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Russia's War on Ukraine; Malnutrition Crisis in Sudan; Trump's New Tariffs. Aired 3-3:30a ET
Aired July 13, 2025 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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BEN HUNTE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, wherever you are in the world. You are now in the CNN Newsroom with me, Ben Hunte, in Atlanta, and it is so good to have you with me.
Coming up on the show, Ukraine is hit by a massive aerial assault from Russia as U.S. President Donald Trump teases a major statement on Monday.
Child malnutrition is on the rise in war-torn Sudan. We'll speak to someone helping on the ground.
And two of America's biggest trading partners could soon face higher tariffs.
Welcome. It is 10:00 A.M. in Ukraine, where the country is reeling from a relentless Russian bombardment. Ukrainian officials say Russia launched its second largest aerial assault since the full scale war began. They say falling debris from Saturday's strikes killed at least two people and wounded several others.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says residential buildings were hit in a barrage of missiles and drones.
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VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: 39 Shahed were launched by evening today. Air raid sirens were sounding again, Shaheds are again in the sky. A significant number are being shut down by our defenders, but, unfortunately, not all. In addition, the Russian military is increasingly using hundreds of special drone decoys that imitate Shahed's in every wave of attacks.
Their goal is to overload our air defenses and make it harder to intercept Shaheds. This is a deliberate and vile form of terror.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HUNTE: As Zelenskyy calls for more sanctions on Moscow, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is wrapping up a three-day visit in North Korea. He met with King Jong-un on Saturday in a sign of growing relations between the two countries. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump says he's planning to make a major announcement on Russia on Monday.
CNN's Nada Bashir is following the latest developments for us.
NADA BASHIR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, overnight Saturday, Russia carried out its second largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the beginning of its invasion. According to Ukrainian officials, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some 26 cruise missiles and nearly 600 drones were used in the attack, though most of those drones and more than 20 missiles are said to have been neutralized.
There were however hits on civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, leaving at least two dead and several others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. This latest round of attacks came shortly after the U.S. president confirmed that U.S. military supplies to the country had resumed with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Thursday that he had struck a deal with NATO for the U.S. to send weapons to Ukraine through the alliance, including U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems.
A NATO spokesperson confirmed in a statement on Friday that as part of the alliance's continued support for Ukraine, NATO had procured air defense and ammunitions from the U.S.
The announcement comes ahead of a planned visit to Ukraine by Trump's Russia-Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg next week, and as Trump hints at a major statement to be made on Russia on Monday. While no specifics were offered, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Thursday, relaying Trump's quote, disappointment and frustration in a conversation he described as frank.
Russia meanwhile is said to have offered a new and different approach to peace, but the Russian foreign minister has also made his way to North Korea where he, on Saturday, met with the country's leader, Kim Jong-un. North Korea has, of course, provided assistance to Russia in its military offensive in Ukraine, and concerns are mounting that Pyongyang maybe pulled deeper into this conflict.
Nada Bashir, CNN in London.
HUNTE: Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Cedric Leighton spoke to CNN earlier about Russia's escalating attacks. He explains what Ukraine needs to do to respond effectively.
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COL. CEDRIC LEIGHTON (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: They need to be able to do is they need to be able to strike deeply into Russian territory, to basically go at the point of origin, where these missiles and drones are coming from. Kind of like you saw with Operation Spiderweb, that would be the kind of thing that they would need to do on another scale, just as larger, even larger, than what they did just a few weeks ago.
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HUNTE: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet his far right national security minister in the coming hours to discuss the ceasefire talks with Hamas. That's from a source familiar with the matter. The minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is opposed to any deal with Hamas.
The move comes after the talks in Qatar hit a stumbling block with both sides pointing a finger at each other. Hamas says the negotiations have stall because Israel keeps adding new demands. The latest one, according to Hamas, is related to the future presence of Israeli troops in Gaza. An Egyptian source confirmed that Israel is putting forward new demands, but an Israeli political source tells CNN that Hamas has rejected a ceasefire proposal that would also include the release of some hostages.
Meanwhile, Israel is denying that its troops have injured anyone near an aid distribution site in Gaza. Palestinian officials said 27 people were killed after the IDF opened fire in Southern Gaza on Saturday. The statement says a number of others were injured. The site is run by U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The group called the claim 100 percent false, but other aid organizations have criticized its distribution system as potentially unsafe, and some displaced Palestinians seem to agree.
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ABDULRAHMAN ABU TAENNAH, DISPLACED PALESTINIAN: They fool us. They say safe areas with American security, but nothing is safe. It is death there killing and blood of children. If the Arab nations fear God and have a conscience, they should stop these types of aid. They should bring it to us through organizations or something. The nations should move to stop this enemy from killing people, from committing massacres.
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HUNTE: The family of an American citizen killed in a West Bank is demanding a U.S. investigation. They say the State Department should lead the probe into what happened to Sayfollah Musallet. Palestinian officials say he was beaten to death by Israeli settlers north of Ramallah.
The officials say the settlers also attacked an ambulance that came to the area during the incident. According to the family, they blocked paramedics from reaching the victim for more than three hours. Israel's military says the country's security agency and police are looking into what happened.
New data from UNICEF reveals an alarming rise in child malnutrition in war-torn Sudan, especially in the Darfur region. Across the country, rates of severe, acute malnutrition or SAM are up. It's the most lethal form of malnutrition and requires intensive treatment. The number of children in Darfur treated for SAM this year increased 46 percent through May. 40,000 were admitted for SAM treatment during that time and acute malnutrition rates in much of North Darfur exceeded World Health Organization emergency levels.
Also this week, the International Criminal court said it believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are happening in Western Darfur. The ICC has said in the past, it believes that both the paramilitary rapid support force. And government troops have committed such acts.
Well, we are joined now by UNICEF Sudan Chief of Communication Avia Hinds, who comes to us from, sorry, Eva Hinds, who comes to us from Port Sudan.
You are speaking to us live from Port Sudan now. Can you just explain to us what is the reality on the ground for children facing this malnutrition crisis?
EVA HINDS, CHIEF OF COMMUNICATION, UNICEF SUDAN: Well, it's a very difficult and a very dire situation for many of these children, and particularly for those children who are very close to the conflict line and to the fighting. These are children that are offset cut off from any type of aid. So, there's barely no water. There's barely no food, barely no medicine, vaccines, access to healthcare. It is very difficult for aid organizations like ours to get in there and to provide them support.
And this, of course, means that they go hungry. And when water is dirty, disease outbreaks are -- they easily take hold. And all of this is a recipe for large number of children being malnourished.
HUNTE: UNICEF has warned that half of the more than 30 million people in Sudan in need of humanitarian assistance this year are children with thousands at risk of dying. What is causing this emergency to reach such a tragic level?
HINDS: Well, there are different things that are happening all at the same time, one being that the fighting that continues unabated in many locations across this country. So it means children are often caught at cross-fires. It's also when these different types of attacks hit the critical civilian infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, water points. That means that there's limited access to, for example, clean water.
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And that causes disease outbreaks. The children get sick and that causes malnutrition and all of these things then layered together. That's why it is very difficult for any adult, any mom or dad trying to support their children.
HUNTE: Here at CNN, we've reported on Sudan's ongoing fighting, the blocks to aid, the collapse in health system. In terms of logistics, how is UNICEF even managing to reach the children that are most at risk?
HINDS: Well, it is quite difficult, even on a good day. This is a very big country, a vast country. So, getting aid from one end of the country to the other, it is a large undertaking. And there are many things that make it quite difficult. There are bureaucratic impediments. It means approvals to move supplies anywhere. It's also often crossing conflict lines or crossing borders as we provide supplies, not only within inside the country but also across borders. It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of planning. So, it is quite difficult.
And that's why it is so critical that we get unimpeded and safe access to reach these children, particularly in these pockets (ph) that have been cut off for such a long time.
HUNTE: This does feel like the world's attention has shifted away from Sudan. I mean, we don't really see Sudan trending on social media or people marching in streets to raise awareness, but this is one of the worst child hunger issues on the planet. Do you think that world leaders truly care enough and what needs to change so that their words translate into real impact?
HINDS: Well, I'm very glad that we are speaking about this today, and it is, as you say, we are getting very limited attention to Sudan and really for the sake of the children. It is very important that we talk about it. And that's why we are rallying for support from the world leaders, from anyone who can put pressure on the parties who are fighting so that the fighting would end, because that's ultimately what the children here need. They need safety and they need the war to end.
HUNTE: Just seeing these pictures alongside us is so sad. How do you see the future of Sudan with everything that's going on? Is there still a path back from this instability, or are we just watching the country collapse in real time?
HINDS: Well, in my mind, our work, you have to remain optimist. Otherwise you can't do this work. But there are -- it really isn't looking particularly good at the moment. And I think that's why it is critical to take action now. These children cannot wait any longer. Every day that goes by, there are children that are being killed, killed in fighting, killed because of the diseases, killed because of malnutrition. So, the clock really is ticking.
HUNTE: Okay, we'll leave it there. Eva Hinds in Port Sudan, thank you so much for joining us. I appreciate your work. Thank you.
HINDS: Thank you.
HUNTE: President Trump fired a new round in his global trade war on Saturday. In letters he posted on his social media platform, he threatened to impose 30 percent tariffs on products from the European Union and Mexico. But Mexico's president remains optimistic for a deal can be reached.
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CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM, MEXICAN PRESIDENT: We believe based on what our colleagues discussed yesterday that we will reach an agreement with the USA and that we will, of course, achieve better conditions. We are clear on what we can work with the USA, and we are clear on what we cannot. And there is something that is never negotiated ever, and that is the sovereignty of our country.
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HUNTE: Mexico and the E.U. join a growing list of countries whose imports will face new and steeper tariffs starting August 1st.
Senior White House Reporter Betsy Klein has more for us.
BETSY KLEIN, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, President Trump launched a global trade war back in April, reshaping the economic world order with his tariffs and rocking markets in the process, the president then issuing a 90-day pause to allow his team to negotiate bespoke trade deals. That with two exceptions, has really proven elusive for the Trump team so far. But that 90-day pause ended this week, the president extending that deadline to August 1st for his team to allow a little bit more time to negotiate as the president sends a series of letters to world leaders with new and aggressive tariff rates before that August 1st deadline.
On Saturday, he sent a pair of letters to the European Union and Mexico, two of the United States' biggest trading partners. And by the numbers, U.S.-Mexico trade totaled $840 billion last year, U.S.-E.U. trade, closer to $1 trillion. But the president now setting a tariff rate of 30 percent for both if a deal is not reached by August 1st.
Now, in his letter to Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, the president said that he believed, in his view, Mexico was not doing enough to secure the border and also urged Mexican companies to move their manufacturing to the United States.
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Following that letter, a top Mexican economic official said that they had conveyed that 30 percent tariff marked, quote, unfair treatment, and that they did not agree, but agreed to continue to talk, to protect businesses and jobs on both sides of the border. And on the European Union side, Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said they are ready to continue working toward an agreement by August 1st.
We also heard from one of the president's top negotiators, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said in a post to social media on Saturday, quote, the U.K. trade team smartly secured and early deal. Let this be a lesson to other countries. Earnest, good faith negotiations can produce powerful results that benefit both sides of the table.
Of course, all of this contributing to mounting uncertainty for businesses, investors, and consumers alike heading into that August 1st deadline.
Betsy Klein, CNN, traveling with the president in New Jersey.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HUNTE: Okay. Still to come, the Trump administration says it will increase deportations thanks to tens of billions of dollars in new ICE funding and were denouncing judges who try to get in their way.
Plus, two football legends are about to battle to become the first to snatch a new trophy and be crowned the world's best. That's coming up.
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HUNTE: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary says the agency will crack down harder on undocumented migrants. Kristi Noem says Donald Trump's domestic policy bill provides tens of billions of dollars to imprison and deport more people. Noem is also slamming a judge who ruled against the Homeland Security Department on Friday.
The judge found that DHS has been making stops and arrests in Los Angeles without probable cause, and granted a temporary restraining order to stop detentions based on criteria, including language or race. Noem called the judge an idiot, and says, quote, none of our operations are going to change.
A group of lawmakers in Florida touring the immigration detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz for the first time since it opened. Last week, several Democratic lawmakers were denied entry when they tried to visit. Immigration rights groups say the facility holds detainees in inhumane conditions. State officials say, that's not true.
Here's House Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz describing what she saw on the tour.
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REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL): The conditions that we saw inside this internment camp, which it is nothing less than that description, were really appalling. These detainees are living in cages. The pictures that you've seen don't do it justice. They are essentially packed into cages, wall-to-wall humans, 32 detainees per cage.
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HUNTE: Even heavy rain couldn't deter to hundreds of spectators gathered in Mexico City's giant central square on Friday night to celebrate 700 years of the capital's history. The National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral were illuminated and transformed into canvases for a video mapping showcase. Images depicted migration, independence, and revolution, as well as contemporary milestones, like the first LGBTQ, pride march and the election of women leaders. They also pay tribute to cultural icons like Frida Kahlo and Juan Gabriel.
A historic win at Wimbledon, Poland's Iga Swiatek now adds the coveted Wimbledon trophy to her grand slam victories. She dominated American Amanda Anisimova in a stunning 6-0, 6-0 win in just under an hour. Swiatek is the first Polish Wimbledon singles champion in the open era. It's also the first time in recent history where a women's player won the title without conceding a single game.
The grass court drama continues when Jannik Sinner takes on Carlos Alcaraz on center court in a men's singles final on Sunday.
Two football heavyweights go head-to-head on Sunday for the title of world's top club. Paris Saint-Germain faces London's Chelsea in the finals of FIFA's first Club World Cup. As CNN's Patrick Snell reports there is a clear favorite to snatch that trophy.
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: It was 5-0 in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, and it was 4-0 in the club world cup semi- final against mighty Real Madrid, and this after having beaten by Munich with just nine men. If there's a better club side anywhere in the world, then I want to know about it.
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SNELL (voice over): Everywhere you look this season, it's PSG silverware, most notably, for the first time ever, the Champions League. Now, it's the Club World Cup in their sights. Ousmane Dembele is a leading contender for the coveted Ballon d'Or. The Frenchman has netted 35 times in all competitions, including this one in the foil thrashing of Royale (ph) in the Club World Cup semi-final.
Desire Doue is another of their standout players. At age just 20, the youngster making global headlines after scoring twice in the Champions League final triumph over Inter.
DESIRE DOUE, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN FORWARD: That's unbelievable. But I try to stay the same guy, the same children. You know, I'm living my dream actually, and I'm really happy to play in Paris Saint-Germain. Now, we have a final to play on Sunday and we just want to win.
SNELL: The mastermind behind PSG's success is Spanish tactician Luis Enrique, a treble winner a decade ago as head coach with Barcelona and now again with Paris.
LUIS ENRIQUE, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN MANAGER: It means a lot without any doubt because it was our first goal when we arrived. Making history was the main goal for all of us.
SNELL: So, if you are Chelsea, how do you solve a problem like Paris Saint-Germain?
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Well, that's the question. The blues manager got numerous times during his pre-final press conference right here on Friday.
ENZO MARESCA, CHELSEA MANAGER: I just said I agree with most of the people that they said that -- they say that they are the best team in Europe, the best team in the world. I really enjoy watching them. But at the same time, we're going to try -- we are here to try to do our best and to win the final. SNELL: Enzo Maresca's men are looking to add to their 2021 success in the Club World Cup. They've also won 13 of their last 15 matches across all competitions. The extreme heat has at times been a factor during this tournament, though Maresca says his squad have had a month to adapt and he's hoping they're used to it by now.
This though, the view of one of his players.
REECE JAMES, CHELSEA DEFENDER: The climate is so hot. You know, no one in Europe is used to this heat, you know, playing at 3:00. And, you know, the hottest time of the day is super difficult for us to adapt.
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SNELL (on camera): And with high temperatures, again, projected for Sunday's final here, both teams will be looking to keep their cool out there on the pitch in their quest to be crowned Club World Cup champions.
Patrick Snell, CNN, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My actions, I stopped a war.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Maybe.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not maybe, I did.
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HUNTE: The latest Superman movie is soaring up, up, and away from opening weekend expectations with an 82 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. The newest installment in the famed franchise is expected to gross nearly $130 million at the U.S. Box Office, Superman is the first film of the new Warner Brothers and D.C. Universe partnership headed by James Gunn, the film's director and co-CEO of D.C. Studios. Warner Brothers Discovery is the parent company of CNN.
That's all I've got for you. Thanks for joining me and the team. I'm Ben Hunte in Atlanta. Connecting Africa is next. I will see you at the same time tomorrow. Until then, see you later. Bye.
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