Russia launches massive drone attack on Ukraine
Russia launched around 400 drones overnight, striking several Ukrainian regions in its largest assault this week. Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s hometown, faced its worst attack since the war began, leaving 15 injured and damaging infrastructure. Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, and Odesa were also hit, with widespread power outages and fires reported.
Ukraine says 345 drones were intercepted. Nationwide, three people were killed and 38 wounded in the past 24 hours, CNN reported.
Zelensky called for stronger air defenses, warning Russia’s strategy remains unchanged.
In response, US President Donald Trump pledged to send Patriot missile systems via NATO and threatened tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, according to CNN.
Mexico slams US tomato tariff as ‘unjust’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday condemned the United States’ new 17.09 percent tariff on Mexican tomatoes, calling it “unjust” and harmful to both Mexican producers and US consumers, Xinhua reported.
Speaking at her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum said Mexico would continue negotiations with Washington and work on domestic measures to support local growers. “Mexican tomatoes will still be exported because there is no substitute,” she stated.
Sheinbaum added that her government would soon announce new initiatives under its “Plan Mexico” to assist tomato producers and defend their interests in the US market, according to Xinhua.
The US Department of Commerce confirmed the tariff would take effect on July 14.
Trump announces 19 percent tariff on Indonesian imports
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 19 percent tariff on imports from Indonesia, stating that the United States would not bear any cost under the new arrangement. He also claimed the deal grants the US full access to the Indonesian market, according to Xinhua.
Earlier, Trump praised the agreement on Truth Social, calling it a “great deal for everybody” and noting he negotiated it directly with Indonesia’s president.
Trump backtracks on striking Moscow, says Zelenskyy 'shouldn’t target' Russian capital
US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he urged Ukraine to attack Moscow, saying, “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”
The comments follow reports that Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a July 4 call if Ukraine could strike Russian cities. Trump dismissed the claims, saying he wants to stop the war, not escalate it. His spokesperson said he was “just asking a question”, according to Firstpost.
Trump ruled out sending long-range missiles to Ukraine but warned Russia to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face heavy sanctions and tariffs.
He called the war “a Biden war” and said his focus is on ending the conflict. Speaking alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed new US-made weapons will go to NATO allies, not directly to Ukraine, according to Firstpost.
