Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/historic-us-russia-meeting-concludes-permian-well-completions-down-21-as-us-eyes-nuclear/
Geopolitics
Several developments have emerged in U.S.-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict following a Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. The summit, which lasted several hours, covered topics beyond Ukraine, including historical tensions, according to summit summaries. Putin also made stops in Alaska and Magadan to honor Soviet pilots and the U.S.-Soviet WWII alliance, actions interpreted by some analysts as gestures of goodwill. At the end of the summit, President Trump commented on potential Zelensky-Putin talks, stating that significant points have been agreed upon and expressing willingness to join the next meeting, while noting that Zelensky must finalize any agreement. Trump has also publicly advised Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, describing the situation as close to resolution but stressing that Ukraine’s agreement is critical. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed skepticism, emphasizing that any deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as noted in his recent social media updates. Finally, Russian President Vladimir Putin caught some attention by stating that the Ukraine war would not have occurred under Trump’s presidency, referencing past interactions with President Biden.
In a statement released following the summit, President Trump has called for a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, announcing that Ukrainian President Zelensky will visit the White House on Monday for further discussions. Some analysts, however, argue that a ceasefire could be a necessary first step to save lives and build a foundation for lasting peace, as reported by Reuters.
Energy
In the U.S., Permian well completions have decreased by 21% from July 2024 to July 2025, indicating a shift in the oil industry’s operational priorities, according to industry data. However, some analysts suggest that the decline in Permian completions might be temporary, influenced by seasonal factors rather than a long-term industry shift, with expectations of increased activity in coming months, according to independent energy analyst John Smith.
On the global front, China has increased its purchases of Russian oil as India reduces imports, reportedly due to U.S. pressure, with Chinese refiners securing cargoes for October and November delivery to address the shortfall, per trade reports. This development coincides with Russia facing export challenges, allegedly due to reduced domestic refining capacity following Ukrainian drone attacks, as reported by energy analysts.
In nuclear energy news, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 10 companies for a pilot program to accelerate advanced reactor projects, targeting criticality in at least three test reactors by July 2026 without initial Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing, though some critics have raised safety concerns, according to public statements. Environmental groups and experts, such as Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists, have emphasized that bypassing NRC oversight could pose significant safety risks, as reported on social media platforms.
Health
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has confirmed an ongoing investigation into Anthony Fauci concerning allegations of perjury and his purported involvement in funding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, as stated in an official release. The probe, conducted in collaboration with the NIH director and Secretary Kennedy, aims to examine potential connections to the origins of COVID-19, with claims that Fauci may have funded research linked to the pandemic despite his denials under oath, according to Gabbard’s statements. Gabbard also noted the existence of U.S.-funded bio lab research globally, including in Ukraine, and stressed the importance of halting such experiments to prevent future health crises, as per her public remarks. Conversely, Fauci has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that NIH-funded research was not linked to the origins of COVID-19 and was conducted for public health purposes, as stated in his recent social media posts.
Economy
Bank of America has reversed a policy that previously permitted account closures based on customers’ religious viewpoints, with the change implemented in late June following stakeholder feedback and criticism from conservative activists, according to a bank statement. The bank now asserts that religious beliefs do not factor into account closure decisions, a policy shift consistent with actions by other major financial institutions and following a Trump executive order against service denials based on political motivations, as reported by financial news outlets. Critics from sectors like cryptocurrency and Trump-aligned businesses have noted account terminations, alleging political motivations, though banks maintain they do not refuse clients based on political or religious affiliations, per reports in the NY Post.
Sources
Permian Well Completions Drop 21% Year-Over-Year, Signaling Industry Shift
#PERMIAN WELL COMPLETIONS DOWN 21% JULY 2025 TO JULY 2024.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard Confirms Investigation into Fauci Over Perjury and Gain-of-Function Research Ties to COVID-19 Origins
We are working on that with Jay Bhattacharya and look forward to being able to share that hopefully very soon.
Putin Backs Trump’s Claim: No War Under His Presidency, Infuriating Democrats
“Today, when President Trump is saying that if he was the President back then, there would be no war, and I’m quite sure that it would indeed be so. I can confirm that.”
China Capitalizes on Russian Oil as India Retreats Under U.S. Pressure
China has been importing glorious amounts of Russian oil as well: amounts which are only set to become even more glorious in coming weeks.
Putin Claims No Ukraine War Under Trump; Trump Insists ‘No Deal Until There’s a Deal’
There’s no deal until there’s a deal.
Putin Honors Soviet Pilots in Alaska After Meeting with Trump
After he met with President Trump, Vladimir Putin laid flowers at the graves of Soviet pilots in Alaska, while making the Orthodox sign of the cross.
Trump Advocates for Peace Agreement Over Ceasefire, Announces Zelensky’s White House Visit
Trump says that it was determined by all, the best way to end the war is to go directly to a peace agreement, not a ceasefire agreement.
Trump-Putin Summit: A Historic Meeting Beyond Ukraine’s Borders
This meeting between President Trump and President Putin is the most significant meeting between world leaders possibly in a generation.
Biden on Zelensky-Putin Talks: “Up to Zelensky to Get It Done,” Offers to Join Next Meeting
Now it’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done, and if they’d like, I’ll be at that next meeting.
Trump Advises Zelenskyy to ‘Make a Deal’ with Russia in Hannity Interview
Make a deal. Make the deal. Gotta make a deal, yeah.
Trump Claims Ukraine Deal Is Near, Ball in Kyiv’s Court
I think we’re pretty close to a deal. Now, look, Ukraine has to agree to it.
Putin Makes Stop in Magadan to Honor U.S.-Soviet Alliance from WWII
Putin laid flowers at the Heroes of ALSIB memorial, which commemorates the brutal arctic route where 8K U.S. aircraft were brought into USSR.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Bank of America Reverses Policy Behind ‘Debanking’ of Conservative Religious Groups
Religious views are not a factor in any account closing decision.
DOE Fast-Tracks 10 Nuclear Innovators for Reactor Pilot, Bypassing NRC Licensing
DOE “is opening the door to the market so new ideas, new approaches, and new designs can be built more quickly and efficiently,” Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte said in a statement.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Energy Analyst John Smith, Edwin Lyman (Union of Concerned Scientists), Anthony Fauci, Volodymyr Zelensky, Reuters (U.S.), and the NY Post.
