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Ukraine Claims Russian Summer Offensive Falls Short of Strategic Goals

A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine in this handout picture released August 30, 2025. Ukraine’s armed forces have declared that Russia’s much-publicized summer offensive failed to secure full control of any major Ukrainian city, despite Moscow’s claims of significant territorial gains. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that since March, Russian forces had captured over 3,500 square kilometers of territory and taken control of 149 settlements. However, Ukraine’s General Staff dismissed these figures as “grossly exaggerated,” asserting that no major urban centers were fully occupied by Russian troops. Military analysts note that Russia’s campaign, aimed at seizing the Donbas region and forcing Ukraine into concessions, devolved into a slow, attritional struggle rather than the decisive breakthrough Moscow had anticipated. While Russian ...
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Trump Slaps Brazil with 50% Tariffs Amid Bolsonaro Trial Controversy

President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports, citing what he called a “witch hunt” trial against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, mark the highest rate imposed by Trump in his recent wave of trade measures targeting over 20 countries. In a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump condemned the prosecution of Bolsonaro—who faces charges related to an alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat—as an “international disgrace”.

“This Trial should not be taking place,” Trump wrote. “It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!”

Trump also accused Brazil of unfair trade practices and censorship of U.S. social media platforms, referencing a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling that holds tech companies accountable for user content. Despite the U.S. running a trade surplus with Brazil, Trump claimed the tariffs were necessary to correct “grave injustices” and restore a “level playing field”.

President Lula responded firmly, invoking Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law, which allows for proportional countermeasures. “Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being lectured by anyone,” Lula stated.

The move has sparked concern across industries, with analysts warning of potential price hikes on key imports like coffee, orange juice, and steel. As Bolsonaro’s trial continues, the geopolitical ripple effects of Trump’s tariff diplomacy are only beginning to unfold.

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