Explosions injure 18 in Damascus during Macron's visit

Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured in central Damascus when two explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons hotel. The blasts occurred during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. Macron's officials stated he was safe and did not hear the explosions. Videos on social media showed smoke and flames rising from a vehicle following the incident. The French president's visit to Syria was proceeding as planned, with his next stop being Turkey for a NATO summit.

Explosions occurred in Damascus on Tuesday, injuring at least 18 people, as French President Emmanuel Macron met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The explosions took place near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reportedly staying. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and the meeting continued. This visit marks the first by a major Western leader to Syria since Sharaa assumed power. Macron, who has advocated for lifting sanctions on Syria, arrived with an economic delegation to sign memorandums of understanding aimed at attracting investment for the country's reconstruction after years of war.

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday, wounding at least 18 people, during a landmark visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reportedly staying, as he entered the presidential palace. Syrian authorities stated the explosions were caused by explosive devices, one in a garbage bin and another in a parked car, and an investigation is underway. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and the visit was continuing. This incident follows a similar bombing days earlier that killed at least 10 people. Macron's visit marks the first by a major Western leader to Syria under al-Sharaa's leadership, with the goal of discussing economic rebuilding and potential investments.

Explosions were heard in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, with television footage showing plumes of smoke rising over the city. The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear, and there was no immediate information regarding casualties. An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that two explosions occurred near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during a visit. Following the explosions, authorities sealed off roads in the area.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will urge NATO members at a meeting in Turkey to provide more air defense systems, specifically interceptor missiles like Patriots, to protect against Russian ballistic attacks. Zelensky expressed frustration that global production has not kept pace with the need for such defenses, arguing that stockpiled missiles are ineffective when civilians are being killed. He is also seeking NATO's assistance in developing Ukraine's own air defense production capabilities. The article notes that Russia is increasingly using ballistic weapons, while Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries with drones, which Moscow has labeled as "terrorism."

NATO leaders are convening in Ankara, Turkiye, for a summit where discussions will focus on translating increased defense spending into tangible capabilities. US President Donald Trump is renewing pressure on member states regarding defense contributions, while European nations are expected to announce significant new military contracts, building on last year's agreement to increase spending to 5% of GDP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend, seeking additional Patriot air defense systems amid intensifying Russian attacks. The summit also includes representatives from non-member states like South Korea and Gulf countries, and is taking place amidst US military withdrawals from Europe. The primary objective is to project alliance unity despite underlying disagreements.

European nations are increasingly concerned that the United States may be unable to fulfill its arms supply commitments to NATO allies. Depleted US stockpiles, due to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, have led to delays and cancellations of key weapon deliveries, including Tomahawk missiles and Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. This situation, highlighted by Ukraine's inability to intercept numerous Russian missiles, forces European countries to consider alternative methods for their defense. While the US has pushed for increased European defense spending, questions arise about the future reliability of American arms shipments. European diplomats acknowledge that building new defense production lines will take years, creating a vulnerable period of self-reliance.

A Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's Kyiv killed at least 10 people and injured at least 46 on Monday morning, with another person killed and ten injured in surrounding districts. The assault, which damaged over a dozen residential buildings, is the second large-scale attack on the capital in less than a week. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia fired 68 missiles and 351 drones overnight. This attack occurred after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a likely Russian assault ahead of a NATO summit where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian forces launched air strikes on Kyiv for the second time in a week, resulting in at least nine deaths and 46 injuries, including five children. Rescuers are working to find survivors trapped under rubble in partly demolished apartment blocks. The attacks occurred on the eve of a NATO summit in Turkey, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected to meet with US President Donald Trump. Hours before the strikes, Zelensky had warned of a potential second "massive strike" on Kyiv, following previous attacks that killed 30 people. Russian ballistic missiles damaged buildings, apartment complexes, warehouses, and a garage workshop across the city.

Russia launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's Kyiv region on Monday, resulting in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes hit apartment blocks and other buildings, with rescue crews working to extract residents. This assault marks the second major attack on the capital and its surroundings in less than a week, occurring just before a NATO summit in Turkey where US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to discuss the war. The article also notes increased long-range attacks from both sides, with Ukraine targeting Russian energy facilities and Russia reporting drone attacks near Moscow and a Ukrainian strike impacting electricity in Crimea. Fighting continues for the strategic eastern town of Kostyantynivka.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the Nato summit in Ankara to rally European allies and emphasize Britain's commitment to defense spending. The meeting aims to address concerns that Donald Trump's threats over defense contributions could destabilize the alliance. Downing Street stated leaders will focus on building a "stronger and more European Nato" to counter Russian threats and support Ukraine. The UK government has pushed back against US criticism regarding defense spending, asserting it meets its commitments and is a top defense contributor. Starmer, nearing the end of his premiership, will seek to demonstrate fairer burden-sharing among allies, despite the UK ranking lower in GDP percentage spent on defense.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged all 32 member nations to present "clear, concrete and credible plans" to meet the alliance's defense spending targets at the upcoming summit in Ankara, Turkiye. This call comes as the United States, which is reducing its security role in Europe, is pressing allies to increase their contributions. Last year, NATO members agreed to invest five percent of their GDP on defense, including infrastructure crucial for troop movement. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker indicated that there would be consequences for allies lacking clear spending plans, with President Trump expecting urgent action. Despite some nations struggling to meet even the previous two percent target, Rutte noted that European allies and Canada are projected to invest an additional $258 billion in defense by 2025.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has demanded that member nations present "clear, concrete and credible plans" to meet the alliance's defense spending targets at the upcoming summit in Ankara. This comes as the United States reduces its security role in Europe and urges allies to increase their financial contributions. Last year, NATO agreed on a goal for members to invest 5% of their GDP on defense, a target some countries are still struggling to reach. Rutte indicated that there are "ways" to convince reluctant members to comply, with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker hinting at unspecified consequences for those who do not step up. Despite these demands, Rutte noted that European allies and Canada have shown impressive increases in defense spending.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus on Monday, marking the first trip by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities assumed power. The visit follows President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to improve Syria's international standing and rebuild the nation after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Macron stated his purpose was to reaffirm France's commitment to a sovereign, united, and peaceful Syria. He and President al-Sharaa visited the Umayyad Mosque after a working dinner, with further official meetings scheduled for Tuesday. This visit is significant as the last French presidential visit was in 2009, prior to the Syrian civil war that began in 2011.

French President Emmanuel Macron has become the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024. Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday to discuss regional security, business, and investment opportunities with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and a business delegation. This visit follows a period of relative calm in the Middle East and precedes Macron's travel to the NATO summit in Ankara, where al-Sharaa is also expected to attend. France has supported Syria's new leadership, despite initial skepticism from some Western governments regarding al-Sharaa's past affiliations and concerns about democratic transition, women's and minorities' rights. Macron previously hosted al-Sharaa in Paris, advocating for the lifting of sanctions, most of which have since been removed.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Syria for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Macron stated his commitment to a sovereign, united, and peaceful Syria. The visit, accompanied by a business delegation, aims to discuss regional security and investment opportunities. Both leaders are scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Turkiye, where al-Sharaa is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump. France previously supported Syria's new leadership, urging the lifting of sanctions, despite initial skepticism from other Western governments regarding the new government's inclusiveness and democratic transition.

Syrian state media has announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will soon visit Syria, marking him as the first Western leader to do so since Bashar Assad's ouster in 2024. This visit follows Macron's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025, where Macron pledged to advocate for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, many of which have since been removed. While the exact date of Macron's trip is undisclosed, he is expected to be accompanied by French investors and company representatives. The visit comes as Syria faces immense challenges from a prolonged conflict, with significant infrastructure damage and a dire need for substantial financial aid for reconstruction and poverty reduction.

US President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday during the Nato summit in Turkey. The White House confirmed these meetings, stating that Kyiv aims to draw Trump's attention back to the conflict with Moscow. Trump has also publicly discussed Syria's regional role. The summit is taking place in Ankara, where Trump is also scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. President Trump is expected to hold a news conference before departing for the United States on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The White House confirmed these meetings, which come as Ukraine seeks to re-engage Trump on the conflict with Russia, now in its fifth year. Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with Trump to congratulate him on the July Fourth holiday. Trump's discussions with Zelenskyy will focus on the war's front lines, with Ukraine aiming to highlight prospects for ending the conflict. Separately, Trump has publicly suggested Syria should combat Hezbollah, a notion al-Sharaa has reportedly dismissed. Trump will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hold a press conference before returning to the U.S.

Nato's 32 member states will convene in Ankara, Turkey, for their annual summit on July 7-8. The meeting is expected to prioritize discussions on securing peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Analysts suggest that ongoing conflicts in these regions, along with U.S. pressure on European allies to increase defense spending, may lead to Indo-Pacific security issues taking a secondary role. This is anticipated despite warnings from the Nato chief regarding China's connections with Russia. The summit will be Turkey's first time hosting since 2004.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has been working to maintain US commitment to the alliance for nearly two years, using flattery to counter President Donald Trump's threats of withdrawal. Initially, Trump's focus was on increased defense spending by allies, a concern addressed at last year's summit with commitments to invest more. However, Trump remains dissatisfied, recently expressing disappointment over allies not joining the Iran war. Rutte presented a chart highlighting $1.2 trillion in allied spending since 2017, but Trump appeared unmoved. The article suggests the focus has shifted from financial contributions to actual military capabilities, particularly amid European concerns about Russia.

Russia claims its forces have captured the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, a statement Ukraine denies. Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of refusing a proposed six-hour ceasefire on Monday to allow for the handover of fallen Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian claim a lie and an attempt to create a news story, stating Ukrainian forces remain in control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked Zelenskyy's suggestion of a meeting in Kostiantynivka, reiterating an invitation for talks in Moscow. Separately, Russian officials reported one person was killed and two injured in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea.

European NATO allies have largely compensated for US asset reductions in war contingency plans for Europe, according to Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe John Stringer. This assurance comes before the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where allies aim to address recent US signals of a pivot away from the continent. Stringer stated that European allies have "stepped up" to fill the gaps left by adjustments in US forces in Europe. He characterized this as a sign of a "stronger Europe in a stronger Nato."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his country's NATO defense spending following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. Trump had previously called the spending balance within NATO "ridiculous" and "one-sided," specifically noting Germany's spending as "MUCH LOWER." In response, Merz stated that Germany plans to double its defense budget within four years, calling it the nation's greatest effort to strengthen defense capabilities. This exchange occurs as NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara next week. The article also mentions that NATO leaders previously agreed to spend 3.5 percent of their GDP on core defense items by 2035, an increase from the prior 2 percent goal.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended Germany's defense spending, responding to US President Donald Trump's criticism. Merz stated that Germany is doubling its defense budget within four years, calling it the greatest effort ever made to strengthen defense capabilities. This statement was made on Friday as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Ankara next week. The upcoming meeting aims for European nations to demonstrate increased commitment to continental defense, potentially setting aside disagreements with Trump on issues like Iran and Greenland. Merz asserted that Germany has no reason to shy away from discussing its defense spending record.

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, Donald Trump has criticized the US relationship with the alliance, calling it "ridiculous" and "one sided." He stated on Truth Social that NATO is "not reciprocal" and that allies "were not there for us," particularly regarding the war in Iran where some countries restricted US base usage. Trump advocates for European nations to lead their own defense and has already reduced US commitments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Trump's disappointment with NATO allies' response to US operations in the Middle East, a point expected to be a significant topic at the upcoming summit of 32 member states.

The upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, beginning Tuesday, is anticipated to be a low-key event for European members focused on defense spending goals, with China observing from a distance. However, the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump introduces a significant variable, as it remains uncertain whether he will adopt a cooperative or confrontational stance. Early indications suggest Trump, who has previously criticized NATO's purpose and threatened U.S. withdrawal, will be the more critical version. Trump recently stated the U.S. spends more on NATO than any other country without receiving benefits, calling it "ridiculous." His unpredictable nature and past criticisms have left other NATO members apprehensive about the July 7-8 gathering in Ankara.

Ukraine reported four deaths and ten injuries from recent Russian attacks, including a drone strike on a residential building in the Sumy region and a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. This follows the deadliest Russian barrage on Kyiv this year, which killed at least 30 people and prompted a day of mourning. In retaliation, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's border regions reportedly killed at least five people and damaged industrial sites. The UN condemned attacks on civilians, while the EU proposed new sanctions on Moscow. Russia claimed to have shot down numerous Ukrainian drones and missiles.