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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: A coordinated European diplomatic effort has helped shift U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Russia, aligning Washington more closely with NATO allies in arming Ukraine
• According to officials, after witnessing fresh Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities on July 11, Trump expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin and agreed to a German proposal to fund purchases of U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine
• Trump has since threatened 100% tariffs on Russia within 50 days if a peace agreement is not reached
🔭 The context: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European nations have pressed the U.S. to sustain military and economic support for Kyiv
• Under Trump’s renewed presidency, concerns over his skepticism of NATO and perceived openness to Moscow loomed large
• European leaders, notably German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, engaged in direct outreach and leveraged defense deals to keep U.S. support aligned with NATO priorities
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The renewed U.S.-Europe cooperation strengthens Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, indirectly supporting global security and upholding the rules-based international order, a cornerstone of climate and sustainability agreements
• It also signals how geopolitical instability can disrupt energy markets and international cooperation on sustainability goals — underscoring the interdependence of peace, security, and environmental agendas
⏭️ What's next: All eyes are on whether Russia responds to the tariff threat and increased NATO resolve with escalated aggression or renewed diplomacy
• U.S.-made arms shipments to Ukraine, financed by German funds, are expected to ramp up in the coming weeks
• European capitals are preparing for potential Russian retaliatory moves, including energy supply disruptions
• NATO leaders are set to meet in Brussels in August to assess next steps and refine their collective response
💬 One quote: “President Trump wants to stop the killing and end this brutal war, which is why he is selling American-made weapons to NATO members,” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly.
📈 One stat: Germany has pledged over €10 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2025, much of it now earmarked for U.S.-manufactured systems
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