Closing summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap!
Russian president Vladimir Putin has argued that Russia never opposed Ukraine’s EU membership, but a Nato membership would be “a different matter” and “unacceptable” to Moscow (12:05)
His comments come amid growing pressure and frustration over Russian attempts to delay further peace talks on Ukraine (9:54), with Finland’s president criticising him for “testing everyone’s patience” (11:21) and Nato secretary general warning that “the threat from the Russians is increasing every day” (11:49).
Putin has also hailed Russia’s “unprecedentedly” high level of ties with China, as dozens of leaders including the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un, arrived in Beijing on the eve of a massive military parade.
Europe’s pursuit of peace in Ukraine will continue on Wednesday when the Polish president, Karol Nawrocki, visits US president Donald Trump at the White House (16:35), and on Thursday, when the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” is expected to meet virtually and in Paris (12:30, 14:31).
And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at [email protected].
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
Germany warns against Russian 'disposable agent' recruitment
German authorities launched a campaign warning against Russian efforts to recruit “disposable agents” via social media to carry out acts of espionage and sabotage, AFP reported.
Germany has faced a surge in spying and sabotage cases linked to Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine sent tensions soaring with Berlin, which has strongly backed Kyiv, AFP said.
Police and spy agencies said they suspect several cases – from arson to property damage and drone overflights of sensitive sites – were carried out by “disposable agents” who have no training in exchange for small sums.
Recruitment usually starts “innocently” with a chat on social media, before a small sum of money is offered to encourage people to commit crimes, according to the campaign.
The Czech Republic also recently issued a warning against Russian attempts to recruit people on Telegram and other messaging systems to carry acts of sabotage on its behalf (Europe Live, 10 July 2025).
