As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, a surge of democratic socialism within the Democratic Party raises alarms among conservatives. Recent victories in New York City primaries and the growing influence of progressive groups like the Democratic Socialists of America signal a shift towards Marxist ideals, with advocates promising free benefits funded by taxing billionaires and oligarchs.

Critics argue that this movement echoes historical communist goals of controlling media and education, threatening American freedoms. Ben Carson and other critics warn that such ideologies are rooted in dangerous, oppressive regimes that have caused millions of deaths worldwide, citing examples from the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba.

They emphasize America’s unique history of individual rights and economic freedom, contrasting it sharply with failed socialist states that have led to poverty and oppression. The core message stresses that America’s founding principles—property rights, innovation, and individual liberty—are vital to maintaining its status as a beacon of freedom and prosperity.

With future elections pivotal, many see the struggle as a battle between liberty and socialism, echoing the warnings from America’s founders about the perils of government overreach and centralization of power.

As America celebrates its 250-year history of freedom, a new political wave led by Democratic socialists threatens to challenge its foundational principles. Recent elections, particularly in New York City, have seen Marxist-inspired candidates gain ground, drawing young voters with promises of wealth redistribution and collectivism.

Critics like Ben Carson warn that these movements align closely with historical communist objectives, emphasizing increased indoctrination, control over education and media, and the erosion of individual freedoms. The article highlights the dangers of socialism and communism, citing their record of causing mass death, poverty, and oppression worldwide.

It contrasts these systems with American capitalism, which has historically attracted immigrants and fueled technological and economic progress. The author stresses how the Founding Fathers established protections for individual rights and property, ensuring the nation’s continued innovation and liberty.

The growing influence of socialist ideologies poses a fundamental threat to America's core values of freedom, private property, and individual achievement, raising urgent questions about the country's direction in upcoming elections.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, marking his first in-person appearance at such an event. The president intends to focus on expanding defense cooperation with NATO member states, reflecting South Korea’s growing role as an alternative arms supplier in Europe, especially to Poland.

His national security adviser emphasized the interconnected security challenges across Europe and Asia, citing North Korea’s support for Russia in Ukraine as an example.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to participate in the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, marking his first in-person attendance at such an event. His visit aims to strengthen cooperation with NATO member states, particularly in the defense industry, amid rising security concerns worldwide.

South Korea has emerged as a key arms supplier to Europe, with Poland being its largest buyer, underscoring the country's strategic role in global defense.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, marking his first in-person appearance at the event. His participation aims to strengthen defense cooperation with NATO member states, emphasizing the interconnected security concerns across Europe and Asia.

The summit comes amidst ongoing global tensions, including North Korea's support for Russia in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of South Korea's defense industry as a key arms supplier in Europe, with Poland being the largest buyer. The summit underscores South Korea's role as a vital partner for NATO in the Indo-Pacific region, despite not being a full member.

President Lee’s presence signals a strategic move to expand military and security collaborations, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for closer international defense partnerships.

Today’s Europe Today program covers the ongoing consequences of Russia's latest deadly strike on Kyiv, with Ukraine mourning victims and urging allies to expedite air defense aid. The attack underscores the continued volatility in the region and the urgent need for support to bolster Ukraine’s security as tensions rise.

Simultaneously, NATO nations are preparing for their upcoming summit in Ankara, where discussions will focus on maintaining support for Ukraine, increasing defense expenditure, and addressing recent US strikes on Iran that have added new strains to international relations. In other developments, Ireland is contemplating halting alumina exports to Russia amid fears it could aid Moscow's war efforts, highlighting economic measures against Russia.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo discussed the UN's role in managing global conflicts and assisting post-war recovery, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. Additionally, the EU’s Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds by the Patriots political group.

The program also covered sports updates, with Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland qualifying for the FIFA World Cup round of 16, setting the stage for a high-stakes Iberian showdown. Tune in to Euronews' live coverage hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon and Maria Tadeo at 8 am Brussels time for in-depth analysis of these critical issues, available across multiple platforms, including TV, website, YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram, with additional summaries as a newsletter and podcast.

Today’s European news highlights the devastating aftermath of Russia's recent missile strike on Kyiv, which has intensified Ukraine's call for accelerated delivery of promised air defense systems to protect its citizens. The attack has deepened concerns over regional security and prompted discussions among Western allies on the urgency of support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, NATO is preparing for its upcoming summit in Ankara, where heads of state are expected to focus on bolstering support for Ukraine, managing increased defense spending, and addressing tensions related to recent US strikes on Iran. In addition to these security issues, Ireland is considering halting alumina exports to Russia, citing fears that the material could bolster Moscow’s war efforts.

The UN's role in addressing global conflicts and aiding post-war recovery is also under the spotlight, with comments from former Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. The EU is investigating allegations of misuse of funds by the Patriots political group, adding an element of internal scrutiny.

On the sports front, the FIFA World Cup advances with Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland qualifying for the round of 16, setting up an all-Iberian matchup between Spain and Portugal. Euronews provides detailed coverage and analysis of these critical events shaping Europe and beyond.

A Russian drone attack on the town of Romny in Ukraine's Sumy region resulted in four fatalities, including an elderly man, two women, and a young girl, with three others injured. The strike targeted a residential apartment building, causing significant damage and medical casualties.

Separately, a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipropetrovsk region injured seven people, damaged multiple buildings, and disrupted utilities. Kryvyi Rih, known as the birthplace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has faced repeated attacks amid ongoing conflict.

These assaults follow a major night-time air barrage on Kyiv that left at least 30 dead. The continuous strikes underscore the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, affecting civilian populations and critical infrastructure across the country.

Officials confirm that residential zones, schools, businesses, and transport routes have suffered extensive damage, heightening concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis.

A recent wave of Russian drone strikes has resulted in significant casualties and damage across northeastern Ukraine. In the town of Romny in Sumy region, a drone hit an apartment building, killing four people, including an elderly man, two women, and a young girl under two years old.

Three others were injured in this attack, which also caused structural damage and disrupted essential services. Separately, in Kryvyi Rih—a key industrial city and the birthplace of President Zelensky—seven individuals were wounded in a missile strike.

The attack damaged multiple residential buildings, including a school, shops, garages, and vehicles, and cut off gas supplies to two apartments. These strikes follow a severe night raid on Kyiv, which left at least 30 dead, highlighting ongoing escalation in Ukraine's conflict zone.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul concluded a significant four-day South America tour with a visit to Brasília, where he met Brazilian officials to discuss the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The agreement, which entered provisional force in May, aims to reduce trade barriers among Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and promises to benefit Germany’s automotive, engineering, and pharmaceutical sectors by boosting exports.

As Brazil's largest trading partner in South America, Germany is keen on strengthening ties despite China’s dominance in the region. During his visit, Wadephul emphasized the importance of the trade deal for Germany’s strategic interests, particularly in gaining access to Brazil’s extensive reserves of critical minerals and metals vital for renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies.

Germany aims to leverage these resources to cut its reliance on China and promote technological development. The discussions highlight ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation amid geopolitical shifts, with Brazil emerging as a key partner for Germany’s technological and industrial ambitions.

En un emocionante encuentro, Portugal logró una victoria dramática gracias a un gol decisivo de Gonçalo Ramos en el minuto 93, asegurando su avance en el Mundial. La selección portuguesa enfrentó una dura resistencia, pero mostró carácter y determinación para superar a su adversario en los últimos instantes del partido.

Cristiano Ronaldo también destacó en la cancha, dedicando su triunfo a Diogo Jota y emocionando a sus seguidores con su liderazgo.

Amid the intensifying conflict in Ukraine and key diplomatic vacancies, real estate developer Steve Witkoff and former adviser Jared Kushner have turned their attention toward Iran’s growing influence and activities. Their focus suggests a strategic interest in regional stability and U.S.

foreign policy developments during this turbulent period.

Following Russia's most significant barrage on Kyiv since the conflict started, tensions escalate as the Ukrainian capital faces mounting attacks. Experts analyze the impact of this intensified military action on the broader Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the recent surge in violence and its implications for regional stability.