Zelensky, Trump talk Ukraine defense and peace efforts
Ukrainian President Zelensky spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss ways to boost Ukraine’s defense and move closer to peace. Zelensky said Trump shared updates from his recent NATO meeting, while he also spoke directly with NATO chief Mark Rutte about ongoing support, according to CNN.
Zelensky confirmed the US, Germany, and Norway are working together to supply more Patriot air defense systems to help protect Ukraine from continued Russian attacks.
Trump repeats claim of preventing India-Pakistan war
US President Donald Trump has again claimed he helped avert a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said US trade diplomacy played a key role in easing tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, Firstpost reported.
While Pakistan has credited Trump’s mediation, India has consistently denied any such involvement.
EU ready to hit back if US tariffs go ahead, Italy warns
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned Monday that the EU is ready to impose billions in retaliatory tariffs on US goods if trade talks fail, stressing that “tariffs hurt everyone,” including American consumers and investors, Xinhua reported.
The warning follows US President Trump’s plan to introduce a 30 percent tariff on EU and Mexican imports starting August 1.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed concerns, urging diplomacy over a “damaging trade war” that would weaken both sides.
Reports suggest Italy could lose up to €12.4bn in exports and 150,000 jobs. Agricultural producers would be hit hardest, with cheese, wine, and pasta facing steep tariff hikes, according to Xinhua.
Zelensky proposes extension of martial law, mobilization to parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday submitted bills to Ukraine's parliament seeking a 90-day extension of both martial law and general mobilization.
If approved, the measures will now remain in effect until November 5, beyond their current expiry date of August 7, Xinhua reported.
Martial law and mobilization have been repeatedly extended since they were first enacted in February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
