Overview

• President Trump signed an executive order adding a 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising total duties to 50% as retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
• The US administration is considering secondary sanctions on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by the August 8 deadline.
• Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described his latest Moscow meeting with President Putin as “very productive,” though Kremlin insiders say the talks have not changed Russia’s stance.
• Russian officials insist on continued offensive operations while suggesting only minor concessions such as an air ceasefire, signaling skepticism that US penalties can halt their advance.
• Heavy fighting persists on the battlefield, with Russian strikes killing civilians in Zaporizhzhia and other regions and Moscow reporting the downing of 51 Ukrainian drones overnight.