant deregulation, and direct maximum available resources to defending Ukraine and Ukrainians. "We are determining the future configuration of executive power," the head of state wrote in a telegram on Sunday evening after a meeting. Earlier, on July 10, Zelensky reported at the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine in Rome that he is considering the candidacy of the current Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov for the position of Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. According to two sources from the Interfax-Ukraine agency, who wished to remain unnamed, it is highly likely that the new Prime Minister will soon be the First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, while Umerov will be appointed ambassador to the U.S. Several candidates were considered for the position of Minister of Defense in such a case.
Apple claims broadcasting rights for Formula 1 races in the U.S.
Apple is prepared to pay at least $150 million per year for the rights to broadcast Formula 1 races in the U.S., starting in 2026, Business Insider reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the negotiations. This news came after the success of the Apple film "F1: The Movie" featuring Brad Pitt, which had grossed over $300 million worldwide as of Friday, according to Box Office Mojo on IMDb. ESPN holds broadcasting rights for these races in the U.S. during the season, although it was reported in February that ESPN's exclusivity period for negotiations on a new contract with Formula 1 had expired.
News in brief
The Bitcoin exchange rate on July 13 reached a new historical maximum, hitting $122,000.
Russians struck in Sumy region: 2 dead, 4 injured.
Mobilized individual entrepreneurs have been exempted from paying taxes during their service.
Zelensky confirmed that the U.S. has resumed arms supplies.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg arrived in Ukraine on July 14.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) eliminated killers on July 13 who murdered SBU Colonel Voronich on July 10.
Football: London’s Chelsea crushed Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz failed to defend his title at Wimbledon. He was outperformed by Italian Jannik Sinner, who won in four sets 4:6 6:4 6:4 6:4 and took the trophy in London for the first time in his career.
