Trump says he 'does not know anything about' US imports of uranium, fertilizers from Russia

US President Donald Trump said he was unaware of American imports of uranium and fertilisers from Russia, a point India has used to defend its own trade ties with Moscow, Firstpost reported.

Asked about the imports, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check.”

Despite sanctions, US imports from Russia rose 23 percent between January and May this year, reaching $2.1bn, with notable increases in palladium, uranium, and fertilisers.

Though significantly down from pre-war levels, American trade with Russia has seen a partial rebound, even as Washington criticises other nations for maintaining economic ties with Moscow, according to Firstpost.

Texas governor seeks court order to fire top Democrat who fled in row over voting map

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has filed a lawsuit to remove Democratic lawmaker Gene Wu after more than 50 Democrats fled the state to block a vote on a Republican-led redistricting plan. Their absence denied the legislature the quorum needed to proceed, according to BBC.

The lawsuit, filed in the Texas Supreme Court, accuses Wu of abandoning his duties and calls for his removal through a rarely used legal process called quo warranto. The proposed redistricting would add five Republican-leaning seats to the US House of Representatives.

Democrats argue the walkout was a necessary move to defend democratic principles. Wu has not yet responded, BBC reported.

Netherlands pledges €500m for Ukraine under new NATO initiative

The Netherlands has announced a €500m ($578m) military aid package for Ukraine as part of a new NATO program, the Dutch Defense Ministry said Monday.

This marks the first contribution to the US-led Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a recently launched initiative through which NATO members finance military supplies for Ukraine sourced from US stockpiles, Xinhua reported.

The aid will include air defense systems, ammunition, and other critical equipment based on Ukraine’s most urgent needs. The PURL program, launched on July 14 by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, aims to bolster ongoing support efforts by streamlining deliveries through newly established logistics hubs.

Netanyahu pushes for full Gaza reoccupation despite growing opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to propose a full reoccupation of Gaza, aiming to defeat Hamas completely. The plan faces strong opposition from military leaders and hostage families, who fear it could endanger the remaining captives, according to BBC.

Public support is shifting, with most Israelis favoring a ceasefire deal. International allies and humanitarian groups warn of worsening conditions, as 90 percent of Gaza’s population remains displaced and in crisis.

Critics say the move risks escalating the conflict further, while pressure grows globally for a political solution, including recognition of a Palestinian state, BBC reported.