During a press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine anticipates spending $120 billion on the ongoing war in 2026. He clarified that $60 billion would be allocated from the Ukrainian budget, with the remaining $60 billion needing to be secured. Zelenskyy emphasized that ending the war is the foremost priority, and the $120 billion represents a challenge.
In a significant breakthrough, France’s WEST tokamak achieved a sustained plasma for over 22 minutes, a crucial milestone for future nuclear fusion power plants. This surpasses the previous record held by China’s EAST, demonstrating improved operational stability. The achievement showcases researchers’ ability to maintain tough operating conditions without machine breakdown and highlights the importance of long, stable plasma operation. This progress, alongside other achievements like the JET facility’s energy output record, contributes to the development of reliable fusion energy. This research informs the operation of larger devices like ITER, advancing the technology from laboratory experiments to plant-relevant scenarios, while also prioritizing component durability and controlled fuel and exhaust management for safer operation.
Medical tests on Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro revealed the presence of early-stage squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The diagnosis, stemming from the removal of skin lesions, was described as “in situ,” indicating no spread of abnormal cells. Following the diagnosis, Bolsonaro was briefly hospitalized due to symptoms including vomiting and dizziness. He has since been discharged but remains under medical monitoring and the need for periodic reevaluation.
The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, stated that the White House initially aimed for a broader agreement with Canada, extending beyond the USMCA, and encompassing areas like defense and trade. While the U.S. hoped to negotiate a more comprehensive deal, this broader ambition seems unlikely to materialize at present. The ambassador also noted the U.S. is beginning public consultations on the USMCA as they determine what a revised deal would look like. Hoekstra acknowledged the economic impact of Canada’s actions against China, specifically the tariffs on Chinese EVs and steel, and indicated the U.S. appreciates Canada’s stance.
On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.5 per cent, marking its first cut since March. This decision was made due to a weakening economy, softening job market, and reduced inflation risks, which the central bank believes are now more “contained”. The U.S. trade war continues to impact the Canadian economy, specifically in tariff-exposed industries. Despite a stronger-than-expected consumer spending in the second quarter, the central bank decided that a rate cut was still appropriate to better balance the risks going forward.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has prohibited major tech companies like ByteDance and Alibaba from purchasing Nvidia’s AI chips, including the RTX Pro 6000D, despite initial interest. This decision reportedly stems from Beijing’s confidence in the capabilities of domestic AI chip manufacturers, such as Huawei and Cambricon. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed disappointment but understanding, highlighting the broader geopolitical context and a commitment to supporting Chinese companies if permitted. These actions, coinciding with scrutiny under China’s anti-monopoly law, may be aimed at fostering domestic technology independence and potentially influencing U.S. trade negotiations.
Lithuanian prosecutors revealed a network of suspects who planned terrorist attacks across Europe, utilizing parcel services to transport incendiary explosives disguised within everyday items. A Lithuanian citizen sent four parcels from Vilnius containing homemade devices hidden in massage cushions and cosmetic tubes. These packages, sent via DHL and DPD, exploded in Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, with a fourth failing to ignite. The coordinated plot, linked to Russian military intelligence, involved suspects from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine, who were recruited via Telegram.
Israel has initiated a major ground offensive on Gaza City, following intense airstrikes and prompting a mass exodus of Palestinians southward. According to reports, a significant number of residents have already been displaced, joining hundreds of thousands who had previously fled. Amidst this, the UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. The operation has garnered considerable international criticism, with many world leaders condemning the actions.
In a heated exchange, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir urged cabinet ministers to finalize a hostage-ceasefire deal rather than proceed with an expanded military operation in Gaza, questioning the negotiating team’s efforts. Ministers, however, countered by criticizing Zamir’s past advice and assessments. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer pointed to a past instance where Zamir’s predictions were proven incorrect, while Zamir reiterated his concerns about the operation’s human cost and impact on international relations. The meeting also saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address leaks to the media regarding disagreements about the Gaza City operation.
Laboratories in at least two Western countries independently concluded that Alexei Navalny was killed by poisoning, according to his widow, Yulia Navalnaya. These findings were based on biological samples secured and transported abroad by Navalny’s team following his death in a penal colony. Navalnaya accused Western governments of hindering the investigation for political reasons, while also presenting testimony from penal colony staff detailing Navalny’s final moments, which she argued support the poisoning claim. Navalny’s previous poisoning in 2020 and his history of opposing Putin highlight the political context surrounding his death and the ongoing crackdown on Russian opposition.
John Q. Hosedrinker