Latest news with #US-manufactured
DW
a day ago
- Politics
- DW
Germany says Ukraine anti-corruption curbs 'hampers' EU path – DW – 07/23/2025
Germany's foreign minister said a law targeting the independence of anti-corruption agencies will make it harder for Ukraine to join the EU. The law triggered demos against the Ukrainian government. DW has Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told German news outlet that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's move to remove the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies hampers Ukraine's path to the EU membership. Zelenskyy has often expressed that one day he would like Ukraine to join the 27-member European Union. "The restrictions on the independence of the Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities hampers Ukraine's path to the EU," Wadephul said. "I expect Ukraine to continue its fight against corruption consistently." Zelenskyy signed off on legislation that would put the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the direct purview of Ukraine's prosecutor general. The Ukrainian prosecutor general was appointed by Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy's support of the legislation has sparked the first widespread anti-government demonstrations in Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian leader met with Ukrainian anti-corruption and security agencies in a meeting on Wednesday. "We all hear what society says," Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform Telegram, while pledging to "resolve existing issues." reported Wadephul spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday and urged the Ukrainian side to keep up anti-corruption efforts. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called for US President Donald Trump's administration to provide "watertight" assurances in regards to Patriot air-defense systems for Ukraine. Pistorius told German news outlet that Germany and its NATO allies need guarantees that US-manufactured Patriot systems delivered to Ukraine would be replaced within a timeframe of about six to eight months. Pistorius's comments come after Trump said European NATO countries could buy weapons from the US which could then be delivered for Ukraine to defend itself amid Russia's invasion. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The US is seeking for Germany and other European countries to send Patriot systems to Ukraine first from their own stocks. Then, the US would send replacement Patriot systems to European allies. This arrangement has led to concern from Germany as Pistorius told Spiegel its necessary that "the countries transferring systems continue to meet their NATO requirements and that no security gaps arise for NATO." Earlier this week, Germany said it would "contribute to providing" five Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. Anne Applebaum is an award-winning historian, writer, and publicist. In an interview with DW, she shared her insights on Russian President Vladimir Putin's goals in Ukraine. She also explained what she thinks the West doesn't understand about Putin, and vice versa. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Russia said the direct talks in Istanbul later on Wednesday with Ukrainian officials will be "very difficult." "Indeed, our delegation has left for Istanbul, and talks are indeed scheduled for this evening... No one expects an easy road. It will be very difficult," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists, with French news agency AFP reporting on the comments. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia is seeking to solidify its control over areas in eastern Ukraine, whereas Ukraine wants Russian troops to leave those regions and to stop the invasion to ensure peace. Ukraine's air force has lost one of its French Mirage fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, attributing the loss to technical failure. In a video message on X, Zelenskyy said the pilot had ejected safely and there were no injuries or fatalities from the incident. He also clarified that it was not caused by Russian forces. Meanwhile the Ukrainian Air Force said: "The pilot reported a failure of aviation equipment to the flight director. He then acted competently, as is expected in a crisis situation, and successfully ejected." The fighter jet was part of an undisclosed number of Mirages France delivered to Ukraine in February, an important addition to the war-ravaged nation's defenses against Russian drones and missiles. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that sanctioning Russian oil in a bid to end the war in Ukraine is a "very real possibility," while speaking to broadcaster Fox News. This comes after President Donald Trump said Washington could put 100% tariffs on Russian oil, among other sanctions, if Moscow does not agree on a peace deal with Ukraine before September. "It is huge pressure on Russia. That's the biggest pressure you can put on them," Wright said in the interview. The EU and the US already have some sanctions on Russian energy enterprises but Russia has managed to sell most of its oil via so-called 'shadow fleets' of oil tankers operating around the globe under other country's flags. Wright said a higher level of sanctions was now possible becasue the US has become the world's top producer of oil and gas. "We're able to do things that we couldn't do before," he said. China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has registered "solemn representations" to his EU counterpart as the bloc included two Chinese banks in its latest round of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The objections were expressed in a "candid and in-depth" video call with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on Tuesday, Beijing said. The comments come a day before EU heads Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in Beijing for talks with Chinese leaders over sensitive issues like trade and the war in Ukraine. China has called the sanctions on its banks "groundless" and lacking a basis in international law. China's economic relations with Moscow have deepened significantly since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, which Brussles believes is instrumental in supporting Russia's economy weather the war under sweeping western sanctions. China has denied the claim. Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine late on Tuesday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a controversial bill to limit the autonomy of two anti-corruption bodies. The changes grant the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). Critics, including some EU officials, say the move will significantly weaken the independence of the two agencies and give Zelenskyy's circle greater sway over investigations. "In effect, if this bill becomes law, the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office," the two agencies said in a joint statement on Telegram. Tuesday's protest was unusual as most other wartime rallies focused on securing the return of captured soldiers or missing people. The protesters held signs that read "Veto the law" and "Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine's future," among other slogans. "Corruption is a problem in any country, and it must always be fought," said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged more than a million online followers to join the protests. "Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war," he said. "If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight." Officials from Ukraine and Russia are set to meet for a third round of talks in Istanbul on Wednesday. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dampened expectations, saying the talks would likely focus on another round of prisoner of war swaps rather than details of a ceasefire. "We need more momentum in the negotiations to end the war," Zelenskyy told diplomats in Kyiv on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said that "major diplomatic work" was still needed in order to negotiate a ceasefire. A key point of contention is Kyiv's calls for an unconditional ceasefire, as opposed to Russia maintaining its maximum demands that include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern regions of the country Moscow illegally annexed. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Welcome to DW's coverage of the latest developments in Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to meet in Istanbul for a fresh round of ceasefire talks on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the meeting would focus on exchanging prisoners of war rather than ending the conflict. Separately, Zelenskyy signed a new law restricting autonomy of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, sparking rare protests in Kyiv. Stay tuned for the latest news and analysis from the ongoing war.
Business Insider
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
GM has a surprising new role powering the AI boom
Why would a car company be involved in supplying energy for the AI revolution? This is exactly what's happening with General Motors, one of the largest carmakers in the US. In a move that blurs the lines between automaking and energy infrastructure, GM is entering the power business through a new agreement with Redwood Materials, a startup run by Tesla cofounder JB Straubel. When GM electric vehicle batteries come to the end of their useful lives in cars, the company gives them a second life through a recycling deal with Redwood. The agreement includes new US-manufactured batteries from GM and second-life battery packs from GM electric vehicles. These batteries will supply energy to AI data centers, GM and Redwood announced on Wednesday. "The market for grid-scale batteries and backup power isn't just expanding; it's becoming essential infrastructure," said Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. "Electricity demand is climbing, and it's only going to accelerate. To meet that challenge, the US needs energy storage solutions that can be deployed quickly, economically, and made right here at home. GM batteries can play an integral role." The joint effort, announced just weeks after Redwood launched its new energy storage arm, Redwood Energy, is already bearing fruit. GM EV batteries are helping power a new Redwood microgrid in Nevada, the largest second-life battery installation in the world, according to the startup. That system supports Crusoe, a company building AI data centers that demand massive, always-on power. As AI data centers push electricity demand to new highs, the need for grid-scale energy storage has become urgent. What's surprising is how auto batteries, originally designed to move cars, are now being tapped to stabilize the electric grid and enable the next wave of computing. This collaboration also underscores a larger industrial trend: turning retired assets into strategic resources as global supply chains become stressed by geopolitical tensions and the threat of tariffs. "Both GM's second-life EV batteries and new batteries can be deployed in Redwood's energy storage systems, delivering fast, flexible power solutions and strengthening America's energy and manufacturing independence," Straubel said in a statement. More details are expected later this year, though one thing is already clear: the road from EVs to AI runs through power storage, and GM wants to be in the driver's seat.
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Trump says Zelensky should NOT target Moscow after ‘asking Ukraine leader if he can make Putin feel the pain of war'
DONALD Trump has urged Volodymyr Zelensky not to target Moscow with US-manufactured missiles - just days after he reportedly Kyiv if Russia's capital was in reach. A bombshell report claimed that Trump asked the Ukrainian leader if he can "make them [Russia] feel the pain" when the pair held a phone call at the start of the month. Advertisement 8 Donald Trump has urged Volodymyr Zelensky not to target Moscow with US long-range missiles Credit: Alamy 8 A bombshell report a few days ago claimed that Trump asked the Ukrainian leader if he can 'make them [Russia] feel the pain' Credit: Getty 8 Trump responded to the report by saying: 'I want to stop the killing of thousands of people a week' - pictured: Russia's attack on Lviv last week Credit: Reuters The US President asked: "Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St Petersburg too?", according to the Financial Times, citing two sources. Zelensky responded: "Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons." It comes as Trump pledged to send "top of the line weapons" used by the US over to Nato so they can deploy them in Kyiv. These are believed to include cruise missiles which could be able to reach Moscow and all the major Russian cities depending on what is sent. Advertisement But Trump has now pushed back on the reports of him enquiring about Ukraine's next targets. He told reporters that he has actually warned Zelensky to not even think about attacking Moscow if he ever wants the conflict to end. Trump did not directly mention the FT report but the White House did earlier today. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued Trump's words were taken out of context as the President "was merely asking a question, not encouraging further killing". Advertisement She continued, in a statement to the BBC: "He's working tirelessly to stop the killing and end this war." Trump was also asked if he has now turned against Putin entirely and sided with Ukraine. Putin defies Trump's ultimatum and BOMBARDS Ukraine – as Kremlin mouthpiece warns Russia will 'turn Kyiv into Hiroshima' In recent days, the President has blasted Putin for his recent daily bombardments and urged Vlad to negotiate with Ukraine or face serious repercussions. As he left the White House today however, he simply said: "I'm on nobody's side. Advertisement "I want to stop the killing of thousands of people a week." The clearest sign yet that Trump is done playing diplomatic games with Putin came on Monday, He issued a blistering crackdown on Moscow as he made a pledge to hit Russia with 100 percent tariffs if Putin doesn't agree to a peace deal within 50 days. Trump made the comments as he also agreed to supply weapons to help Kyiv in the war in the hopes of driving Putin to the negotiating table. Advertisement He vowed to send weapons compromising of "everything" in his arsenal in order to get Putin back into line after weeks of the tyrant incessantly bombing Ukraine. One of the proposed weapons which could be included in the package deal is America's joint air-to-surface standoff cruise missiles (JASSM). 8 Trump with his press secretary Karoline Leavitt who argued Trump's words were taken out of context Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Firefighters working on a fire at a site of a strike following a mass Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv Credit: AFP Advertisement 8 It comes as Trump pledged to send "top of the line weapons" used by the US over to Nato so they can deploy them in Kyiv Credit: Reuters Surface-to-air Patriot missile systems and batteries are also said to be among the equipment being manufactured. A furious Trump added he is 'very unhappy' with Russia. The President has spent the first seven months of his White House return urging both sides to come to the negotiating table. Advertisement But a snarling Putin has always declined and instead ramped up his ground and aerial offensives across Ukraine. And the Kremlin's reaction to Trump's latest posture was again icy. They mocked the deadline with sources saying they may now demand even more Ukrainian territory instead of laying down arms. Russia will instead keep terrorising Ukrainian civilians during the seven-week period instead of surrendering in any form, they added. Advertisement Within hours of Trump's tariff threat, Russia launched a fresh blitz across Ukraine, striking sites in Kharkiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia. Drones targeted a university in Sumy, wounding a 14-year-old girl and a 19-year-old student, while a missile hit a medical facility in Shostka. In response, Ukraine launched its own drone blitz across southwest Russia, injuring civilians and damaging homes and industrial sites in Voronezh and Lipetsk. What have experts said of Trump's sending long-range weapons to Ukraine? by Sayan Bose, Foreign News Reporter DONALD Trump sending long-range weapons to Ukraine could be a game-changer for the war by helping halt Vladimir Putin's nightly blitzes, experts said. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a decorated British Army commander, said the shipment of these long-range missiles would have profound "psychological and physical effects" on Ukraine. Mr de Bretton-Gordon told The Sun: "These weapons can strike Moscow - over 400 miles from the border. That allows the Ukrainians to strike drone factory production and ammunition sites, and others. "So this will have both psychological as well as physical effects. "People in Moscow will realise that they potentially could be targeted. "And when you also add to it the American bombings on Iranian sites that were supposed to be impregnable, it shows that American missile and drone technology rather superior to the Russian air defence system." The former army chief said these weapons will put real pressure on Russia, adding: "The metric has now changed and Trump's decision could make a huge difference." Ex-military intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram told The Sun how these long-range weapons could help strike Russian missile and drone launchpads - the ones that are used to launch nightly attacks on Ukraine. He said: "The Ukrainians are already attacking to hit Russian military logistics, defence industry bases. "And with these sophisticated weapons, they will have increased capability of doing so. "It will impact the ability of the Russians to prosecute these increasingly large drone and rocket attacks on a nightly basis. "And then that's the best way for the Ukrainians to stop it." 8 Russian attacks have continued to prove deadly in recent weeks with Donald Trump finally saying he has had enough - pictured Shostka Credit: Getty Advertisement
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Trump says Zelensky should NOT target Moscow after ‘asking Ukraine leader if he can make Putin feel the pain of war'
DONALD Trump has urged Volodymyr Zelensky not to target Moscow with US-manufactured missiles - just days after he reportedly Kyiv if Russia's capital was in reach. A bombshell report claimed that Trump asked the Ukrainian leader if he can 8 Donald Trump has urged Volodymyr Zelensky not to target Moscow with US long-range missiles Credit: Alamy 8 A bombshell report a few days ago claimed that Trump asked the Ukrainian leader if he can 'make them [Russia] feel the pain' Credit: Getty 8 Trump responded to the report by saying: 'I want to stop the killing of thousands of people a week' - pictured: Russia's attack on Lviv last week Credit: Reuters The US President asked: "Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St Petersburg too?", according to the Zelensky responded: "Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons." It comes as Trump pledged to send These are believed to include cruise missiles which could be able to reach Moscow and all the major Russian cities depending on what is sent. read more in Donald Trump But Trump has now pushed back on the reports of him enquiring about Ukraine's next targets. He told reporters that he has actually warned Zelensky to not even think about attacking Moscow if he ever wants the conflict to end. Trump did not directly mention the FT report but the White House did earlier today. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued Trump's words were taken out of context as the President "was merely asking a question, not encouraging further killing ". Most read in The US Sun She continued, in a statement to the Trump was also asked if he has now turned against Putin entirely and sided with Ukraine . Putin defies Trump's ultimatum and BOMBARDS Ukraine – as Kremlin mouthpiece warns Russia will 'turn Kyiv into Hiroshima' In recent days, the President has blasted Putin for his recent daily bombardments and urged Vlad to As he left the White House today however, he simply said: "I'm on nobody's side. "I want to stop the killing of thousands of people a week." The clearest sign yet that He issued a blistering crackdown on Moscow as he made a Trump made the comments as he also agreed to supply weapons to help Kyiv in the war in the hopes of driving Putin to the negotiating table. He vowed to send weapons compromising of "everything" in his arsenal in order to One of the proposed weapons which could be included in the package deal is America's joint air-to-surface standoff cruise missiles (JASSM). 8 Trump with his press secretary Karoline Leavitt who argued Trump's words were taken out of context Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Firefighters working on a fire at a site of a strike following a mass Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv Credit: AFP 8 It comes as Trump pledged to send "top of the line weapons" used by the US over to Nato so they can deploy them in Kyiv Credit: Reuters Surface-to-air Patriot missile systems and batteries are also said to be among the equipment being manufactured. A furious Trump added he is 'very unhappy' with Russia . The President has spent the first seven months of his White House return urging both sides to come to the negotiating table. But a snarling Putin has always declined and instead ramped up his ground and aerial offensives across Ukraine. And the They mocked the deadline with sources saying they may now demand even more Ukrainian territory instead of laying down arms. Russia will instead keep terrorising Ukrainian civilians during the seven-week period instead of surrendering in any form, they added. Within hours of Trump's tariff threat, Drones targeted a university in Sumy, wounding a 14-year-old girl and a 19-year-old student, while a missile hit a medical facility in Shostka. In response, Ukraine launched its own drone blitz across southwest Russia, injuring civilians and damaging homes and industrial sites in Voronezh and Lipetsk. What have experts said of Trump's sending long-range weapons to Ukraine? by Sayan Bose, Foreign News Reporter DONALD Trump sending long-range weapons to Ukraine could be a game-changer for the war by helping halt Vladimir Putin's nightly blitzes, experts said. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a decorated Mr de Bretton-Gordon told The Sun: "These weapons can strike Moscow - over 400 miles from the border. That allows the Ukrainians to strike drone factory production and ammunition sites, and others. "So this will have both psychological as well as physical effects. "People in Moscow will realise that they potentially could be targeted. "And when you also add to it the American bombings on Iranian sites that were supposed to be impregnable, it shows that American missile and drone technology rather superior to the Russian air defence system." The former army chief said these weapons will put real pressure on Russia, adding: "The metric has now changed and Trump's decision could make a huge difference." Ex-military intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram told The Sun how these long-range weapons could help strike Russian missile and drone launchpads - the ones that are used to launch nightly attacks on Ukraine. He said: "The Ukrainians are already attacking to hit Russian military logistics, defence industry bases. "And with these sophisticated weapons, they will have increased capability of doing so. "It will impact the ability of the Russians to prosecute these increasingly large drone and rocket attacks on a nightly basis. "And then that's the best way for the Ukrainians to stop it." 8 Russian attacks have continued to prove deadly in recent weeks with Donald Trump finally saying he has had enough - pictured Shostka Credit: Getty 8
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump issues 50-day warning to Russia: End Ukraine war or face 100% tariffs on allies, Kremlin fires back
US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration will impose 100% 'secondary tariffs' on nations that continue to trade with Russia unless Moscow ends its war in Ukraine within the next 50 days. Trump made this announcement during a joint appearance at the White House with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, signalling frustration over the ongoing conflict. 'I thought we would have had a deal two months ago,' Trump said, expressing disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin and a lack of progress on peace talks. The US president has long floated the idea of secondary sanctions to isolate Moscow economically and now appears set to act if his demands are not met. Russia says it's open to talks, but not under pressure Responding to Trump's remarks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Tuesday that Moscow is willing to negotiate. However, he added that Russia 'did not warm to ultimatums,' making it clear that the Kremlin has no intention of yielding to external threats. While there has been no formal response to the 50-day deadline, Ryabkov's comments indicate a reluctance to engage in talks under coercion. The Kremlin's position comes at a time when Russia has stepped up aerial attacks on Ukraine, with drone and missile strikes targeting civilian and military infrastructure. UN data shows that June 2025 witnessed the highest number of civilian casualties in three years, with 232 deaths and 1,343 injuries. NATO announces arms deal to strengthen Ukraine's defence Alongside the tariff warning, Trump confirmed that a significant NATO weapons deal has been finalised to support Ukraine's defence. The agreement includes deliveries of US-manufactured Patriot missile systems—currently the only systems Ukraine has that can intercept Russian ballistic missiles. According to NATO chief Rutte, several countries—Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada—are participating in the agreement. 'Speed is of the essence here,' he said, stressing the urgency in delivering equipment to the battlefield. Trump added that 'billions of dollars' worth' of military supplies would be purchased by NATO allies and distributed swiftly. He also mentioned that 'one country has 17 Patriot systems getting ready to be shipped,' and confirmed that Norway will contribute missile batteries. Rutte also noted that the deal is being designed to accommodate the stockpile needs of the US military. Ukraine's defences are under pressure amid growing attacks The latest phase of Russia's aerial campaign has heavily strained Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Despite a 70% interception rate, the high frequency of strikes has allowed multiple drones and missiles to reach their targets. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russia launched ten times more drones and missiles in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. The sharp escalation has led to significant destruction and civilian harm, increasing pressure on NATO and the US to expedite arms deliveries. Trump has cited examples like India-Pakistan and Rwanda–DR Congo to argue that trade pressure can help end wars. 'We've been very successful in settling wars with trade,' he said. With 50 days on the clock, Trump's tariff ultimatum introduces a new phase of international pressure. But with Russia rejecting threats and violence escalating on the ground, the road to any resolution remains uncertain.
