Zelensky:

The USSR killed all the languages.

They occupied the territories, killed the traditions, and destroyed the churches.

They killed religion, traditions, and language for 70 years.

BIG: Bahrain and Kuwait secretly hit Iran with fighter jets early this month — their first direct retaliation — hitting drone and missile depots, with the UAE providing intel and air cover.

Saudi Arabia is weighing its next move, and some officials are quietly floating regime change in Tehran as the only long-term exit.

Source: WSJ

Trump:

Canada disinvited the United States of America to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial TARIFFS to the United States.

The original Deal, terribly negotiated by a previous Administration, no longer stands.

We changed the terms so that the United States now gets 50% of the Profit.

Laura Loomer: Would you be willing to sign the peace deal with Russia in the Oval Office?

Zelensky: Yes, I am ready. I am ready to come to the Oval Office or Mar-a-Lago for the peace deal. It depends on Trump.

The U.S. and UK are planning a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss forming an international coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting, still being finalized, could bring together defense ministers and senior military leaders from Western and regional countries.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to attend.

Source: Axios

Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the former nuclear agreement with Iran:

The thing that has the most visible production chain is the fissile material. So the agreement we reached meant it would take Iran at least a year to produce enough fissile material for one nuclear weapon.

Plenty of time to then, if we had to, use a military option because that was never off the table.

President Trump back then just tore it up, said he didn't like it, and replaced it with nothing.

And then Iran started moving closer to a bomb the or at least producing the material that it needed to make one.

BIG: The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert warning Americans in Israel of "potential for unforeseen escalation".

Citizens are told to prepare for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions; know their nearest shelter.

Trump:

The European Union is at it again and, as usual, taking direct aim at GREAT American Companies! After having fined Apple, for no reason at all, 15 Billion Dollars, Meta, 3 Billion Dollars, Amazon 2.5 Billion Dollars, and many others, we have just been informed that Google, a truly advanced and amazing group, has been fined yet another 1 Billion Dollars, without explanation.

This brings the Google total to over 18 Billion Dollars! This illegal and highly discriminatory practice started at these high levels during the first year of the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, but it’s not going to continue during the Trump Administration.

The United States of America is not a “PIGGYBANK” for Europe, nor will we allow it to be! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that we will immediately initiate a 301 Investigation into the practice of “ROBBING” American Companies and, in turn, the American Taxpayer.

The European Union will pay a very big price for this illegal and highly unethical conduct, which I have consistently warned them about. The penalties will be entirely reversed and, we anticipate, a substantial TARIFF to be placed on them at the earliest possible moment. Stay tuned!

Trump:

Thank you Prime Minister Radev!

Trump:

Thank you to all the Senators who opposed yet another Dumocrat-led attempt to undermine our National Security.

Congratulations to our GREAT Speaker, Mike Johnson, and the House Republicans for their MAJOR success in taking the first step towards passing the Budget Bill.

Thank you to our terrific Chairman, Jodey Arrington, Chip Roy, Michelle Fishbach, Virginia Foxx, Jason Smith, Mike Rogers, GT Thompson, Bryan Steil, our incredible Whip, Tom Emmer, Majority Leader, Steve Scalise, and all those who came together to take this important step.

This will be one of the most consequential Bills in America’s History. Strengthening our powerful Military, providing aid for our Farmers and, most importantly, as much of THE SAVE AMERICA ACT as possible.

Our Voters will be extremely happy — And even impressed! I am asking that the Senate adopt a Budget Resolution, which can pass with a simple Majority, before leaving for the August recess.

We are ready to work side-by-side with the Senate to get this done for the American People!

EU Rejects US Forced Labor Claims Amid New Tariff Shock

Kaja Kallas dismissed Washington's rationale for new tariffs, rejecting claims of inadequate forced labor controls as Brussels seeks immediate clarification.

READ MORE

ICC member states voted to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan, with 82 of 125 countries supporting his removal over alleged sexual misconduct.

Source: Reuters

Zelensky:

We know from intelligence reports and our partners that the Russians have prepared missiles for a new massive attack on Ukraine. This attack could happen today; the preliminary information suggests it could occur within the next 48 hours. Please take care of yourselves and pay attention to air raid sirens.

I hope that America will continue to stand with Ukraine, and that we will be able to end this war with a worthy peace. That is what we need.

We have clear information from intelligence that Russia is preparing a new wave of mobilization for the autumn, a rather significant one. At the same time, the Russians are losing more of their soldiers on the front lines than they are recruiting, and Putin intends to increase attacks and expand this war.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš:

In 2016, when Viktor Orbán built the wall in Budapest, everyone criticized him.

After 10 years, Europe woke up. Now they are dealing with it, and they are essentially confirming what was already true.

Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system shoots down Ukrainian FP-2 kamikaze drone just seconds before it strikes a Wildberries warehouse in St. Petersburg.

U.S. intelligence agencies believe Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is more willing than his father, Ali Khamenei, to pursue nuclear weapons.

While Iran has not resumed its nuclear program, officials say the new leadership appears more open to developing advanced nuclear capabilities.

Source: NYT

Trump met with top advisers on Friday to consider expanding U.S. military action against Iran.

Source: NYT

Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its "irrevocable" decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

Trump on the Saudi nuclear deal:

The Saudis have to be a member of the Abraham Accords.

It's time now. They and others didn't do it because of Iran, but Iran is not a problem anymore.

Iran is not a great power anymore.

Trump on the Saudi nuclear deal:

At some point, the Saudis will join the Abraham Accords, and they will pursue their civil nuclear program.

No enrichment.

Reporter: You are talking about blowing up civilian power plants and bridges. Much of the civilized world would consider that a war crime. Do you?

Trump: I won't respond to that question. Who are you with?

Reporter: The New York Times.

Trump: I figured so. The failing New York Times.