US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have called for the quick passage of a sanctions bill targeting countries that continue trading with Russia, particularly India, due to its oil imports. They praised the recent 25% tariff on Indian goods signed by Donald Trump and pushed for a 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers. With strong bipartisan support—85 co-sponsors—the senators emphasized the urgency of passing the bill to pressure Russia and deter future conflicts.

Apple has pledged an additional $100 billion investment to expand production in the U.S., following pressure from former President Donald Trump. The tech giant aims to avoid high tariffs by building new facilities, including a data center and a smart glass production line. CEO Tim Cook says Apple’s U.S. investments are already showing results. The move also helps realign Apple’s supply chain away from China, with increased sourcing from India and Vietnam. Apple shares jumped over 5% after the announcement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that China may face higher tariffs—similar to those imposed on India—due to its continued oil imports from Russia. During a briefing in the Oval Office, reporters pointed out that besides India, countries like China are also major buyers of Russian oil. When asked whether China could face the same tariff penalties, Trump responded that it was “a possibility,” though he did not provide further details.

A close aide to the Kremlin, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed that the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow was “appropriate and constructive.” According to Ushakov, the two discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for strategic cooperation between Moscow and Washington. He noted that Russia had sent “certain signals” regarding the conflict and had received “relevant signals” in return from Trump’s side. "President Putin is now fully informed about the current situation," Ushakov added. However, he also mentioned that Trump has not yet been briefed on the outcome of the meeting, and as such, he refrained from making further comments. Russian official Kirill Dmitriev echoed the positive tone, saying, “Constructive U.S.-Russia dialogue is ongoing, and it is crucial for global peace and security.” Bloomberg reports that Russia is considering concessions to Trump, including the suspension of drone and missile strikes.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week—the first such meeting between the two countries' leaders since Biden and Putin met in Geneva in June 2021. According to The New York Times, Trump informed European leaders during a phone call on Wednesday that he plans to meet Putin and hopes to soon initiate trilateral talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. White House Press Secretary confirmed ongoing discussions. A Kremlin aide described a recent meeting between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff as "productive and constructive." Trump initially hailed it as “great progress” but later tempered expectations.

In a shocking incident at one of the largest U.S. military bases, Fort Stewart, a sergeant opened fire on five fellow soldiers. The gunman, identified as 28-year-old Sergeant Cornelius Radford, was quickly apprehended by other personnel, prompting a temporary lockdown of the base. Brigadier General John Lubas stated that all injured soldiers are in stable condition. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. The U.S. Army has launched an internal investigation, raising renewed concerns over safety and mental health within military ranks. Three of the victims required surgery.

Two days before the deadline for Russia to end the Ukraine war, U.S. President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for over three hours. The meeting comes amid Trump’s warning of 100% tariffs on Russia if no agreement is reached and his promise to supply Ukraine with advanced Patriot missile defense systems. Kremlin called tariff threats against Russia’s trade partners “illegal.” Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism about the dialogue’s success.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ignoring U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to end the war in Ukraine. Despite threats of new sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil buyers, Putin remains committed to capturing Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Kremlin sources say Russia believes it has the upper hand and sees no reason to stop. While diplomatic talks continue, little progress has been made. Trump’s envoy is expected in Moscow, but analysts say Russia’s focus is firmly on battlefield gains over negotiations.

As Trump’s 100-day promise to end the Ukraine war nears its end, global eyes are on him. Despite initially pledging swift resolution, his actions have drawn the U.S. deeper into the conflict. He’s yet to take decisive steps on sanctions against Russian oil buyers like India and China. Analysts say Trump must make bold strategic decisions or risk looking weak. With diplomatic moves underway and a visit to Moscow planned, the world waits to see if Trump can shift the course of the war.

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast on July 30, prompting widespread tsunami alerts. Satellite images cited by The New York Times reveal damage to a floating nuclear submarine base at Rybachiy in the Kamchatka Peninsula. Though a section appears to have shifted, major visible destruction was not confirmed. The quake also triggered a rare volcanic eruption and caused a tsunami that hit Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk port. Despite structural damage, no casualties have been reported so far.

Arizona, USA – A medical aircraft crashed near Chinle Airport in Arizona on Tuesday, claiming the lives of all four people on board. The dual-propeller aircraft was en route to pick up a patient from a nearby hospital when it went down shortly after takeoff. The plane burst into flames, killing everyone inside.

The aircraft was typically used for transporting patients and medical equipment. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, but a thorough investigation is currently underway.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into several Obama administration officials over alleged data fraud related to proving Russian interference favoring Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Attorney General Pam Bondi authorized prosecutors to present potential charges based on recommendations from Trump’s former intelligence chief. The probe follows claims by Tulsi Gabbard accusing the Obama era of politicizing intelligence agencies. Obama’s spokesperson and Democrats reject these allegations as baseless. Russia denies any election interference.

Russia has announced its withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing Western military actions as a direct threat to its security. This move follows the U.S. withdrawal in 2019 and signals a potential new arms race between East and West. Experts warn this weakens the global nuclear control framework and could escalate tensions reminiscent of a new Cold War, as countries increase missile deployments and military capabilities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly increase tariffs on Indian products within 24 hours, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump criticized India as an unfair trading partner, imposing a 25% tariff earlier and now threatening to raise it further. The executive order issued on July 31 includes additional fines related to Russia oil imports, effective August 7. Despite US pressure, India has not stopped its oil imports from Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the United States for imposing politically motivated economic pressure on countries choosing independent paths. She described Trump’s tariff policy as a direct interference in national sovereignty, especially targeting Russia’s partners in the Global South. Zakharova emphasized that sanctions have become a key feature of the current global order and said Washington is pursuing a neo-colonial agenda. Russia remains committed to deepening cooperation with like-minded countries, particularly within the expanding BRICS bloc.