Jul 25, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

The recent confirmation by the US Department of State that Turkey does not meet the necessary criteria to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program has been received as a significant political development in Athens. Greek leadership at the Maximos Mansion has highlighted Washington's official response to Congress as positive news for national defense and regional balance.

The State Department's position reaffirms Ankara's ongoing exclusion from acquiring fifth-generation aircraft, a stance originally triggered by Turkey's procurement of Russian S-400 missile systems. Greek officials view the clarification as reinforcement of Washington's defense posture in the Eastern Mediterranean, maintaining current strategic balances between regional NATO allies.

Sources: To Vima.

A Russian ballistic missile strike targeted a defence technology exhibition near Kyiv, killing ten people and injuring nearly 100 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack while stating such public events should not take place during wartime.

Concurrently, intelligence reports indicate North Korea has resumed shipments of KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, enhancing Moscow's strike capabilities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have broadened their long-range drone campaign, hitting several logistics warehouses owned by Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries near Moscow and in Kotovsk. The strikes caused major fires, leaving eight people dead and destroying extensive cargo.

In Kyiv, political fallout continues following President Zelensky's cabinet reshuffle, which included the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Sources: BBC News, Global Defence Corp, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

US President Donald Trump has reignited international trade tensions by enacting a fresh round of tariffs targeting multiple trading partners. The decision expands Washington's protectionist economic strategy, affecting trade relationships with dozens of nations. Affected governments and international economic institutions are assessing retaliatory options and evaluating the potential fallout on global supply chains and economic growth. While Washington frames the levies as a necessary tool to address trade imbalances and safeguard domestic industries, international officials have warned that widespread import duties risk disrupting commerce and fueling global inflation. Further diplomatic negotiations and reciprocal measures are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Sources: To Vima.

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to China and Russia, cautioning both nations against supplying weaponry to Iran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump indicated he believes assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin that their governments are not presently transferring arms to Tehran.

Trump added that any future military sales to Iran would carry serious consequences, stating, "If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests." The remarks come amid ongoing monitoring of foreign military supplies to Tehran.

Sources: Global Defence Corp

France has taken steps toward legalizing assisted dying, marking what could become one of the nation's most significant social reforms since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2012. The proposed legislation currently awaits final approval from France's Constitutional Council.

The legislative progress in France has reignited political discussions in Finland regarding end-of-life legislation and potential social reforms. Finnish public figures and lawmakers remain divided on the issue. Critics such as Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen oppose legalizing assisted dying, while proponents advocate for Finland to follow France's legal model to expand patient autonomy.

Sources: Iltalehti.