Ukraine is calling for global restrictions on Russia's access to advanced technologies amid ongoing negotiations with Moscow. President Putin has rejected Kyiv's demands, insisting dialogue will continue once prisoner exchanges are completed. The Russian economy is feeling the strain from the military campaign, with defense spending increasing by 6.3% of GDP ($172 billion). Putin acknowledged this could lead to budget headaches and noted that Russia paid for increased spending through inflation. He also denounced NATO's pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP as "aggressive".
https://www.firstpost.com/world/putin-says-russia-ukraine-peace-demands-absolutely-contradictory-as-ceasefire-talks-stall-13901164.htmlEuropean Union leaders discussed new US trade proposals at a Brussels summit, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying "all options remain on the table" as time runs out to find a common position before tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump expire on July 9. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a quick and simple deal, while French President Emmanuel Macron insisted on a balanced agreement, warning that EU goodwill should not be seen as weakness. The bloc is already subject to US import tariffs of 50% on steel and aluminium, and the EU has agreed but not imposed tariffs on €21 billion of US goods. EU leaders also discussed ideas for new trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries and reforming the World Trade Organisation, which they see as ineffective.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/06/27/eu-mulls-fast-us-trade-deal-as-tariff-clock-ticks-bloc-split-on-response/181857European Union leaders are discussing new US trade deal proposals at a summit in Brussels, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying "all options remain on the table" as time runs out to find a common position before tariffs expire on July 9. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants a quick and simple deal, while French President Emmanuel Macron insists on a balanced agreement that won't be seen as a weakness. The EU is considering a tax on digital advertising to hit US giants like Google and Microsoft, and exploring new trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries to reform the World Trade Organisation.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/eu-leaders-discuss-new-us-trade-proposal-deal-clock-ticks-down-5206436The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has established a network of secured sites in the enclave to distribute food and aid, bypassing Israeli restrictions. The GHF's efforts have been praised by critics, including Johnnie Moore, director of the organization, who described them as "absolutely incredible" and "should be applauded". In contrast, the UN and major aid groups have refused to work with the GHF due to its limited scope, which only provides food in areas approved by Israeli troops.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/06/26/us-to-provide-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-with-30-million/UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a humanitarian truce in El Fasher, Sudan, to facilitate aid distribution. The war between the Sudanese army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, with UNICEF estimating that 61,800 children have been internally displaced since the conflict began. El Fasher, a city 800 kilometers southwest of Khartoum, is under military control and has seen repeated violence, with the RSF attempting to capture it for over a year to consolidate its grip on the Darfur region.
https://thestar.com/news/world/africa/sudans-military-accepts-un-proposal-of-a-weeklong-ceasefire-in-el-fasher-for-aid-distribution/article_1514a60a-a26b-523c-b37d-6b99bc6e9469.htmlAsim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday to brief him on Pakistan's work programme during its presidency of the UN Security Council. During the meeting, Iftikhar discussed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and emphasized that member states are committed to promoting peace and security. He assured that Pakistan's proceedings as President of the UNSC will be conducted openly, transparently, and consultatively.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369855/historic-moment-pakistan-to-assume-unsc-presidency-next-monthIndian lawmakers engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour discussion with four experts to mend ties with Bangladesh. The meeting included former National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, among others. They emphasized the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh, citing Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam as examples. The lawmakers suggested a soft launch of cultural diplomacy through West Bengal to ease tensions between the two nations. They also raised concerns about China's influence in Bangladesh and illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mps-across-party-lines-in-parliamentary-panel-support-forward-looking-policy-for-bangladesh/article69745963.ecePakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reiterated the country's stance on global and regional issues, including terrorism in Indian-administered Kashmir (IIOJK) and Balochistan, which he claims are sponsored by India. During a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Asif called for collective action against terrorism, urging member countries to refrain from politicizing anti-terrorism efforts. He also condemned terrorist attacks in IIOJK and Balochistan, blaming India for sponsoring such attacks. The SCO's joint declaration will only be issued if all member countries agree to sign it.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/611117-india-declined-to-sign-sco-joint-statement-after-being-denied-second-turn-to-speak-says-asifPakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) principles and objectives, while also condemning terrorism as a common threat that needs collective action. He urged member countries to refrain from politicising anti-terrorism efforts and called on states to hold each other accountable for sponsoring terrorist attacks in regions like Indian-administered Kashmir and Balochistan. Asif emphasized the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan for regional stability and sustainable prosperity, and stressed that unresolved conflicts in Kashmir pose a constant threat to global peace and security.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1324917-khawaja-asif-says-indian-counterpart-refused-to-sign-sco-statement-over-speaking-turn