Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Thursday 2 July
Ukrainian drones strike Russian oil and energy sites in multiple regions
Ukrainian long-range drone strikes hit oil depots, refineries, and power infrastructure in Russia's Krasnodar, Belgorod, and Tambov regions. These attacks are part of a sustained campaign to degrade Russia’s war-sustaining capacity and impose economic costs.
German government announces domestic reform package
Chancellor Merz's coalition unveiled a major domestic reform package, including €10 billion in tax relief and pension changes, explicitly framed as a response to public discontent and the AfD’s growing strength ahead of regional elections.
Ukraine deploys large-scale AI-enabled drone and robotics systems
Ukraine is now fielding large-scale AI-enabled drone and robotics systems across the front, moving beyond experimental use into routine operations. These systems assist with artillery planning, drone routing, and target identification.
UK Culture Secretary and department quit X
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced their departure from Elon Musk's X, accusing the platform of prioritizing abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate.
Ukraine expands deep-strike drone campaign against Russian energy and logistics hubs
Ukrainian forces have stepped up long-range drone attacks against Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and rail nodes, including strikes hundreds of kilometres inside Russia. These operations are part of a broader evolution to a sustained deep-strike campaign.
EU launches formal DSA probes into Meta and TikTok
The European Commission opened a formal Digital Services Act investigation into Meta and TikTok.
US issues new executive orders on immigration enforcement
The Trump administration issued a new set of executive orders directing federal agencies to intensify interior immigration enforcement and significantly curtail refugee resettlement numbers.
Hungary revokes refugee status for former Polish justice minister
Hungary revoked the refugee status of former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, his wife, and ex-deputy minister Marcin Romanowski. This action closes a cross-border legal matter involving the former officials.
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on EU states over digital services taxes
President Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on goods from any country that introduces a digital services tax affecting US tech firms.
Warsaw hospital embroiled in multi-faceted scandal
Warsaw's Południowy Hospital is facing a political crisis due to revelations of VIP medical services, questionable mortuary practices, and high doctor salaries. The scandal has drawn scrutiny on Poland's ruling Civic Coalition.
IISS report reveals Russian drone surveillance of European nuclear sites
A new IISS report details how Russia launched drones from shadow fleet vessels to surveil military and nuclear installations across 13 European countries between 2024 and 2026, with no drone intercepted.
Drone attacks and incursions intensify in Russian border regions
Ukrainian drone attacks and claimed incursions by anti-Kremlin Russian volunteer units have increased in Russia's Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk regions. This pattern aims to widen the "deep battle" and stretch Russian air defense resources.
EU top court upholds record Google Android fine
The European Court of Justice upheld a €4.125 billion antitrust fine against Google for abusing its Android operating system's market dominance.
Warsaw hospital embroiled in scandal over VIP care and high doctor pay
Warsaw's Południowy Hospital is facing a political crisis due to revelations of VIP medical services, questionable mortuary practices, and a 28-year-old doctor earning 1.6 million złoty, drawing scrutiny on the ruling Civic Coalition.
EU top court upholds €4.125 billion Android antitrust fine against Google
The EU Court of Justice dismissed Google's final challenge, confirming a record penalty for using Android to illegally block rivals in search and browsing. This decision reinforces the Commission's authority in regulating digital markets.
Germany implements Skilled Immigration Act reforms
Germany implemented further changes to its Skilled Immigration Act, simplifying procedures for non-EU workers and expanding the "opportunity card" points system. These reforms aim to address labour shortages in healthcare, IT, and construction sectors.
Ukraine steps up mid-range logistics interdiction strikes
Ukraine is increasing its use of mid-range strike systems to target Russian rail hubs and ammunition depots. These strikes aim to disrupt logistics supporting Russian offensive operations in the Donbas.
Iran issues new navigation warnings in Strait of Hormuz
Iran issued fresh advisories demanding commercial vessels use routes it unilaterally designates in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of military responses. This action followed the US-Iran memorandum on reopening the strait, creating tension with international efforts.
ECB keeps key interest rates unchanged
The European Central Bank maintained its key interest rates, with President Christine Lagarde reiterating that monetary policy alone cannot resolve the eurozone's structural competitiveness issues.
Kyiv experiences fresh drone attack overnight
Kyiv came under a new wave of drone strikes overnight, marking a continuation of aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital. The attack follows an intensified deep-strike campaign by Ukraine against Russian targets.
CSIS study finds Ukraine war casualties surpass 2 million
A new study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that the four-year war has resulted in over 2 million Russian and Ukrainian military casualties, with Russia incurring a higher toll.
US foreign policy agencies must justify multilateral initiatives with economic returns
A new executive order requires US foreign policy agencies to justify any multilateral initiative in terms of measurable economic returns to the United States.
US issues executive orders prioritizing bilateral agreements over multilateral frameworks
The Trump administration issued new executive orders directing federal agencies, including the State Department and USTR, to prioritize bilateral "America First" agreements.
Wednesday 1 July
EU opens new formal DSA probe into Meta
The European Commission opened a new formal investigation into Meta under the Digital Services Act, focusing on whether the company obstructed vetted researchers’ access to platform data and failed to provide effective user redress mechanisms.
Meta to build cloud unit to sell excess AI computing capacity
Meta is developing a cloud unit to sell its excess AI computing capacity, as reported by Bloomberg, entering direct competition with established cloud providers. This move could reshape the market for AI infrastructure services.
Ukraine partners with Kyivstar to develop domestic AI computing capacity
Kyiv is collaborating with mobile operator Kyivstar to build domestic AI computing infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign cloud services for battlefield applications and industrial defense projects.
Warsaw court upholds detention order for former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro
A Warsaw regional court upheld the pre-trial detention order against former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, clearing the path for prosecutors to request his extradition from the United States.
EU ends duty-free loophole for parcels under €150
Parcels valued under €150 from non-EU countries are no longer exempt from customs duties, with a flat charge of €3 per item now applying to goods from platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress.
US and Iran conclude Doha talks without breakthrough
US and Iranian delegations ended a round of indirect talks in Doha without evident progress on a broader peace or sanctions deal, re-hashing issues previously believed resolved. Discussions centered on maritime security and partial sanctions relief.
Hezbollah and Israel continue intermittent border clashes
Border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel continue intermittently, with exchanges of fire and drone incidents reported along the Blue Line. This underscores the challenge of translating the Gaza ceasefire into a stable northern border arrangement.
US Supreme Court invalidates tariffs and birthright citizenship order
The US Supreme Court concluded its term by striking down President Trump's tariffs and a birthright citizenship order. This decision narrows the scope of executive power in these specific areas, while simultaneously expanding it in others.
US partially rolls back export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 model
US export restrictions on Anthropic’s Fable 5 model were relaxed, restoring it to general access after initial concerns about its safety filters eased; Mythos 5 remains under government review.
Russia launches deadliest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv this year
Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone strike on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, killing at least 30 people in the capital and causing extensive damage to residential and civilian infrastructure.
US Commerce Department to lift export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 AI model
The US Commerce Department is expected to lift export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 AI model, restoring public access after an 18-day ban over national security risks. This decision reverses a recent restriction on a frontier AI model.
Houthis target Greek-owned vessel with boat-borne bomb in Red Sea
Yemen's Houthi movement attacked a Greek-owned cargo ship with an explosive-laden boat in the Red Sea, causing damage and requiring a multinational response. This incident is part of a series of escalating Houthi operations against international shipping.
Russia conducts deadliest strike on Kyiv this year
Russia launched a mix of long-range missiles and drones at Kyiv and other regions, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 150, hitting military and energy facilities.
Supreme Court upholds Trump's immigration policies
The US Supreme Court rejected a broad attempt to abolish birthright citizenship but sustained elements of Trump's immigration crackdown, enabling the administration to strip Temporary Protected Status and tighten migrant participation rights.
US and Iran hold separate meetings in Doha with mediators
US and Iranian envoys held separate meetings in Doha with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with host Qatar declaring "positive progress" and an agreement to keep talks going after the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader.
EU institutions advance multi-year funding for Ukraine's security and reconstruction
Brussels-based media report that EU institutions are negotiating a multi-year Ukraine Security and Reconstruction Facility, combining budgetary grants, loans, and defense-industrial subsidies to support Ukraine's war effort and EU deterrence.
German coalition signals compromise on citizenship and immigration reforms
Leading figures from Germany's coalition government indicated they are close to an agreement on stalled reforms to citizenship rules and labour immigration, aiming to speed up naturalisation while tightening controls on irregular arrivals.