Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Sunday 12 July
Trump secretly moved from Air Force One in Turkey due to Iranian threat
President Donald Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a military C-32A via an airport catering truck in Ankara, after US intelligence identified a credible Iranian threat against him and his aircraft.
ECJ rejects Hungary's challenge to Article 7 procedure
The Court of Justice of the European Union rejected Hungary's bid to annul the European Parliament's 2018 resolution triggering the rule-of-law procedure, validating the ongoing pressure on Budapest.
Ukraine deploys AI-guided drones against Russian supply convoys
Ukraine is increasingly using AI-enabled drones to attack Russian logistics convoys on key routes to Crimea, with at least 14 strikes documented in a single week, disrupting sustainment efforts.
US Senator Lindsey Graham dies after visit to Kyiv
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican ally of Donald Trump, died on Saturday after a sudden illness. His death came one day after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, drawing tributes from European leaders.
Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, citing a shift in political strategy. Svyrydenko is expected to become ambassador to the United States, with Serhii Koretskyi tipped as her successor.
EU Commission circulates draft Climate Adaptation Framework Directive
The European Commission circulated an internal draft of a Climate Adaptation Framework Directive, aiming to set binding, EU-wide resilience targets for 2030 and 2040, linking EU funds to national adaptation plan progress.
South Korea issues highest heat alert for the first time
South Korea issued its highest heat alert for the first time, covering Gyeongsan and Pohang after two days of felt temperatures above 35°C and a forecast of at least 38°C, prompting authorities to halt outdoor activities.
Key Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican and close ally of President Trump, died Saturday evening from a sudden illness. He had recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv.
Ukraine expands deep-strike campaign against Russian fuel infrastructure
Ukraine intensified its long-range drone and missile campaign against Russia’s fuel infrastructure, striking around 90 Russian oil tankers in the Sea of Azov and hitting targets as far as the Omsk oil refinery. This effort aims to degrade Russia’s war economy and fuel supply.
Western nations and EU reaffirm Hague ruling on South China Sea
The United States, United Kingdom, and 12 other Western and Asian countries, along with the EU, issued statements reaffirming the 2016 Hague arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Pentagon announces $6 billion aid package for Ukraine
The Pentagon announced a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which will rush Patriot air-defense missiles and artillery ammunition to bolster Kyiv's defenses.
EU Commission finds TikTok's "addictive design" breaches DSA
The Commission delivered a preliminary decision that TikTok's "addictive design" breaches DSA safety obligations, citing features like infinite scroll and weak screen-time limits that encourage compulsive use, and is considering requiring structural changes.
US launches third round of strikes on 140 Iranian military targets
US forces struck 140 military targets across Iran, marking the third such operation this week, in response to an IRGC attack on the Cypriot-flagged M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
US retaliates with airstrikes on Revolutionary Guard positions
The United States launched new airstrikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard positions in southern Iran, following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attack on a merchant ship.
NATO allies pledge $160 billion in new commitments
NATO allies announced $160 billion in fresh defence, energy, and Ukraine commitments following a summit in Ankara, responding to calls for increased contributions.
Poland's Climate Minister launches new party Unia Centrum
Poland's Climate minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska and MEP Michał Kobosko unveiled Unia Centrum, merging the Centrum parliamentary club and the Union of European Democrats. This formalizes a February 2026 rupture within Poland 2050.
US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Donald Trump, died Saturday at 71 after a sudden illness. His death followed a visit to Kyiv, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, prompting tributes from international leaders.
Ukraine strikes Rosneft refinery and 10 shadow-fleet tankers
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces set ablaze the Rosneft refinery in Syzran, Samara region, and struck 10 tankers and four ferries in the Sea of Azov in an overnight attack.
UK sends its largest drone package to Ukraine
The UK Ministry of Defence announced the delivery of 120,000 drones to Ukraine, its biggest supply package to date, intended to bolster precision strikes and surveillance capabilities.
Russia launches large-scale missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other cities
Russia conducted heavy overnight barrages on Kyiv and multiple regions, killing at least 20-27 people and injuring dozens, with Ukrainian authorities warning of a strategy to undermine morale and consume air-defense munitions.
US military official accuses Iran of drone strike near surveillance aircraft
A US military official accused Iran of launching a drone strike near a US surveillance aircraft operating over the Gulf, marking the most serious incident since the US and Iran signed their memorandum of understanding.
NATO allies formalize 5% GDP defence spending target
NATO members formally agreed to raise defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% for core military capabilities, intensifying European budget debates and aligning with US pressure for greater burden-sharing.
Germany funds 50,000 strike drones for Ukraine
Germany agreed to finance the purchase of 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine, marking one of the largest single governmental drone procurements for Kyiv to date and aligning with broader NATO and EU efforts.
Zelensky dismisses Prime Minister Svyrydenko in cabinet overhaul
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a cabinet reshuffle, replacing Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and tasking new officials with priority foreign policy areas including the US, EU, and missile defense, aiming for a new political strategy.
German AfD holds national convention in Erfurt
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) held a national party meeting in Erfurt ahead of key regional elections, drawing tens of thousands of protesters and highlighting societal polarization.
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, strikes merchant ship
Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired warning shots at ships, setting a commercial vessel ablaze and leaving a crew member missing, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany expands federal police powers for migrant detention
Germany's Bundestag approved a new law broadening federal police powers over surveillance and telecommunications, and making it easier to incarcerate immigrants due for deportation.
EU Commission formally accuses Meta and TikTok of DSA breaches
The European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta and TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by failing to provide adequate data access to vetted researchers and making it difficult for users to flag illegal content, including through "dark patterns."
Poland's PM and president clash over Volhynia exhumations
Prime Minister Donald Tusk claimed credit for resuming exhumations of Polish massacre victims in Ukraine, but President Karol Nawrocki's spokesman called the assertion 'insolence', crediting a December 2025 presidential meeting instead.
German AfD reelects co-leaders, aims for regional power
Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) reelected co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at a national convention, with strong delegate support.
Saturday 11 July
Canada and US resolve dispute to open Gordie Howe International Bridge
Canada and the US reached a deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, resolving a dispute over toll revenue distribution that had delayed the $6.4 billion crossing between Detroit and Windsor.
US President Trump declares ceasefire over, sets deadline for Iran on Hormuz
US President Donald Trump declared the June 17 ceasefire with Iran ended, yet agreed to continue negotiations, while Washington gave Tehran a Saturday deadline to publicly commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and free of attacks on commercial shipping.
US President Trump threatens Iran with 'annihilation'
US President Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran with 1,000 missiles, stating orders were given for a year-long strike posture after intelligence warned of an assassination plot.
Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran with 1,000 missiles
President Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran with 1,000 missiles after intelligence warned of an assassination plot against him, ordering a year-long strike posture. This escalates tensions in the Middle East and signals a more aggressive US stance.
Deal on Hungarian minority rights unlocks Ukraine and Moldova accession talks
A deal addressing Hungarian minority rights has de facto unlocked the start of accession cluster talks for Ukraine and Moldova, following prolonged discussions between Budapest and Brussels.
Hungary tables bill for National Asset Management Authority
Hungary's government tabled legislation to create a National Asset Management Authority, which critics in Brussels view as an attempt to shield state holdings and government power from EU scrutiny.
Trump orders Pentagon to strike Iran if assassinated
President Trump stated he has instructed the Pentagon to retaliate with unprecedented force against Iran if Tehran succeeds in any assassination attempt against him. He claims to be Iran's 'number one' target.
Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv for third time this July
Overnight explosions shook four districts of the Ukrainian capital as Russia launched ballistic missiles from its Bryansk region, wounding 8-10 people including an 11-year-old boy.
Hungary submits bill for anti-corruption office and joins EU prosecutor's office
Hungary's government submitted legislation for a National Asset Protection and Recovery Office and joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office, fulfilling conditions to unfreeze €10 billion in EU funds.
EU opens new DSA probe into Meta over election integrity
The European Union opened a separate Digital Services Act probe into Meta concerning election integrity, AI-generated disinformation, and the "shadowbanning" of political content. This expands the regulatory scrutiny on Meta's platform practices.