Originally published at: Attempt on Putin Leads to Retaliation, Trump Postpones Tariffs on Europe – Peak Prosperity
Geopolitics
The geopolitical landscape saw heightened tensions following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter. Russia responded with extensive military strikes on Kyiv, marking some of the largest attacks since the war’s escalation in 2022. Ukrainian authorities reported significant casualties and damage, with the timing coinciding with Kyiv Day. This incident has drawn international attention, with the U.S. and Europe contemplating further sanctions against Russia, potentially jeopardizing ongoing peace talks. President Trump, commenting on the situation, condemned Putin’s actions in Ukraine, particularly the rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities, and hinted at considering further sanctions amidst these reports.
Relatedly, Germany is contemplating the revival of compulsory conscription as early as next year if voluntary enlistment does not meet the country’s NATO obligations. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that the draft could become mandatory if not enough people volunteer to confront perceived threats from Russia. This move comes amidst NATO’s urging for Berlin to expand its military forces significantly.
Economy
President Trump announced a delay in the implementation of a 50% tariff on European Union products to July 9 from June 1, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This decision came after Trump had unexpectedly threatened a 50% duty on the EU, citing stalled trade talks.
In another development, GOP Senator Eric Schmitt has called for an investigation into $4.7 trillion in ‘untraceable’ Treasury payments, following revelations by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that these payments lacked necessary identification codes, making them nearly impossible to trace. However, The Fiscal Times argues that while the lack of TAS codes is concerning, the issue might be overblown, suggesting that many of these payments could be routine and not necessarily fraudulent or wasteful.
In Ireland, the release of “A Sound Punt: The Case for Ireland’s Interest in Bitcoin” by Bitcoin Network Ireland signals a shift in national discourse on money, aligning with events like the Bitcoin Ireland Conference and Aontú’s Ard Fheis, indicating Bitcoin’s entry into mainstream political conversation. However, the Central Bank of Ireland has expressed concerns over cryptocurrencies, highlighting risks like volatility, lack of regulation, and potential for financial crimes.
Energy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly drafting a plan to remove the caps on greenhouse gases from coal- and natural gas-fired power plants, reconsidering the Biden administration’s power plant emissions regulations known as “Clean Power Plan 2.0.” This follows the Obama administration’s original Clean Power Plan, which aimed to shift power plants toward lower-carbon electricity sources. An EPA spokesperson cited concerns that the previous administration’s rules were overreaching and could lead to higher electricity prices and increased reliance on foreign energy. The EPA is developing a new proposed rule, which will be released after an interagency review and once signed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers have voiced support for the Biden-era rule, emphasizing the need for aggressive action against climate change. They argue that the technology for carbon capture is advancing and should be incentivized.
Health
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that vitamin D supplements might slow a process linked to aging by preserving telomeres, the protective ends on chromosomes. The research, part of the VITAL trial, found that vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduced telomere shortening over a four-year period, potentially preventing the equivalent of nearly three years of aging. However, the study noted that omega-3 supplements did not have a similar effect on telomere length. Some doctors have cautioned that the benefits of vitamin D supplements might be overstated, pointing out that the study’s results are preliminary and that more comprehensive research is needed.
Sources
EPA Plans to Lift Biden-Era Carbon Caps on Power Plants
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it is drafting a plan to remove the caps on greenhouse gases from coal- and natural gas-fired power plants across the nation.”
Trump Extends EU Tariff Deadline to July 9 After Talks with von der Leyen
The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship. Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.
Vitamin D Supplements May Slow Aging by Preserving Telomeres, Study Finds
“VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length.”
GOP Senator Demands Probe into $4.7 Trillion in Untraceable Treasury Payments
“There’s so much waste. There’s so much fraud, There’s so much abuse in our government,” Schmitt told Fox News.
Ireland’s Bitcoin Awakening: ‘A Sound Punt’ Paper Signals Shift in National Money Discourse
“Bitcoin represents a return to the monetary independence that preceded state-issued currencies, but with the technological advantages of the digital age.”
Germany Mulls Conscription Revival Amid NATO Pressure and Russian ‘Threats’
“Our model is initially based on voluntary participation,” Pistorius stated.
Trump Condemns Putin’s Actions in Ukraine, Hints at Possible Sanctions Amidst Drone Attack Reports
“I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Ukraine’s Alleged Drone Attack on Putin’s Helicopter Sparks Massive Russian Retaliation on Kyiv
“Ukraine tried to ATTACK Putin’s helicopter mid-flight over Kursk Russian Air Defense Division officer says Ukrainian drones attempted to swarm chopper flight path Russian air defenses scrambled — worked perfectly and repelled the strike”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Central Bank of Ireland, Dr. Michael Greger, Greenpeace USA, Russian officials, The Epoch Times, The Fiscal Times.
