**Macron and Putin Hold Call for First Time Since 2022, Discussing Ukraine War and Middle East Conflict**
In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a call on July 1 for the first time since 2022. The conversation between the two leaders took place as Russia continues to advance along the front line in Ukraine, trying to gain a foothold in Sumy Oblast and enter Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The meeting comes amid reports of Moscow rejecting U.S.-backed ceasefire proposals, stalling peace talks with Ukraine. The Russian army’s continued aggression has been met with resistance from Ukrainian forces, who have managed to boost electricity exports by 150% in June compared to the previous month.
**Russia’s War on Ukraine: A Growing Concern**
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns among international leaders. The U.S. Treasury Department has characterized Russian military actions as a “bulletproof hosting service” that provides services to various groups, including ransomware and infostealers. This highlights the need for increased security measures and cooperation among nations to prevent further cyber attacks.
**Ukraine’s Electricity Exports Soar**
In a positive development, Ukraine has seen a significant increase in electricity exports, reaching over 237,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) in June 2025. This boost is attributed to Ukraine’s consulting firm ExPro Electricity, which has been working tirelessly to support the country’s energy needs.
**Russian Forces Target Evacuation Vehicles**
Tragically, Russian forces have attacked evacuation vehicles provided by chaplains three times, putting innocent lives at risk. This escalation of violence highlights the need for urgent action from international leaders to bring peace and stability to the region.
**International Support for Ukraine**
In a show of solidarity, Norway has co-chaired a joint Norwegian-Ukrainian Working Group on Nuclear Safety and Security. Oleksiy Sorokin, a representative from The Kyiv Independent, sat down with Eivind Vad Petersson, state secretary to the Norwegian foreign minister, to discuss their efforts.
**Russia’s Shadow Fleet Exposed**
Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has revealed that a vessel used by Russia’s shadow fleet belongs to Moscow. This exposure highlights the need for increased transparency and cooperation among nations to prevent further aggression.
**IMF Supports Ukraine with $500 Million Tranche**
In a significant move, Ukraine received approximately $500 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking the ninth tranche under the country’s Extended Fund Facility program. This support underscores the IMF’s commitment to helping Ukraine stabilize its economy amidst the ongoing conflict.
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