You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 355, on Friday, July 18th at 10:00 BST.
The highlighted topics will include:
Trump Pledges Weapons to Ukraine, Sets 50-Day Deadline for Russia and Says He’s ‘Not Done’ With Putin
In a series of recent developments, President Donald Trump has signaled a cautious but potentially shifting stance on Ukraine and Russia. While affirming support for Ukraine’s defense, Trump stated he is “not looking” to send longer-range missiles capable of reaching deep into Russian territory, such as Moscow or St. Petersburg. Despite this, conversations are ongoing between the US, Ukraine and European allies about other advanced weapon systems. Trump emphasized that he is “on humanity’s side”, distancing himself from explicitly backing either Ukraine or Russia.
Trump said he is “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and confirmed a 50-day window for Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement – or face harsh economic sanctions. This delay has drawn criticism, particularly from European allies and Ukrainians, who fear Russia could use the time to intensify its summer offensive. Kyiv residents expressed cautious optimism about new US aid, especially air defense systems like Patriot missiles, but skepticism remains about the overall impact and Trump’s consistency.
While the weapons pipeline is expected to move faster thanks to European funding and stockpiles, details are unclear. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the aid package may include both defensive and offensive systems, coordinated by the Pentagon and Supreme Allied Command.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine, trying to expand its foothold beyond the 20% of Ukrainian territory it already holds. Chatham House analysts warn that Putin will respond more to actions than words, and so far, US follow-through remains uncertain.
European officials welcomed Trump’s renewed engagement, though some raised concerns over the 50-day delay and the risk it poses. The move signals a shift in tone, but analysts and allies remain unsure if it marks a lasting strategic change.
Olmert Condemns Gaza ‘Humanitarian City’ as Ethnic Cleansing and ‘Concentration Camp’
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sharply criticized Israel’s plan to build a so-called “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza, describing it as a “concentration camp” and warning it could amount to ethnic cleansing. The proposed zone, ordered by Defense Minister Israel Katz, would be built on the ruins of Rafah and is intended to house the entire population of Gaza. Once inside, Palestinians would not be allowed to leave, except to emigrate – an idea Katz supports.
Olmert, who led Israel from 2006 to 2009, said the plan risks crossing from military policy into crimes against humanity. Although he acknowledged that evacuating civilians during conflict can be lawful, he argued the scale and intent behind the “humanitarian city” appear designed to forcibly transfer Palestinians, raising the specter of deportation and systematic displacement.
Critics, including human rights lawyers, warn the plan may violate international law. Katz’s initiative has been condemned by Israeli opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, who accused the government of enabling far-right extremists to pursue radical agendas. The project also sparked international concern due to comparisons with Nazi concentration camps, a taboo topic in Israeli public discourse.
Olmert’s comments come amid broader condemnation of Israeli military operations. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government of committing war crimes in Gaza and tolerating settler violence in the West Bank, where recent attacks have forced Palestinians from their homes. He labeled these actions “unforgivable” and argued that violence by settlers – often protected by authorities – reflects a deeper rot within Israel’s leadership.
Despite the bleak outlook, Olmert still supports a two-state solution and is working with former Palestinian foreign minister Nasser al-Kidwa to promote international negotiations. He believes that a historic resolution involving Saudi-Israeli normalization could be possible if political leadership changes. His sharpest rebuke came in response to Netanyahu’s nomination of Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, which he called stunning given Netanyahu’s own ICC (International Criminal Court) arrest warrant.
Extreme Weather Now ‘Normal’ as Europe Heats Faster Than Rest of the World
Extreme weather is becoming the new normal across Europe, according to climate data released by the UK Met Office and the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The UK’s annual State of the Climate report reveals that Britain, like much of Europe, is experiencing sustained warming, more frequent heatwaves and heavier rainfall events. These developments are part of a continent-wide trend driven by global greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK saw its warmest May and spring on record in 2024, alongside the second-warmest February and fifth-warmest winter. But similar records were shattered across Europe. June 2025 became the warmest on record for Western Europe, with temperatures reaching over 46°C in parts of Spain, Italy and France. Emergency measures closed schools and caused mass evacuations due to wildfires and extreme heat.
Heatwaves across the continent have already resulted in thousands of excess deaths. A recent study found 2,300 heat-related deaths in 12 major European cities between late June and early July – with 1,500 directly attributed to climate change. Elderly populations remain particularly vulnerable.
Europe is now the fastest-warming continent, heating at 0.53°C per decade since the mid-1990s – a rate higher than the global average. Scientists point to multiple contributing factors, including shifting air circulation, reduced cloud cover from cleaner air and parts of Europe’s geographic proximity to the rapidly warming Arctic.
The UK’s climate trends mirror this continental pattern. Average UK temperatures have risen by 1.24°C since 1961-1990, with extreme rainfall causing the wettest October-March period in 250 years. Winter flooding in the UK echoes wider flood risks seen across Europe, intensified by rising sea levels and severe storms.
Climate change is also reshaping Europe’s ecosystems. Earlier springs are disrupting wildlife, while trees across European forests are under stress. Research suggests climate-adapted species like California’s coastal redwoods may be needed to preserve woodland resilience.
Experts across Europe warn that adaptation is now urgent. With record temperatures becoming routine, extreme weather is no longer an exception – it is the new European climate reality.
US-China Tech Rivalry Intensifies as Nvidia Returns to Chinese AI Market
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently praised China’s rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) models and announced plans to resume shipments of Nvidia’s key H20 AI chips to Chinese companies after a US-imposed export ban was eased. This development signals China’s increasing role in shaping the global AI landscape and the challenge it poses to traditional US tech dominance.
Chinese AI firms such as DeepSeek, Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu have developed world-class AI models that emphasize cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Many of these models use an open- source approach, allowing developers free access to the underlying code, which accelerates innovation and adoption. This contrasts with the more proprietary strategies of US firms like OpenAI, which have kept their models closed-source.
The lifting of export restrictions on Nvidia’s AI chips follows ongoing US-China trade negotiations, including talks over rare earth mineral exports critical for tech manufacturing. Nvidia’s inability to sell advanced chips in China since April 2024 resulted in billions of dollars in lost sales, while Chinese companies like Huawei and domestic chip producers have seized the opportunity to advance their own AI hardware capabilities.
Huang warned that without full access to China’s vast and growing AI market, US tech giants risk losing their leadership in AI innovation. China’s focus on producing cheaper, widely accessible AI solutions is revolutionizing the sector by broadening the user base and driving global AI progress.
This shift represents a broader competition between the US and China, where China is not only catching up but also setting new standards in AI affordability and openness. By fostering an open-source ecosystem and investing heavily in AI infrastructure, China aims to challenge US dominance and reshape the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.
