03:21 Because of US missiles, half of Germans fear escalation of conflict with Russia
The Federal Government and the US Government have agreed that the USA will station far-reaching weapons systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany from 2026, capable of reaching targets in Russia. Half of Germans expect further escalation of the conflict with Russia due to the stationing of extensive US weapons in Germany. 50 percent of respondents in a Civey survey for the Funke media group agree with this, while 38 percent do not expect further escalation and 12 percent are undecided. 44 percent view the stationing positively, while 42 percent view it negatively, and 14 percent are undecided.
01:14 Minister President Kretschmer calls for reduction in arms aid to UkraineSaxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer is calling for a reduction in arms aid to Ukraine, also in view of the federal budget. "We can no longer afford to provide funds for weapons to Ukraine that will be exhausted and achieve nothing. Everything must be in proportion," says the CDU politician to the German Editorial Network. "Support yes, but we can see that we are reaching our limits." Kretschmer refers to the increase in the budget in recent years. "Before the Corona crisis in 2019, we had a budget volume of 344 billion (euros). We are now at 480 billion, and yet the traffic light coalition cannot agree on the budget," says the Minister President. "That shows that everything is out of control."
23:35 Kiesewetter: Ukrainian offensive is legally and strategically soundCDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter sees the latest Ukrainian military offensive on Russian territory as covered by international law. The surprise move by Ukraine is "clearly legally permissible under the right of self-defense" and "militarily strategic," Kiesewetter tells the "Tagesspiegel." According to the assessment of the CDU defense expert, the Ukrainian troops' move aims to tie down Russian forces in the Kursk region and inflict significant losses on them. "This can relieve pressure on the front at other points because Russia has to tie down or redeploy forces to Kursk," he says further.
22:30 Pentagon: Ukraine's move into Kursk region in line with US policyThe incursion of Ukraine into the Russian region of Kursk is "in line with our policy," says the deputy spokesperson of the US Department of Defense, Sabrina Singh, according to the news portal "Kyiv Independent" at a press conference. When asked if Ukraine can use weapons supplied by the USA, Singh responds that the USA "has supported Ukraine from the beginning in defending against attacks coming from the border." The Kursk region borders the Ukrainian region of Sumy over 245 kilometers, which has been exposed to daily Russian attacks since its parts were liberated in April 2022. Ukraine is taking measures "to protect itself from attacks" and is operating "within the framework of US policy, where it can use our weapons, our systems, and our capabilities," says Singh.
22:09 BSW MEP De Masi calls for "as soon as possible ceasefire and negotiations"
Following the advance of Ukrainian troops into Kursk, BSW MEP Fabio De Masi is calling for "a ceasefire and negotiations as soon as possible". The Ukraine is having "major difficulties defending its own territory", De Masi told the "Tagesspiegel". Advances "deep into Russian territory" only make sense "if the goal of Ukraine is to escalate the conflict further". The risks are immense, he added. "Consider, for instance, the Russian nuclear power plant in the region. Russia is a nuclear power and has the escalation dominance".
21:50 Authorities in Kursk region report at least five civilian deaths
Russian troops have been fighting against a Ukrainian incursion for the third day in a row, according to Moscow. Russian forces and border guards are preventing Ukrainian units from advancing further into Kursk, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Russian army is attacking Ukrainian forces attempting to retreat from the Ukrainian border region of Sumy. The Russian Health Ministry reports that 66 civilians, including nine children, have been injured since the start of the Ukrainian incursion. Authorities in the Kursk region report at least five civilian deaths, including two medics. Ukraine has not yet commented on the incursion.
21:30 EU's Borrell: Lukashenko regime involved in illegal deportation of Ukrainian children
The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has accused the Belarusian regime of being complicit in Russia's war against Ukraine. Alongside political, military, and logistical support, Belarus has contributed to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. Since 2021, the regime has also orchestrated migration pressure on the EU's external borders, according to a statement from the European External Action Service.
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The European Union, as a key international actor, could express its concern over the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, urging for diplomatic dialogue and de-escalation. The stationing of US weapons in Germany, while a decision by the Federal Government and the US Government, might have implications for EU-Russia relations, as the European Union is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
