15:13 Paris Summit: Biden Pledges Millions for Ukraine's Military Aid
US President Joe Biden reveals a $225 million military aid package for Ukraine, which he shares with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting in Paris. Both leaders are currently in France on extensive visits. The American Defense Department confirms that this package contains rockets for Hawk air defense systems, ammunition for HIMARS launchers, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, and 155 and 105 millimeter artillery ammunition. The US is presently prioritizing bolstering Ukraine's air defense and supplying the country with ammunition after a prolonged absence.
At 14:58, Moscow reproaches Kyiv of an aerial attack on a residential area in Luhansk, causing casualties and injuries. Three people died, and several buildings were damaged. The number of injured reportedly ranges between 22 and 35 individuals, which included three minors. Leonid Pasetschnik, the Russian-assigned chief of the region, alleges Ukrainian nationalists executed a massive rocket attack on Luhansk's civilian infrastructure. Ukraine supposedly discharged "at least six rockets" onto the city. The Russian Defense Ministry discloses that Ukraine unleashed "five ATACMS missiles from US production directly at residential areas of the city." Russian air defense systems intercepted four rockets, while the fifth one impacted two residential buildings.
According to reports from "Spiegel" magazine, Germany requires tens of thousands of additional soldiers for NATO plans. A confidential document from the German Defense Ministry indicates a requirement for "an additional 75,000 soldiers." NATO's existing plans were agreed upon at the Vilnius summit last year. The German Defense Ministry was yet to respond to this revelation. The Bundeswehr currently has 180,000 soldiers and civilian staff.
At 13:50, Ukraine and Moldova are speculated to have ticked off all EU membership criteria, as per a European Commission assessment shared orally with EU member states in Brussels. At present, both countries have few remaining issues to resolve in March. The EU Commission supposedly suggested measures to ensure national minorities' greater safety and limit oligarchs' political influence for Ukraine. The German government had previously declared that Ukraine had met all requirements for EU accession negotiations' commencement.
Biden begged forgiveness from Zelensky for delayed weapons deliveries from the United States at their Paris meeting, stating that obstructionist lawmakers in Congress were responsible. He assured Zelensky that the United States would stand by Kiev, which serves as a barrier against Russian aggression, and acknowledged their obligation to support Kiev.
In light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow claims that the United States caused the deaths of women and children in Russia by supplying Ukraine with weapons. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that Ukraine, in the previous week, had used US-supplied weapons for attacks in the Belgorod border region. She held that US government statements backing such attacks signified "admitting ... responsibility for the murder of children and women" and predicted that fragments of HIMARS rockets would establish evidence. Putin had previously warned of the potential for global conflicts if the West allowed Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons against Russian targets.
The security expert Christian Mölling notices significant change following the decision that allows Ukraine to target Russian lands with Western weapons. According to him, the region of Kharkiv is now relatively protected from Russia's past attacks, as highlighted in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". Mölling, who is also the research director of the German Council on Foreign Relations, emphasizes that the permission to fire Russian troops with Western weapons on Russian soil has instantaneously boosted Ukrainian strength. Basically, the use of weapons gives Ukraine the upper hand quickly. On the other hand, the areas still under restraint are responsible for the casualties, injuries, and destroyed infrastructure. He considers keeping military targets off-bounds as "a safe haven for the aggressor," which is absurd.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, warns about the expansion of Russian attack wars with a comparison to Hitler's actions in the 30s. He adds that the Russian aggression is already spilling over to the Baltic states, Poland, and the Balkans. He further suggests that the Russian leadership aims to destabilize Europe. Zelensky refers to Putin as someone capitalizing on the arsenal of the past century, including sea blockades and child abduction for re-education. He further points out that the Russian President is trying to scare everyone into submission.
In Russia, a US soldier is being tried. The man named Gordon Black has agreed to testify in the trial in Vladivostok, facing up to five years in prison if convicted. He traveled to the city to visit his partner but got arrested once she accused him of stealing from her. This controversial case makes the relationship between the US and Russia more precarious as Moscow is also holding other Americans like the spy Paul Whelan and the "Wall Street Journal" reporter Evan Gershkovich, who are considered unlawfully detained by the US.
Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine might become a new federal district, and the sending of warships to Cuba sets off discussion. NTV correspondent Rainer Munz provides insights into what these actions imply.
Moscow accuses Ukraine of firing US rockets onto Russian civilian targets, leading to women and children casualties in the Belgorod region. This charge is backed up by the remaining rocket parts as evidence.
A Ukrainian General, Oleg Makarevich, is now charged with premeditated murder for allegedly ordering the destruction of the Kachowka dam on June 6, 2023, which resulted in a flood disaster in the Kherson region. The general is facing a life sentence if convicted.
The air defense systems in many parts of Ukraine are constantly alert, and Russian air raids are targeting Odessa and Kyiv. Meanwhile, pilot training for future combat aircraft has been halted.
Another 53 drones were launched in the night, and Ukraine claims to have successfully intercepted all five rockets. All but 5 of these drones were shot down, and the rest targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and South Odesa. There weren't any incidents with energy infrastructure, and the damage was confined to specific places without causing injuries.
Historian Heinrich August Winkler cautions the strict adherence to the debt brake in Germany could pose a threat to the nation. He expresses concern in a "Sueddeutsche Zeitung" article, "If a crisis were to intensify in Ukraine, it would be disastrous if we had to declare, 'We saved the debt brake and lost Ukraine.' This would be hazardous for European peace and the freedom of European democracies." The professor further emphasized, "We must, with the other European NATO members, increase our conventional defense efforts. The debt brake should not be an obstacle." He added emphatically, "We can't afford to prioritize domestic politics over Russia."
At 7:54 a.m., Swiss President Viola Amherd gazes ahead to a potential second Ukraine peace conference. "For us, it's clear we won't sign a peace agreement at the end of the conference," she told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." The Swiss leader pointed out, "In a potential follow-up conference, Russia could then also be present." Over 80 countries are scheduled to participate in the June 15/16th conference, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Russia, meanwhile, has not been explicitly invited to the summit, but had previously indicated they would not send representatives if invited.
07:31: Many German firms plan to invest in Ukraine, regardless of the war. According to a survey by the German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber (AHK Ukraine), 43% of companies want to continue their engagement there, and only 8% are considering divestment. The poll involved 142 firms consulted by KPMG. Factors that would encourage business growth include political and economic stability, public funding, and assurances. Over 42% of businesses predict an increase in Ukraine's economic situation within the next year, while 48% anticipate no change, and 10% foresee a deterioration.
07:02: Human rights groups have submitted a report to the International Criminal Court to accuse five prominent Russian propagandists of inciting hatred against Ukrainians. These individuals include Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergey Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexey Gromov, first deputy chief of staff of the Russian presidential administration. Previously, the International Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova on charges of conscripting Ukrainian children to Russia.
06:31: Putin aims to maintain a war economy in Russia with the conflict against Ukraine now stretching beyond two years. Putin has approved a series of instructions to expand the defense industry, increasing production of weapons and ammunitions. The first deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov, shared this news at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The conference's participants noted that Russia produces weapons and ammunitions more quickly and at a quarter of the expense in the West. Russia is planning for a long-term war economy. The military-industrial complex has seen a rise in the number of companies, both private and public, from over 850.
05:59: Frustration from NATO partners stems from Germany's unwillingness to classify a new aid package for Ukraine as a "mission." Several diplomatic sources claim that Germany's insistence on avoiding the term "NATO Mission Ukraine" is viewed as an unnecessary concession to Russia and a confusing stance, considering the country's support for the project in essence. Supporters of the term "mission" argue that Russia could perceive the goal as an attack and amplify its propagandistic disinformation. The bewilderment lies in Germany's reluctance to align with its fellow NATO allies.
05:10: Amid the uncertainty surrounding the Ukraine conference, Russia expert Dr. Andreas Umland finds it "really incomprehensible" that U.S. President Joe Biden has opted not to attend. He details in an article for "Kyiv Independent," "Washington has picked Russia over Ukraine—and that sends the wrong message on Western support for Ukraine." The expert's analysis stems from Biden's decision to skip the upcoming summit to focus on domestic affairs, while also attempting to maintain a balance between stabilizing relations with Russia and supporting the war-torn country. Consequently, this sends a mixed message to Ukraine.
Politician Gerhard Mangott views the upcoming Ukraine summit in Switzerland as less impactful due to the absence of essential nations. The exclusion of countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa diminishes its significance, claims the University of Innsbruck's political scientist.
Interestingly, there are already discussions about a second conference as the primary target before the initial conference begins. Typically, such announcements occur after the first conference, suggesting low expectations for the imminent gathering.
The conference's underwhelming profile is further exacerbated by limited representation from the U.S. Kamala Harris, Vice President, and Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, will attend, but Joe Biden, President, has declined to participate. Mangott appears puzzled by Biden's decision.
In Ukraine, air raid alarms evoke dread nightly in most parts, save the western regions. Ukraine's air force shares that drones, launched from the Black Sea, targeted Odessa. Cruise missiles were also reportedly intercepted.
The U.S. is reportedly preparing another military aid package for Ukraine, valued at $225 million. The package would comprise ammunition suited for targets beyond Ukraine's borders to safeguard the city of Kharkiv from a potential Russian assault. It's predicted this package will include ammunition for HIMARS, mortar systems, and many rounds of artillery shells.
Another $225 million in military aid is on the way to Ukraine. The package includes rounds amenable to targets beyond national boundaries, intended to secure Kharkiv from a potential major bombardment.
Several Ukrainian regions will experience power outages, including Lviv and Zakarpattia, Kiev and its surroundings, Odessa, and Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Excess consumption is cited as the problem, resulting in possible interference with critical infrastructure.
The U.S. will prohibit entry to some Georgians owing to the country's "foreign influence" law. Alongside Georgian Dream party members and parliamentarians, security personnel and their family members fall under the ban. This move follows the U.S.'s earlier announcement, mirroring Russia's 2012 legislation against "foreign agents."
Yevhen Balitsky, a Russian governor active in the occupied Ukrainian territory of Zaporizhzhia, says that the occupied Ukrainian territories could soon align into a new federal district. Russia's occupation has already encompassed Ukrainian regions like Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrenergo, Ukraine's power grid operator, has announced power cuts in Kiev and twelve regions. Homes and enterprises in the regions of Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, and Rivne, plus Kiev itself, will be affected. The company has mentioned both civilians and businesses as targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to speak in Germany's parliament (Bundestag) on Tuesday. Following a Foreign Office-organized reconstruction conference in Berlin, speculation arose over his potential presence and planned address.
On Monday evening, Ukrenergo is slated to cut power for Kiev and various parts of Ukraine. Power-hungry households and industrial facilities in Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, and Rivne are expected to be affected, and Kiev itself would also experience power disruptions.
French President Macron has stated that France will deliver Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine.
France is providing Mirage-2000 fighter planes to Ukraine, allowing the nation to shield its land and airspace, according to French President Emmanuel Macron in an interview with French TV channels. He additionally revealed plans to train 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.
20:01: Zelenskyy Commemorates One Year Since Dam Collapse in Southern Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reflects on the first anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine. In a social media post, Zelenskyy recollected: "A year ago, the Russian invaders detonated the dam and Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant's infrastructure." He condemned this act as one of the most significant ecological crimes committed by the Russian invaders during the ongoing invasion. He stated that thousands of people were affected by the flooding produced by the dam's collapse. Their access to clean water for several hundred thousand individuals was also disrupted, he said. "The aftermath of this crime could be felt in the neighboring countries of our Black Sea area," said Zelenskyy.
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Read also:
- Following the US military aid announcement, Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, expressed gratitude to Joe Biden for the support, acknowledging its importance as a barrier against Russian aggression.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused the United States of causing the death of women and children in Russia by supplying Ukraine with weapons, predicting that fragments of HIMARS rockets would serve as evidence.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of using US-supplied weapons for attacks on civilians in the Belgorod region, leading to casualties and damage, and the Russian Defense Ministry discloses the launch of five ATACMS missiles directly at residential areas.
- In the context of the Ukraine conflict, Russia claims that the US is primarily responsible for the military operations in Ukraine, with Volodymyr Selensky leading these attacks, as suggested by Leonid Pasetschnik, the Russian-assigned chief of the Luhansk region.
