09:31: Sharma questions Ukraine's expectations from the reconstruction summit: In a race against time.
During the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin - estimated to bring together about 2000 delegates from 60 countries - the emphasis is mainly on facilitating connections amongst appropriate actors. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma sheds light on the aspirations of Ukrainians and Ukrainians, along with "prompt accusations."
9:05: Hofreiter urges better air defense protection for UkraineThe head of the European Affairs Committee in the German Parliament, Anton Hofreiter, urges the German government to contribute to Ukraine's improved air defense during the Ukraine reconstruction conference. He states, "Air defense is a fundamental requirement for reconstruction in Ukraine. By securing the Ukrainian energy infrastructure which was damaged by Russian air strikes, we can ensure long-term private-sector investment. It's essential for a European endeavor to be launched in defense technology." Hofreiter also advocates for additional armament supplies. "I anticipate the Federal Chancellor will commit to more concrete German assistance," he adds, "showing support for Ukrainian requests." Defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Union deputy faction vice-president Johann Wadephul concur with Hofreiter's request, calling for further support for President Volodymyr Zelensky when he visits Berlin and the provision of Taurus-Cruise missiles to Ukraine.
8:27: Ex-CDU Secretary General Czaja: German government could be extending the war furtherDue to a scarcity of East Germans in the CDU leadership, perspectives like those of many East Germans on Russia and armament deliveries to Ukraine are also less audible. Previously CDU General Secretary, Mario Czaja, shares his thoughts in an interview with the Tagesspiegel. "I believe East Germans possess varied perspectives on Russia that West Germans lack." If the German government continues to permit attacks on Russian targets with Western weapons, it may escalate the war in Ukraine, says Czaja. "This is a major concern and criticism among East Germans." He envisions the ultimate goal being that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who commenced this ruthless war of aggression, returns to diplomatic conversations. However, one should proceed cautiously, as the war should not undergo further expansion, "resulting in more civilians facing death." Czaja's stance and that of Michael Kretschmer, who opposes delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, form a minority perspective in the CDU, according to Czaja. (See 7:18 a.m. entry)
08:08: Pompeo advocates for enhanced European support for UkraineMike Pompeo, former American Secretary of State and CIA Director, appeals for stronger European support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for significant private sector investments. He suggests a replicable approach similar to Germany's reconstruction following World War II. "The war in Ukraine is in its third year; America and Europe must now resume the age-old strategy. They should rebuild and fortify Ukraine with massive foreign direct investments," Pompeo writes in a guest article for the Tagesspiegel. To reestablish from this conflict, Ukraine necessitates a stable investment climate attracting heightened private investors to rebuild the country. "Unless this occurs, Putin achieves his aim of annihilating Ukraine - even if he doesn't acquire Kiev," he sums up.
07:51: Ukraine reports 520,850 Russian losses since the beginning of the warThe Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reports Russia has lost 520,850 troops since the start of its invasion on Ukraine. In this figure, it includes 1,100 casualties experienced in the past few days. The report also outlines the Russian losses since February 24, 2022: 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored combat cars, 18,676 vehicles, 13,690 artillery systems, 1,099 multiple rocket launchers, 842 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,023 drones, 28 ships and boats, and a submarine.
07:36: Kyiv estimates €52 billion in damage to its energy infrastructureThe energy infrastructure in Kyiv has endured €52 billion worth of damage, according to a Kyiv study.
As per a research study done at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), the monetary damage caused to Ukraine's energy system due to Russian air raids is estimated to be €52 billion. Along with the direct damages, the financial losses sustained by energy companies due to lost sales are also included in this total. According to an analysis released on Monday, the price to mend broken or harmed infrastructure is assessed to be €50.5 billion. The KSE study mentions that the immediate damages to Ukraine's energy infrastructure due to the attacks reached €16.1 billion up to May. Infrastructure such as power houses, power lines, and installations in the oil and gas industry were the most impacted. The financial losses for energy companies amount to around €40 billion.
07:18 Union Deputy Appointee Asks for Taurus Missiles for Kiev Once More
With the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin for a two-day reconstruction summit for Ukraine, Union Deputy Leader Johann Wadephul once more demands the delivery of Taurus missiles to Kiev. "I hope that President Zelensky doesn't have to make another appeal for assistance in the German Bundestag and then come back with no outcome," Wadephul said to "Rheinische Post." The CDU politician insists Ukraine needs "whatever support it can get," and reinforces the necessity for the "Taurus" missiles particularly. Zelensky landed in Berlin on Monday evening (see entry at 23:46 p.m.). The reconstruction meeting, where global support for Ukraine's growth is planned, started on Tuesday morning (see entries at 06:10 and 06:37 a.m.). Wadephul declares that Germany hasn't yet given their "full support," and believes this will be fatal if it continues.
06:52 Russian Bomber Crashes in the Caucasus: Crew Perished
As per reports from the Russian government and media, a Russian bomber of the model SU-34 crashed during a training flight in the Caucasus. The crew is supposedly dead as a consequence of the accident, as relayed by Russian news agencies. The cause of the incident could've been a technical problem. The crash occurred in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. It's unclear how many people were on board.
06:37 CDU Foreign Policy Expert: Ukraine Reconstruction Conference Provides Ukrainians with Hope
The CDU foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt lauds the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin as a "striking political and economic sign of solidarity." This summit, held from Tuesday morning onwards, is seen as a "hope-inspiring signal" by Hardt, the foreign policy spokesman of the CDU/CSU Bundestag faction. "The conference demonstrates that the free world can turn Ukraine into a modern and free country. The potential of Ukraine is substantial," he says to the German Press Agency (see also entry at 06:10 a.m.). Admission into NATO and the EU for Ukraine will receive a boost through the conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will start the conference with a speech at 10:00 a.m. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to attend (see also entry at 23:46 p.m.).
06:10 Schulze Prior to Ukraine Reconstruction Conference: Strong Alliance for Ukraine
Development Minister Svenja Schulze expects the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin starting on Tuesday to send a powerful message of partnership. "For two days, individuals from all over the world will gather in Berlin who not only aspire to a better future for Ukraine but are also making it happen on the ground. The conference demonstrates there's a strong alliance backing Ukraine: 60 countries, numerous companies, municipalities, and representatives from civil society," she says to the German Press Agency before the meeting. Since Russia has illegally attacked Ukraine, Schulze highlights that their support is necessary. "Ukraine is defending our security and liberty." It's vital to initiate reconstruction work even during wartime. Schulze emphasizes: "Ukraine doesn't have the luxury to hold off until the war is over. People require shelter, power, water, and hospitals now." Ukraine also necessitates humanitarian aid to survive the conflict. "It needs doctors, electricians, and craftsmen, just as it needs tanks," she concludes. Around 2,000 participants consisting of politicians, businesspeople, and international organizations are expected for the reconstruction conference until Wednesday. It isn't a fundraising conference for the reconstruction, but rather a networking event for relevant actors.
The U.S. government has reportedly lifted a ten-year training and arms ban on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. The 12th Special Unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, has passed the Leahy Amendment review by the U.S. State Department. No evidence of human rights violations by the unit was found during a recent analysis. The Leahy Law prohibits the provision of military assistance to foreign units that have committed such violations. The Azov Regiment has right-wing and ultranationalist roots and is now part of the Ukrainian National Guard. It was founded in 2014 to fight against the pro-Russian separatists who had declared independence in the eastern Ukraine.
Now for some more news. A Russian destroyer, "Admiral Levchenko," caught fire in the Barents Sea. This information came from a Ukrainian Navy spokesperson. The fire is said to be caused by an overheated engine. The ship houses several hundred crew members and is currently fighting for survival. The "Admiral Levchenko" was commissioned in 1988 into the Soviet Navy and its engines were built in Mykolajiw, Ukraine. It can only be maintained there. "This is what happens when the Russian state is sanctioned by Ukraine," wrote Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook.
In other news, German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and Ukraine are opening a joint tank repair workshop and production site. The Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries handed over the keys for the repair and maintenance of the infantry fighting vehicle Marder. The first joint service center will enable rapid repair and maintenance of German equipment directly in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry in Kiev. This should significantly increase the efficiency of the armed forces. Ukrainian specialists will work in the joint production facility while Rheinmetall representatives will oversee the technical aspects.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Berlin. He will attend a reconstruction conference for his country. According to Zelensky, he and Chancellor Olaf Scholz will discuss further defense aid, the expansion of the Ukrainian air defense system, and joint arms production. On Tuesday afternoon, he will give a speech in the German parliament.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has revoked the accreditation of an Austrian journalist and ordered her to leave the country. This decision comes after the revocation of the permanent accreditation of a Russian correspondent for the state agency Tass in Austria. The Tass correspondent was denied accreditation on April 30 and had to leave Vienna on June 7. The Austrian side has not yet explained its discriminatory decision.
Poland has decided to establish a buffer zone at its border with Belarus. The ordinance, issued by the Interior Ministry, aims to make it more difficult to illegally smuggle migrants across the Polish-Belarusian border and to improve working conditions for border guards, army, and police. The buffer zone should have a depth of 200 meters, but in some places up to two kilometers. Poland has a 400-kilometer-long border with Belarus. Poland and the EU accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of organizing the illegal transport of migrants to the EU's external border to put pressure on the West.
The German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) is calling for the expansion of certain security mechanisms to rebuild Ukraine. DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben supports the fact that important instruments of German foreign trade promotion for Ukraine have been kept open by the federal government despite the war. He argues for creating a basis at the upcoming reconstruction conference in Berlin to offset high cost and risk assessments with reinsurance mechanisms and thus facilitate financing. Wansleben points out that German companies need a clear overview of internationally available instruments for investments, export guarantees, and other insurance solutions. Investment guarantees were provided for over 40 projects in 2022 and 2023, according to DIHK.
And finally, 32 men fled with a truck across the green border to Hungary from Ukraine. Hungarian authorities said the border had not been crossed illegally and the men were not migrants, but Ukrainian citizens who had fled the war. The truck was stopped in Hegyeshalom and escorted to the Croatian border. The men will be allowed to return home after biometric data is checked.
That's all the news for now. Stay tuned for more updates.
PS: What's for dinner, you ask? Well, it's not Ukrainian ..."Well, it's not Ukrainian, uh... how about some good old American burgers and fries?""
Western Ukraine witnessed a group of 32 Ukrainians making their way to Hungary via a truck. The news was relayed by Andrij Demtschenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guard, via a local news outlet Ukrajinska Prawda. He noted that the authorities at the border had discovered a vehicle and subsequently captured the 32 Ukrainian citizens. According to regulations, men within the military age band of 18 to 60 years old are allowed to leave, though exceptions are also allowed. Despite this, many still try to escape to nearby EU countries or Moldova. Unfortunate instances of these fleeing men being found in the Tissa (Theiss) river and the Carpathians have become common.
In Berlin, plans have emerged to beef up financial assistance to Ukraine. The German Federal Government and the EU are poised to expand their support for a German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) project aimed at assisting Ukraine. The funding will be increased to 75 million euros, with Germany contributing an additional 39 million euros and the EU Commission adding 54 million euros to the existing 27 and 38 million respectively. This constitutes part of the stabilization framework within the Foreign Office and is designed to aid state and civil society actors in the most war-afflicted regions.
- For a complete recap of earlier events, refer to this.
Read also:
- Despite Germany's contributions to Ukraine's improved air defense, Russia continues to launch air strikes, causing significant damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure worth €52 billion.
- Amidst calls for increased support, Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, seeks additional military aid and urges for the deployment of Taurus-Cruise missiles to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities during the attack on Ukraine.
- The Ukraine conflict has sparked a concern for cyberwarfare, as various nations, including Germany, work closely to bolster Ukraine's cyber defenses and fend off digital attacks from Russia.
- In the wake of the attack on Ukraine and the ongoing reconstruction efforts, NATO continues to support Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of its membership in ensuring security and stability in the region.
