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Trump Urges NATO to Cut Russian Oil Imports, Pushes for Tariffs on China to End Ukraine War

President Donald Trump has called on NATO allies to immediately stop purchasing Russian oil, warning that continued imports undermine the alliance’s leverage over Moscow. In a post on his social media platform, Trump described the practice as “shocking” and claimed it weakens NATO’s bargaining power in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Trump proposed that all NATO members not only ban Russian oil but also impose tariffs of 50% to 100% on Chinese goods, arguing that Beijing’s economic ties with Moscow give it significant influence over Russia’s actions. He suggested these measures remain in place until Russia halts its military operations in Ukraine. The appeal comes amid heightened tensions, following recent Russian drone incursions into NATO member Poland, and as U.S. lawmakers push for tougher sanctions. While some European nations, including Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia, continue to import Russian oil, Trump insists a united economic front could bring the conflict to a swift cl...

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Southern Europe Braces for Prolonged Heat Wave Amid Wildfire Concerns

 


Greek authorities have issued a warning about an impending weeklong heat wave during the summer tourist season. Much of southern Europe is sweltering under high temperatures, with a high risk of dangerous wildfires. The heat wave, expected to last at least a week, comes after June 2024 was declared the hottest June on record in Greece. Southwesterly winds from Africa are driving temperatures to sometimes exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) until July 19.

In neighboring North Macedonia, authorities have also taken action. They’ve issued a weeklong heat alert starting Friday in the small, landlocked Balkan country. People are urged to stay indoors when possible and avoid heavy labor during the hottest hours of the day. Emergency measures include keeping pregnant women and people over 60 off work, banning construction from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and moving kindergarten classes indoors after 11 a.m. Health officials have reported an increase in heat-related health problems, and wildfires have surged, with 14 registered nationwide in the past 24 hours.

Greece, too, faces a very high risk of wildfires, and this summer has been described as the most dangerous in the past 20 years. Unusually dry winter and spring conditions have left vegetation and forests tinder-dry. Greek firefighters, aided by drones and a strengthened fleet of water-bombing aircraft, have battled over 2,000 wildfires since June. While most were contained quickly, the threat remains. Let’s hope for cooler days ahead and vigilance in fire prevention efforts. 


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