2 days ago
11
22 dead, 85 injured after Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has just confirmed that at least 22 people were killed, and 85 injured in attacks targeting 73 Ukrainian cities and villages overnight, just hours after “everyone once again felt hope for an end to the killings.”
He described some of the attacks in more detail, including a strike on a city hospital in Kamianske which killed three, including a pregnant 23-year-old woman, and a “deliberate” attack on a civilian penal colony in Zaporizhia.
Zelenskyy said:
Every murder of our people by the Russians; every Russian strike, when there could have been a ceasefire long ago, if Russia had not refused – all this shows that Moscow deserves very tough, truly painful, and therefore fair and effective sanctions pressure.
They must be forced to stop the killings and make peace.
He thanked US president Donald Trump for his comments on Monday, and to all leaders putting pressure on Russia, but added:
Peace is possible, but only when Russia stops the war that it started and stops tormenting our people.
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Pharmaceutical exports from EU could be hit by 15% tariffs from Friday, adding to confusion on EU-US deal
Lisa O’Carroll
in Brussels
Pharmaceutical exports from the EU to the US could be hit by 15% tariffs as soon as Friday, according to the White House.
It published a text on the EU trade deal stating pharma will be taxed at the base rate agreed in deal sealed at Donald Trump’s golf course on Sunday.
But it has caused yet more confusion because it comes less than 24 hours after EU officials were told that pharma would remain duty free until Trump’s 232 national security investigations into pharma and semiconductors concluded.
As part of President Trump’s strategy to establish balanced trade, the European Union will pay the United States a tariff rate of 15%, including on autos and auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.
However he had also said earlier this month he was going to phase in tariffs for pharma this week.
The text also says that the EU has agreed not to introduce a tech tax.
It says:
“The United States and the European Union intend to address unjustified digital trade barriers. In that respect, the European Union confirms that it will not adopt or maintain network usage fees. Furthermore, the United States and the European Union will maintain zero customs duties on electronic transmissions.”
EU consider partially suspending Israel from flagship science programme over Gaza
Lisa O’Carroll
in Brussels
The EU is considering partially suspending Israel from its flagship Horizon Europe science research programme, in the first concrete sanction of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government since the killing of civilians in Gaza started.
It is understood the move will need qualified majority of support from member states, meaning no one country can block it.
As world continues to condemn the humanitarian catastrophe including demands by Donald Trump yesterday that the starvation of Gazan people must stop, it is the first sign that the bloc is prepared to take a concrete action.
“While Israel has announced a daily humanitarian pause in Gaza fighting and has met some of its commitments under the common understanding on humanitarian aid and access, the situation remains severe,” said a statement released by the Commission on 28 July.
It added that the suspension would flow from its review of the trade association agreement with Israel, prompted by calls for a review of the agreement by the Netherlands backed by 17 countries in May.
“This suspension comes as a reaction to the review Art. 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Respect for these obligations constitutes an essential part of EU-Israel cooperation under the Agreement, including for bilateral scientific and technological cooperation between the two parties.”
The decision was been taken by the college of European commissioners on Monday and will be put to the council of member states.
Morning opening: Russian attacks don't stop despite Trump's threat
Jakub Krupa
More than 20 people were killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight, just hours after US president Donald Trump sought to put more pressure on Moscow by shortening the deadline for reaching an agreement on a ceasefire to “10-12” days.
At least 16 people were killed in an attack on a Ukrainian prison, with more than 35 injured. More people died in other attacks in different parts of the country, including on a hospital and a private home, authorities reported.
Andriy Yermak, top aide to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said:
This is another war crime by the Russians, who will not stop if they are not stopped.
He added:
“Putin’s regime, which also issues threats against the United States through some of its mouthpieces, must face economic and military blows that strip it of the capacity to wage war.”
President Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s high hopes last night, saying that Trump’s declaration was “right on time, when a lot can change through strength for real peace.”
Let’s see if we get any further reaction to the overnight attacks.
Elsewhere, we will be looking for more reactions from the EU and across the bloc to the EU-US trade deal signed at the weekend, the latest on German response to Gaza as chancellor Friedrich Merz meets with Jordanian King Abdullah II, and more news from across the continent.
I will bring you all key updates from across Europe here.
It’s Tuesday, 29 July 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
