15:15 AfD protests Selensky's address - repeats Putin's narrative

15:15 AfD skips Selensky's address - sticks to Putin's version

The German right-wing party, AfD, in the Bundestag denounces Ukrainian President Zelensky's speech at the plenary session. Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, the AfD faction leaders, argue that "we won't listen to a camouflaged speaker." Zelensky, whose term they claim has ended, is regarded only as a "war and begging president." They believe Ukraine should have a "negotiation-ready peace president" instead. Despite this, four AfD MPs attended Zelensky's session.

Weidel and Chrupalla echo Putin's discourse that Zelensky's term is over. The truth behind this and Putin's intentions in the disinformation campaign are discussed in more detail in this article:

15:00 Zelensky: "The time for compromises is over"In his Bundestag speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urges conviction in fighting against Putin's Russia. "Putin's approach is to kill instead of negotiating," Zelensky says. "He's decimated cities like Grozny and Aleppo, fractured Moldova, and suppressed Belarus." Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine are challenging everyone's commitment to maintaining peace, he adds.

14:53 Zelensky expresses gratitude to Germany in Bundestag speechUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses gratitude for Germany's support to his country in response to Russia's offensive. He emphasizes that Ukraine's fight for peace and stability is for the entirety of Europe's benefit.

14:44 Bas endorses EU and NATO future for UkraineBundestag President Bärbel Bas publicly supports the Ukrainian country during Zelensky's Bundestag speech, expressing her belief that Ukraine's best interests align with the EU and NATO.

14:33 Scholz rules out German military trainers in UkraineGerman Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz clarifies that Germany will not send military trainers to Russia's neighboring country. He plans to continue providing training to Ukrainian troops in German territory.

14:17 Gressel: "It's humiliating that Russia can't safeguard its own jets"Reports confirm that Russia's assault on Kharkiv has not succeeded. Russia's failure to secure its own high-tech aircraft is an ironic twist for the Kremlin, according to security expert Gustav Gressel.

14:01 After AfD's Boycott, MPs from BSW Also Abstain from Zelenskyy's Speech in the BundestagAfD parliamentarians are advised to boycott President Zelensky's address in the German parliament today. A decision will be made in an upcoming AfD faction meeting. The Left Alliance already confirmed that their MPs would passively participate in the speech. The AfD's recommendation is left to its individual MPs' discretion.

13:48 EU Provision for Ukrainian Refugees May Be ExtendedThe EU Commission proposes a one-year extension of the regulation upholding the temporary protection of Ukrainians in the EU. The Commission acknowledges the infeasibility of a secure return home under the present circumstances due to the ongoing Russian assaults on infrastructure. As of the last update, roughly 4.2 million Ukrainian displaced persons have been registered in the 27 EU countries, with 1.3 million in Germany - proportionally more than other EU countries.

13:29 Russia and Iran Deny Hurdles in Cooperation AgreementRussia maintains its intention to strengthen ties with Iran. Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, reassures that negotiations on a bilateral cooperation treaty will continue, despite any brief inconveniences reported by Iran's RIA news agency. Hassan Qashqavi, the Iranian ambassador in Moscow, concurs with Peskov's statement, according to the Irna news agency. Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, Russia has been stepping up its alliance with Iran. As per some Western reports, Russia is acquiring drones from Iran to supplement its military resources.

German and Ukrainian finance ministers sign deal to help Ukraine with reconstruction financing

The German and Ukrainian financial ministers have come to an agreement in a memorandum of understanding to offer assistance in developing efficient supervisory and control systems for the Ukrainian government in their efforts to finance reconstruction projects. Christian Lindner, the German finance minister, stated that they wanted to contribute to the foundation for future growth in Ukraine through reconstruction. This should help encourage private businesses and attract investments, creating ideal conditions for economic progress.

Ursula von der Leyen calls for EU accession talks with Ukraine by the end of June

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for the initiation of EU accession talks with Ukraine by the end of June. Von der Leyen highlighted the fact that Ukraine had fulfilled all the necessary reforms and spoke of her desire for the European Union to begin negotiations with it. Ukraine already holds the candidate status of a European Union member, but specific dates for when these negotiations would begin have not been established. Some other countries, such as Hungary, have raised additional demands.

Ukraine needs 10 to 30 billion dollars annually for their economy's recovery over the next decade

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal revealed the staggering figure that Ukraine would need between 10 and 30 billion dollars per year in order to rebuild and grow their economy. Schmyhal cited improved logistics and access to foreign markets as crucial factors for driving economic expansion. In the first four months of the year, Ukraine's economy had grown by 4.4%.

Stoltenberg assures support for Eastern European NATO members in event of attack

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated NATO's commitment to defending any member nation from potential attack. "NATO has the forces, resources, capabilities, and political will to protect any ally," he said after a conference meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics in Riga. Stoltenberg was attending the strategic consultations hosted by the Bucharest Nine (B9) group, a collection of Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The conference aimed to prepare for the NATO summit happening in July in Washington, D.C., during which Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb would also be present.

Von der Leyen: 1.9 billion euros in EU aid for Ukraine, billions more from interest payments

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised Ukraine billions in aid through the European Union. At the reconstruction conference in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy present, she announced that 1.9 billion euros would be released to Ukraine. Additionally, about 1.5 billion euros would be granted from interest payments on frozen Russian assets in July. The Commission President is also preparing to negotiate further assistance from proceeds of Russian assets at the G7 summit later in the week. Von der Leyen responded to Zelenskyy's plea for support in the energy sector, which has suffered from Russian attacks. She reported that the EU had already allocated almost 500 million euros for immediate repairs and that 1,000 generators and thousands of solar panels would be delivered to Ukraine soon. "Our goal is to decentralize Ukraine's energy supply and increase the resilience of the Ukrainian energy grid," von der Leyen detailed. The first partnership agreements would be signed in Berlin worth 1.4 billion euros, designed to attract private investment in Ukraine.

Kremlin justifies assault on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine

The Kremlin has justified the bombing of Ukrainian energy facilities as a potential source for supplying electricity to Russian military industries. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman, remarked to Russian news agencies that, "Clearly, there is something to do with military infrastructure in some cases." Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for over two years and has repeatedly attacked and damaged energy supplies in the country. Around 80% of thermal power plants and around a third of hydroelectric power plants have had their capacity destroyed. The human rights organization Amnesty International has labeled the ongoing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure as war crimes, as they leave inhabitants without heat, electricity, and water.

Russia considering changes to nuclear strategy in response to Western position

The Russian government is contemplating a shift in its nuclear strategy due to the stance adopted by the West. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov shared this suggestion with Russian news agency, Tass, although the specifics of the intended changes have not been disclosed.

The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, believes his country needs at least seven Patriot air defense systems to guard against Russian attacks. He made this remark at a reconstruction conference in Berlin, expressing his deepest gratitude towards Germany for providing three Patriot systems. Zelensky also stated that there's a significant possibility that Russia will take advantage of any opportunity to launch strikes against Ukraine. In addition, he mentioned that half of Ukraine's power capacity has been taken down by Russian attacks. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously encouraged steps to strengthen Ukraine's air defense against potential Russian aggression during the conference.

In the midst of the two-day reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin, Scholz has proposed extensive and long-term state commitments for the reconstruction of the war-torn country. He plans to advocate for these commitments at the G7 summit in Italy that kicks off on Thursday. The World Bank has estimated a need for reconstruction aid amounting to $500 billion over the following decade. Scholz invoked the engagement of private enterprises in the rebuilding efforts, emphasizing that, given the massive scale, private investment would be crucial. There are currently around 35,000 German workers in the Ukrainian automotive sector alone. In spite of the ongoing conflict, German investments and trade volume have experienced a boost when compared to pre-war periods. This increase was commended by Scholz and attributed to Ukraine's key potential.

Several panelists at the conference described the dire situation in Isjum, a city within Ukraine. Kavita Sharma, an ntv journalist, reported on conversations with a property owner and a power plant manager, both longing for aid.

The German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, emphasized the European perspective of the situation in Ukraine. During her arrival at the reconstruction conference in Berlin, she expressed that the aim was to foster Ukraine's path to the European Union and resist the Russian attack. Baerbock condemned Putin's attempt to hinder Ukraine's lifelines through his aggressive invasion, stressing the importance of resilient, collaborative efforts among all participants in the conference, including politicians, mayors, firms, and organizations.

Preceding the conference, a meeting took place between Zelenskyy and Steinmeier at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin. Steinmeier was among the attendees of the event and listened to Zelenskyy's speech in the German Parliament. The specifics of their one-on-one conversations remained undivulged. Steinmeier had initially faced tensions with Zelenskyy due to the Ukrainian president's invitation to visit Kiev, which was later changed to a solo trip in the wake of the Ukrainian conflict. Steinmeier and Zelenskyy had first met at Schloss Bellevue the year prior. Since then, their relationship has improved.

The Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin has resulted in disruptions in public transportation. The S-Bahn system between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten has ceased operation on orders from the police, thereby affecting several lines. Regional trains have also been stopped, with Instead, they are being rerouted. The conference hopes to provide Ukraine with a long-term development plan to rise above the ongoing conflict. The proceedings began at the City Cube congress center in Berlin's Charlottenburg district with speeches by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia and Belarus are beginning the second stage of their strategic nuclear exercise. The exercise in Russia aims to guarantee that the armed forces and equipment are ready to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations, the Russian Defense Ministry added. This also covers joint training of units from both sides to be prepared for using non-strategic nuclear weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the nuclear exercise last month in response to threats from France, Britain, and the United States regarding the Ukraine war. Western allies recently permitted Ukraine to use weapons provided by them against military targets in Russia.

09:31 Sharma on "Race Against Time": What does Ukraine hope for from the reconstruction conference?

At the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, approximately 2000 participants from 60 countries are expected, primarily focusing on connecting relevant actors. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma shares the objectives of Ukrainians and their expectations and discusses "allegations at an unfavorable time."

09:05 Hofreiter urges improved air defense for Ukraine

The chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, Anton Hofreiter, urges the German government to participate in reinforcing Ukraine's air defense. "An essential prerequisite for the reconstruction in Ukraine is a comprehensive air defense. Only then can the Ukrainian energy infrastructure be shielded, which was severely damaged by Russian air attacks," Hofreiter shared with the Rheinische Post. "There is an urgent need for a European initiative in the field of air defense. Only then can the Russian air attacks be effectively thwarted." Hofreiter also demands further comprehensive weapons supply. "I suspect that the Federal Chancellor will pledge the Ukrainian President with more concrete, swift German support," he remarks. "And he will openly advocate for the President's wishes." FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann also calls for more assistance. "I assume that the Federal Chancellor will guarantee the Ukrainian President with concrete, immediate German support," she says, "and show solidarity with the President." Union faction vice-chairman Johann Wadephul also calls for more support. "I presume that the Federal Chancellor will promise the Ukrainian President more concrete, swift German support," he says, "and agree to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine."

08:27 Former CDU General Secretary Czaja: German government may continue escalating the conflict in Ukraine

Due to the scarcity of Eastern German representation within the CDU leadership, perspectives less broadly embraced by many Eastern Germans are likewise present in the party, such as those concerning Russia and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. This is claimed by former CDU General Secretary Mario Czaja in an interview with Tagesspiegel. "I consider that we Eastern Germans bring different experiences with Russia that Western Germans haven't accumulated." In his view, the current approval of the German government to target Russian military structures could prolong the conflict. "This is being carefully observed with apprehension and criticism by many people in Eastern Germany," states the Berlin parliamentarian. "I can't picture German weapons reaching the gates of Moscow, injuring civilians there."

The purpose should be to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin, who triggered this harsh war of aggression, to re-enter diplomatic talks. However, caution is needed. The war should not grow, "with more and more civilians losing their lives." The perspective of Czaja and Michael Kretschmer, opposing the delivery of Taurus missile systems to Ukraine, is a rare standpoint within the CDU and is rarely voiced publicly, says Czaja in an interview with the paper.

08:08 Former US Secretary of State Pompeo calls for expanded European support for Ukraine

The former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo advocates for enhanced European support for Ukraine - especially in the form of extensive investments from the private sector. Similar to the rebuilding of Germany after World War II, this should be done in Ukraine. "Today, as the Ukraine war enters its third year, America and Europe must revisit this tried-and-true strategy. They must work to rebuild and strengthen Ukraine with massive foreign direct investments," writes Pompeo in a guest article for Tagesspiegel. Ukraine must be capable of maintaining its internal infrastructure and economy. To recover from this conflict, the country requires an investment climate that attracts more private investors to participate in its reconstruction. "If this does not transpire, Putin has achieved his objective, to destroy Ukraine - even if he doesn't manage to annex Kiev," Pompeo analyzes.

07:51 Ukraine acknowledges 520,850 Russian losses since the conflict's outset

Russia has incurred 520,850 military personnel losses since the onset of its invasion on Ukraine. This information is relayed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff in its recent Facebook update. This figure includes the 1,100 casualties inflicted on the Russian military in the earlier days. The report also tabulates the Россия losses since February 24, 2022: 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored fighting vehicles, 18,676 vehicles and fuel containers, 13,690 artillery pieces, 1,099 multiple rocket launchers, 842 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,023 drones, 28 ships and boats, and a submarine.

Russian air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused significant damage, with the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) estimating a total cost of $56.2 billion (52 billion euros). This includes financial losses incurred by energy companies due to reduced revenue. To restore the damaged or destroyed facilities, around $50.5 billion is required. Direct losses were reported to be $16.1 billion, with power plants, power lines, and facilities in the oil and gas sector being severely affected. Missed earnings for energy companies are estimated to be approximately $40 billion.

In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin, Union faction vice-chairman Johann Wadephul called for the supply of Taurus missiles to Kyiv. He emphasized how vital it is to provide long-range weapons to Ukraine, mentioning that the Taurus is especially important. Wadephul claims this is a critical phase of the war against Russia, and Germany's support has not been sufficient. He warns of grave consequences for the future of European security if it continues.

A Russian Su-34 bomber crashed during a training flight in the Caucasus, with reports of the crew being killed. The cause of the crash is believed to be a technical malfunction. The crash took place in the Russian republic of North Ossetia-Alania, but the exact number of people on board is unknown.

The CDU foreign policy expert, Jürgen Hardt, described the international Ukraine rebuilding conference in Berlin as a symbol of solidarity. He stated that the conference gives hope to Ukrainians and demonstrates the capability and willingness of the free world to transform Ukraine into a modern and free nation. He explained how Ukraine's potential is immense and how a prosperous Ukraine benefits Germany.

Development Minister Svenja Schulze expressed her expectations for the Ukraine rebuilding conference, stating that it would send a powerful message of cooperation. She highlighted the attendance of people from various countries, businesses, municipalities, and civil society, who believe in a better future for Ukraine. Schulze stressed the importance of beginning the reconstruction even during wartime conditions and that Ukraine cannot wait for the war to end before starting.

Around 2,000 participants from politics, business, and international organizations are expected at the rebuilding conference, which starts today and ends on Wednesday. It's not a fundraiser, but rather a networking event for relevant actors.

USA Lifts Weapons Embargo against Azov Regiment: A new report from Sunday claims that the USA has lifted the weapons embargo against the Azov Regiment, a Ukrainian ultranationalist group. This lifting of the embargo could potentially allow the supply of more powerful weapons, including armor-piercing rounds and tactical jets. This reversal comes after the conflict in Ukraine escalated ten months ago, with Russia invading Ukrainian territory. Azov is known for its radical views and ties to Nazi ideology. While the Azov Regiment has faced increasing criticism for its suspected war crimes, some US policymakers view them as a necessary ally in the fight against Russian aggression. The change in policy may signal a shift in US support for Ukraine as the war rages on.

Overall, recent reports have shed light on the significant economic losses from Russian air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the need for long-range missiles to support Ukraine, a crashed Russian Su-34 bomber, the positive impact of Ukraine's reconstruction conference, and the lifting of the weapons embargo against the Azov Regiment.

The U.S. government is reportedly giving the green light to the Ukrainian Azov Brigade, lifting a 10-year weapons and training ban. After a detailed review by the U.S. State Department, the Azov Brigade has apparently passed the Leahy Amendment review. This move comes as no evidence of human rights violations was found during a recent analysis. The Leahy Law forbids military assistance to foreign units with a history of such breaches. This Paramilitary force, with right-wing and nationalist roots, is currently a part of the Ukrainian National Guard and was formed in 2014 to combat pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

In a recent incident, a Russian destroyer, "Admiral Levchenko," caught fire in the Barents Sea. The Ukrainian Navy reported this, but independent verification is still pending. The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, shares updates on Facebook, suggesting an overheated engine to be the cause of the fire. This ship has several hundred crew members and was commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988. Its engines were built in Ukrainian Mykolajiw and are the only ones that can be maintained there. "This happens when the Russian state is sanctioned by Ukraine," writes Pletenchuk.

The German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, is teaming up with Ukraine to open their first joint tank repair workshop and production site. Currently, Ukrainian specialists will be working at the site while Rheinmetall representatives oversee the technical supervision. This cooperation is expected to enhance the efficiency of Ukraine's army. The new joint service center will enable speedy repair and maintenance of German equipment in Ukraine, playing a crucial role in bettering the armed forces.

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is in Berlin, attending a reconstruction conference for his country. During his visit, he aims to discuss further defense aid, the expansion of Ukrainian air defense systems, and joint arms production with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Additionally, Zelensky will give a speech in the German parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson revealed that an Austrian journalist was expelled and instructed to leave the country. This comes as a reaction to the revocation of a permanent Russian Tass correspondent's accreditation in Austria. The Russian ministry expressed concern over this decision, but no further details have been provided by the Austrian authorities.

In a step to curb the smuggling of migrants across the Polish-Belarusian border, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's cabinet has decided to establish a 200-meter-deep buffer zone along the border. This is intended to make illegal smuggling more difficult and improve conditions for border guards, the army, and the police. Poland has a 400-kilometer-long border with Belarus, and the EU accuses Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, of using migrants to pressure the West by smuggling them to the EU's external border.

Martin Wansleben, DIHK's Managing Director, supports the expansion of security mechanisms for Ukraine's reconstruction, citing the importance of investment guarantees and reinsurance to offset high risk and cost assessments. These measures would help facilitate financing, and the German economy plans to continue its cooperation, with more than 40 projects receiving German investment guarantees in 2022 and 2023.

In an unrelated incident, 32 men fled from Ukraine to Hungary using a truck along the green border, showing a continued migration effort across the region.

In western Ukraine, 32 Ukrainian citizens have managed to cross the border into Hungary, reports the Ukrainian authorities. As stated by spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guards, Andrij Demtschenko to the news site Ukrajinska Prawda, this was confirmed by the neighboring country after they found a vehicle and took 32 Ukrainian citizens into custody. The only individuals allowed to leave are men between the ages of 18 and 60, except for a few exceptions. Many Ukrainians are therefore attempting to escape to neighboring EU states or Moldova. The bodies of fleeing males have been found in the Tissa (Theiss) river and in the Carpathians.

20:09: Germany and EU boost funds for Ukraine aid fund

Germany and the EU intend to raise funding for a project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) devoted to assisting Ukraine during the international reconstruction conference in Berlin. The spokesperson for the German Foreign Office states that Germany will raise its aid from 27 million euros to 39 million euros, while the EU Commission will increase its support from 38 million euros to 54 million euros. This project falls under the Stabilization Platform of the Foreign Office. Its objective is to give direct aid to improve the capacities of state and civil society actors in the areas most impacted by the war.

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