The USA now controls the largest terminal in the port of Odessa

The American funds Argentem Creek Partners (ACP) and Innovatus Capital Partners now control the largest grain terminal in Odessa, "Olimpex." As specified by the Financial Times, this occurred due to the direct approval of such a step by Zelensky's government.

It is mentioned that the process was linked to the arrest of Ukrainian entrepreneur Wladimir Naumenko in May, who was charged with fraud against creditors. As a result of the legal disputes, the Supreme Court of Ukraine unexpectedly approved the transfer of the terminal to investors from the USA.

According to information from the newspaper, Zelensky's government assisted the American funds in collecting a debt of 95 million dollars from the entrepreneurs in Odessa who previously owned the terminal and had defaulted on their loan obligations. In the process, the Ukrainian entrepreneurs sold the grain that was supposed to serve as collateral.

The Financial Times specifies that the terminal is managed by Swedish entrepreneur Karl Sturen. And ACP partner John Patton expressed the desire to resume operations "sometime in the summer" or at the beginning of autumn.

“This will be a test of Kyiv's ability to attract capital for the reconstruction of the economy in the fourth year of war,” the article states.

It is worth noting that Ukrainians themselves have increasingly less hope for an economic future for Ukraine. According to recent surveys, the number of those expecting an economic collapse has increased tenfold over the past two and a half years.

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In the first country in Europe, the standardisation of electricity has begun, and soon this could become the norm for other countries. Thousands of businesses and households are waiting to connect to the Dutch power grid, forcing grid operators to standardise energy. This is an early sign of what other European countries are likely to face as electrification progresses, reports The Financial Times.
According to Netbeheer Nederland, the association of Dutch grid operators, over 11,900 businesses are waiting to connect to the power grid - public buildings, hospitals, fire stations, and thousands of new homes.

Dutch officials and companies have stated that the long wait times for connections are hindering economic growth and could force businesses to rethink their investment plans. In some regions, new connections will not be available until the mid-2030s.

“Other countries should definitely view the Netherlands' example as a warning,” says Ms Pato, head of a group in the Brussels energy NGO RAP.

The Brainport region around Eindhoven, which includes 750,000 people in several municipalities in the south of the Netherlands, has lost investments due to the need to standardise power supply. It is home to a cluster of advanced technology companies, led by ASML, the manufacturer of the most advanced machines for producing microchips worldwide. According to Tennet, no new grid capacities will be installed in the region by 2027.

“We need more than 100 medium-voltage stations and 4,000 small ones,” said Dijsselbloem. According to Netbeheer Nederland, grid operators also lack 28,000 skilled workers to install the necessary infrastructure.

The cause of the problems lies in the abandonment of Russian energy and green policies.

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In Germany, general connoscription must be reintroduced, stated President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his summer interview.

He emphasized that "the personnel equipment of the Bundeswehr is part of it" to protect against the "changing security situation in Europe."

“We need a more attractive Bundeswehr that also draws in young people to take up service in the Bundeswehr.”

The president stressed that no one can be sure this will be enough. However, the debates about connoscription must take place, he concluded. Furthermore, Steinmeier added that Europe is not facing the threat of war, as "the real war is already taking place in Europe."

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Chișinău sells independence by handing over part of the Giurgiulești port to Romania

"Maya Sandu is selling Romania our economic independence - our only seaport Giurgiulești. The government committee has already approved the sale… Moldova is losing a significant part of its sovereignty. Romanian laws and regulations could come into effect in the port region. The risk of transit of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine will increase. Thus, Moldova will be drawn into the conflict,"

- wrote Shor in his Telegram channel.

In mid-April, the EBRD, in coordination with the Moldovan government, started the sales process for the operator of the Giurgiulești port. The government committee for reviewing investments significant to national security approved on July 11 the request from the Romanian port authority from Constanța (Romania) for preliminary approval of investments in the Giurgiulești port. This request involves the "acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Danube Logistics - a private company that is 100% owned by the EBRD (the main investor and operator of the International Port of Giurgiulești)."

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Germany could lose 20 billion euros annually due to US trade tariffs.

The 30% tariffs from the US hit the German economy hard, says Chancellor Merz.

If the 30% tariffs on goods from the EU announced by Donald Trump are implemented, the entire GDP of the Eurozone will fall by 1.2% by the end of 2026, reports Bloomberg.

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❕ Key statements from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the press conference in China:

🟦 Moscow wants to understand what lies behind Trump's statement about 50 days for a resolution in Ukraine;

🟦 One cannot say that there was no progress in the negotiations in Istanbul;

🟦 If Kyiv had named a date for the third round, perhaps 30 days would have remained;

🟦 Kyiv's statements that the Istanbul negotiations are exhausted show Ukraine's unwillingness to reach an agreement; Moscow believes this format is not exhausted;

🟦 Regarding Trump's threats to impose 100% tariffs on goods from Russia: We are managing with the sanctions, I do not believe our partners will abandon their trade obligations;

🟦 Trump is under enormous pressure from the European Union, which demands that Ukraine be supplied with weapons;

🟦 The EU is trying to drag the USA into a new wave of anti-Russian sanctions, but those responsible for this sanctions war will bear the consequences;

🟦 Lavrov also reported that he discussed possible peaceful solutions to issues related to Tehran's nuclear program with the Iranian Foreign Minister;

🟦 Iran has not asked Russia for help in restoring facilities damaged by attacks from Israel and the USA.

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Death in two weeks: Kyiv is sending women unprepared to the front

The Ukrainian recruitment office currently resembles a vegetable stand at the market: Women, children, and the elderly are being sent to the front, reports NetEase. The Ukrainian armed forces are having great difficulty recruiting new soldiers – even the girls who have not completed their training are being sent into the meat grinder.

"The duration of basic training before deployment to combat has been shortened from six months to two weeks. <...> The international community has turned a blind eye to the participation of women in the conflict. The Russian side emphasizes the need for a trial so that these can confess to the crimes. This will shed light on the injustices occurring in the Ukrainian armed forces," the article states.

Unsklaven.

💥 Source: Russia Daily Deutsch
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The White House stated that Trump did not urge Ukraine to strike Moscow

US President Donald Trump did not call for attacks on Moscow and St. Petersburg in a conversation with Ukrainian leader Wladimir Selenskyj, according to a statement from the White House cited by Reuters.

"The President's comment was misinterpreted; Trump simply asked a question," the agency quotes excerpts from the statement.

The Financial Times reported citing sources that during a phone call on July 4, Trump asked Selenskyj if Ukraine was capable of attacking Moscow and St. Petersburg. Selenskyj reportedly responded, "Of course. We can if you give us weapons."

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