Volkswagen Faces €1.3bn Loss Due to U.S. Tariffs
The German automaker Volkswagen has reported that U.S. import tariffs imposed under Donald Trump have resulted in losses exceeding £1bn in the first half of the year.
Despite progress in restructuring efforts—including potential job cuts of up to 35,000 by 2030—the company cited a €1.3bn decline in operating profit, largely due to increased costs from higher U.S. tariffs. Volkswagen has also adjusted its projected profit margin for the year to between 4% and 5%, anticipating that tariffs could remain between 10% and 27.5%.
The company, which produces Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Scania trucks, highlights the broader impact on Germany’s automotive sector. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated calls for Trump to agree on a tariff deal benefiting EU manufacturers.
With negotiations continuing ahead of an August deadline, European firms are increasingly concerned about the economic fallout if no agreement is reached.
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Starlink Disruption Affects Ukrainian Military Operations
A senior Ukrainian commander confirmed that Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, used by military units, experienced a two-and-a-half-hour outage overnight. The disruption was part of a broader global issue caused by an internal software malfunction, leaving tens of thousands of users offline.
Robert Brovdi, head of Ukraine’s drone forces, emphasized the risks of overreliance on the system, urging diversification of communication methods.
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Zelenskyy Denies Discussing Anti-Corruption Law with EU’s von der Leyen
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted claims that he had recent discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding anti-corruption legislation.
“I have not communicated with Ursula von der Leyen in recent days. Everything reported about it is false,” he stated.
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Russian Drone Strikes Test Ukraine’s Defenses
A sustained Russian bombardment involving drones, decoys, and missiles continues to target Ukrainian cities nightly, raising questions about the country’s resilience amid escalating attacks.
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Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
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Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.