Berlin Conference to Present Potential for Ukraine

2:05 pm Berlin conference offers prospects for Ukraine

Next week, Germany is set to present a long-term plan for military aid during the Ukraine reconstruction conference. According to a top government employee, this will focus on opportunities for civil society, the economy, local governments, and regions. Additionally, the event will tackle reforms and job creation. The conference, which is taking place in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday, will see attendees including Chancellor Scholz, various federal ministers and ministers, and a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation. They're not aiming to raise funds, but rather to network.

In other news, the Russian-occupied Kherson region's administration claims that Ukrainian shelling has resulted in the death of 22 people in a village store filled with civilians. However, independent verification of the incident is not possible. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed administrator for the region, accused Western weapons deliveries to Ukraine of enabling the "despicable murder of civilians."

French President Macron has called for the initiation of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine "by the end of the month". During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Paris, Macron expressed his continuous support for Ukraine at the European level, stating that negotiations are very close to starting. Zelensky echoed this sentiment, mentioning decisions regarding Ukraine's integration into the EU are almost finalized. Hungary, who will be taking over the EU Council presidency in July, is preventing these negotiations from happening.

Support for Ukrainian President Zelensky has reached a record low, with approval ratings falling below 60%. This is a huge drop from the 90% support he had in May 2022, just after the start of the Russian attack war. Since then, his approval has been on a downward spiral. His term initially ended in May but, under martial law, Zelensky remained president. There are no plans for elections at the moment, as 20% of the country is under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians have had to flee abroad.

The US government has no intention of participating in Macron's initiative to send military trainers to Ukraine. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby confirmed this during a visit by US President Joe Biden to France. Although Biden has showed respect for Macron's stance, he's maintained his refusal to send American soldiers to Ukraine since the war began.

France is moving forward with training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics for the promised Mirage combat aircraft, to begin in France in the near future. Alongside this, Macron announced further deliveries of Scalp cruise missiles and a fund of over 200 million euros, aimed at supporting the Ukrainian economy. This fund will be specifically targeted toward companies investing in Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

The German-French tank manufacturer KNDS is proceeding with its plans to establish a plant in Ukraine for the production of weapons and ammunition. CEO Philippe Petitcollin signed an agreement in Paris in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. KNDS will soon produce grenades and spare parts for Caesar artillery.

Russian President Putin clarified that his country has no intention of initiating a nuclear strike. In a speech at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin stated that they only use nuclear weapons in extreme situations and that currently, there is no need for such action. However, he mentioned that the Russian nuclear doctrine is a "living instrument" that can be adapted to new circumstances. In the ongoing offensive war against Ukraine, Russia has often referenced its nuclear potential as a means of deterring Western support for Ukraine.

Emmanuel Macron, the French President, calls for the prompt formation of a coalition of Western military advisors to assist in Ukraine. "To be effective, we want a coalition," he says, "with several partners who have already agreed to join." Macron stated that Ukraine has expressed a desire for the presence of these advisors, adding that "it's more efficient and practical to train in Ukraine." Macron stressed that this deployment doesn't signify an escalation; rather, it's about acknowledging Ukraine's sovereignty over its territory.

French anti-terror authorities are investigating a Russian-Ukrainian male suspected of planning an attack. The man, aged 26, arrived in France a few days ago, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. At a hotel near the Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, he reportedly injured himself severely while making explosives on Monday night. He is reportedly from the Donbass region and became a Russian citizen a few years ago. The individual was allegedly involved in pro-Russian activities and had served in the Russian army for two years. Some sources have suggested that the man could be a Russian spy who was interested in French military material meant for Ukraine.

The US government is considering adopting a more "competitive" nuclear weapons strategy due to the uncooperative behavior of countries like Russia and North Korea. "Without a change in course by Russia, China, and North Korea, the United States will have to adapt its position and capabilities to ensure its ability to deter and accomplish other objectives in the future," states Pranay Vaddi from the National Security Council.

Sweden announced its plan to take part in NATO's air policing missions, just months after joining the military alliance. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made the announcement after a meeting with NATO's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, at a military base near Stockholm. He emphasized Sweden's commitment to becoming an active NATO member.

A French political expert in Russia, Laurent Vinatier, has been placed in pre-trial detention following his recent arrest in Moscow by the Russian authorities. They have accused him of collecting military information without registering as a "foreign agent." Under Russia's so-called "foreign agents" law, those engaging in criticism or monitoring are targeted. Vinatier, who works for the Swiss non-governmental organization Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, may face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Ukraine is experiencing significant issues with its power supply, as Russia has been attacking its energy infrastructure for months. Ukrenergo, the state power supplier, has announced that power consumption restrictions are in effect in all regions of the country. These restrictions are intended to maintain the operations of key infrastructure facilities and businesses. Kiev city officials report that the available power supply will cover only 75% of the city's power consumption. In some regions, electricity was cut off for three hours yesterday evening.

Following France's announcement of plans to provide fighter jets to Ukraine, the Kremlin expressed criticism. "We consider these statements to be very, very provocative," says Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Peskov. "President Macron is demonstrating absolute support for the Kiev regime and declaring France's readiness for direct involvement in the armed conflict." Macron, in a television interview, had said that several Mirage fighter jets would be sent to Ukraine. He also hinted at the possibility of sending military trainers to the country, but refused to answer when asked directly if it would happen.

At the meeting of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin threatened to supply weapons to Western enemies should the West provide Ukraine with weapons. "If they send weapons to the battlefield and urge them to use these weapons against our territory, why shouldn't we have the right to do the same?" Putin asked. The Russian leader did not specify which countries or actors would be affected by this implication. However, he confirmed that, at present, Moscow is not supplying weapons to countries hostile to the West.

5:32 PM Berlin: Russia's asset usage unclear at G7 meeting

Germany anticipates progress at the imminent G7 conference of major Western industrialized nations in Italy regarding the utilization of frozen Russian funds for Ukraine assistance. However, no definitive decision is anticipated. A German government representative predicts a discussion on channeling a single-digit billion amount of interest on frozen Russian assets into a double-digit billion for Ukraine. The G7 finance ministers have already agreed to this. However, EU members within the G7, such as Germany, France, and Italy, must further agree within the EU. "I predict no final resolution," he explains.

2:31 PM Zelensky thanks France for "high-quality fighter jets"

The Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude for France's announcement of delivering Mirage combat aircraft to counter the Russian military offensive. "Your combat aircraft, your high-quality fighter jets, will be piloted by Ukrainian aviators, demonstrating that Europe is stronger, that Europe is stronger than the Evil who dared to threaten it," Zelensky said in Paris's French parliament. On the previous evening, French President Macron had declared the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft to Ukraine. These jets can potentially be used for French-British cruise missiles like Scalp/Storm Shadow deployment.

2:06 PM Luhansk governor disputes Moscow: Attack targeted military locations

A large-scale Ukrainian military operation in the Russian-controlled city of Luhansk was reported. The Ukrainian governor of the Luhansk region, Artem Lyssohor, maintains that the shelling focused on army barracks, ammunition depots, and a fuel depot on the grounds of a former military airfield in the city's east. Verification of Russian claims about civilian deaths (at least three) and injuries (over 30) has not been possible. The Ukrainian governor alleges that civilian casualties occurred due to Russian air defense systems being deployed above Luhansk. The Russian military alleges that 4 of 5 rockets were intercepted, but this has not been independently verified. Moscow claims Ukraine deliberately targeted civilian areas in Luhansk.

1:45 PM Putin: Share of transactions in "harmful" currencies has been reduced

Russian President Putin seeks to make Russia less dependent on the West. Russia should reduce imports, frequently use non-Western currencies in trade, and significantly develop domestic financial markets, according to Putin, who spoke at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. Some 40% of Russian foreign trade is currently settled in rubles. On the other hand, payments in dollars, euros, and other Western currencies are decreasing. Russia will attempt to increase the share of transactions conducted in BRICS currencies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. "Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so-called 'harmful' currencies of hostile countries has been halved," Putin noted, referring to predominantly Western countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia for its offensive war in Ukraine. More details here.

1:15 PM Russians claim capture of another village

The Russian military has announced the capture of yet another village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. "In the past week, units of the southern military group have improved their positions and liberated the settlement of Paraskoviivka," the Russian Ministry of Defense said from Moscow. Paraskoviivka, about 25 kilometers west of Donetsk, was taken by Moscow in 2022. Since months of dormancy, Russian troops have reported numerous settlement captures this year.

1:03 PM Stoltenberg affirms Ukraine's right to target Russian military targets

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg asserts, under international law, that Ukraine could attack Russian military targets for self-defense purposes. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense." This encompasses strikes on genuine military targets on Russian soil.

12:45 PM Paris Meeting: Biden guarantees Zelensky a billion-dollar military aid package

US President Biden announces a new $225 million (€207 million) military aid package for Ukraine. He informs Zelensky of this personally during a Paris meeting. Both men are now in France for multi-day visits. According to the US Department of Defense, this package includes rockets for Stinger anti-aircraft systems, ammunition for the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher, and artillery rounds with diameters of 155 and 105 millimeters. Concerned with bolstering Ukrainian air defense and providing the nation with ammunition since a long interruption, the US is stepping up efforts.

14:58 Moscow claims Kiev launched air attack on Luhansk; casualties reported

The Russian government accuses Ukraine of conducting an aerial assault on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that four people were killed and over 40 others injured, including four children. Leonid Pasetschnik, the Russian-appointed leader of the region, alleges that "Ukrainian nationalists" conducted a "large-scale rocket attack" on Luhansk earlier that day. The Russian Defense Ministry later confirms that the Ukrainians launched "five ATACMS rockets from US production directly at residential areas of the city." Officials report that four out of the five rockets were intercepted, while the remaining projectile struck two residential buildings. Read more about the situation here.

14:24 Shortage of soldiers for NATO plans: Bundeswehr needs 75,000 more troops, according to confidential documents

Spiegel magazine reports that classified documents from Germany's Ministry of Defense suggest that the country's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, will require an extra 75,000 soldiers to fulfill revised NATO plans. This comes after the alliance's decision at last year's summit in Vilnius, outlining how its members would respond in case of a Russian attack. Following this plan, specific requirements for troops, weaponry, and equipment were calculated by NATO and its member states. Despite the claims, no immediate response was available from the Federal Ministry of Defense. The current strength of the Bundeswehr includes around 180,000 active soldiers and 80,000 civilian employees. Find out more here.

13:50 Ukraine satisfies all prerequisites for EU accession negotiations, says EU Commission

Macron (r.) and his Ukrainian counterpart Selenskyj at the joint press conference in Paris.

The European Union Commission claims that Ukraine and Moldova have met all the necessary conditions for discussions on joining the European Union, according to sources. Representatives of the EU's member states received this news verbally in Brussels. The countries reportedly addressed all the outstanding issues in March, so both Ukraine and Moldova now meet the requirements, according to diplomats. For Ukraine, this dealt with measures to protect national minorities and limit the political influence of oligarchs. Earlier in May, German officials declared that Ukraine had fulfilled all conditions necessary for the commencement of EU accession negotiations. Read more about it here.

13:20 Biden apologizes to Zelenskyy for months-long hold-up in US arms deliveries

In Paris, US President Joe Biden offers a regrettable apology to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the long delay in the delivery of US-supplied arms to Ukraine. Biden expressed regret for the weeks of uncertainties and delays in providing further support. The US president attributes this issue to conservative members of Congress who had previously blocked a bill pertaining to financial aid for Kiev. He assures Zelenskyy that the US intends to offer continued support to Ukraine and acknowledges the country's importance in withstanding Russian aggression. Read more here.

12:50 Russia claims US responsible for killing women and children with supplied arms

For the first time, Russia blames the US for the killing of women and children in Russia due to arms deliveries to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, states that Ukraine used weaponry provided by US in the past week for strikes in the border region of Belgorod. She alleges the US government's statements as a tacit admission of complicity in the "massacre of children and women in the Belgorod region." Zakharova also mentions the evidence of rocket fragments, claiming they will prove the US' role in the assault. This accusation stems from Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning that the West is fueling the conflict by supplying Ukraine with weapons and risking a global conflict.

12:11 Western weapons used against military targets in Russia have led to significant advantages, claims security expert

Russian shelling of Kharkiv has been slowed down after the decision permitting Ukraine to fire Western-supplied weapons on Russian soil. Security expert Christian Mölling points out that with Ukraine's ability to defend Kiev and push back Russian forces, the US and its allies have shown that they are taking a more active stance against Moscow. The research director of the German Council for Foreign Relations adds that if one were to halt such aid, "there would still be areas where one could not control highway routes, and entire regions would be military safe havens for the aggressor." Mölling argues that the basic principle of allowing military targets to be attacked is the responsibility for any potential loss of life and property, as not doing so risks allowing "safe havens for the aggressor." Listen to Mölling's analysis on the situation here.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautions against the escalation of Russia's war of aggression. Comparing Putin's actions to Hitler's in the 1930s, Zelensky expressed his concerns to the French National Assembly. He highlighted the spreading aggression in the Baltic states, Poland, and the Balkans and predicted that the Russian leadership would somehow destabilize Europe. Putin is employing the weapons of the past, including sea blockades and the abduction of children to re-educate them. Additionally, the Russian president is blackmailing the world to instill fear.

Meanwhile, a US soldier named Gordon Black is on trial in Russia. The 34-year-old had traveled to the city of Vladivostok to visit his partner. He was arrested after she accused him of stealing from her. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. This incident has added more tension to the already strained relations between the US and Russia. Currently, Russia is detaining several Americans, including Paul Whelan, who is being held on espionage charges and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The US claims both men are being illegally held.

As Russia occupies Ukrainian territories, it could soon consolidate them into a new federal district. The deployment of more warships to Cuba could indicate something about this. According to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz, these actions signify that Russia wants to portray America as the real enemy in the war.

Russia has accused Ukraine of downing US rockets on Russian civilians in the Belgorod region, leading to the death of women and children. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, claims evidence of the events will be Russian rocket fragments.

Ukraine is seeking justice for the Kakhovka dam disaster, which it claims was caused by Russian General Oleg Makarevich. The Ukrainian prosecutor and SBU allege he ordered the dam's destruction, resulting in a humanitarian and ecological disaster in the Kherson region. If arrested and convicted, Makarevich faces a life sentence.

In the ongoing conflict, Ukrainians have reportedly shot down all five rockets fired by Russia. The Ukrainian authorities claim they shot down 48 out of the 53 launched drones, which attacked the regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, South Odessa, and Kherson. However, more air raid sirens have been sounding in many parts of Ukraine, including Odessa, Kiev, and Donetsk.

German historian Heinrich August Winkler warns of the dangers if the country prioritizes the debt brake over international peace and security. He argues that while Germany can't achieve a leading role in Russia-related domestic politics, it must strengthen its military efforts and reconcile financial constraints. He emphasized the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty for European peace and the freedom of European democracies.

Swiss President Viola Amherd anticipates that the June 15/16 Ukraine peace conference her country is hosting will be the starting point for future negotiations. However, as Russia has not been invited to the conference, it's unclear whether it will participate in a potential follow-up gathering. She stressed that a peace deal would require both parties to be present at the table. More than 80 countries have reportedly agreed to attend, including Germany with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

As for Ukraine, many German companies are planning significant investments there despite the ongoing conflict.

Many German corporations in Ukraine are looking to increase their investments in the country, despite the ongoing war. A survey conducted by the German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber (AHK Ukraine) revealed that 43% of these companies want to maintain their commitment to Ukraine, while only 8% plan to disinvest. The survey involved 142 businesses and was carried out by the consulting firm KPMG. The main factors necessary for these businesses to expand their operations are political and economic stability, public funding, and guarantees. About 42% of these companies anticipate an improvement in Ukraine's economic situation within the next year, while 48% predict no change, and 10% fear a decline.

Civil rights groups in Ukraine have filed a report with the International Criminal Court, accusing Russian propagandists of inciting hatred against Ukrainians. Specifically, the International Federation for Human Rights, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group named five Russian propagandists: Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergei Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov, who is the first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration. These individuals have been accused of inciting violence. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed his country to a long-term war economy after more than two years of the attack on Ukraine. At the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Denis Manturov, the first deputy prime minister, announced instructions for the development of the defense sector to produce more weapons and ammunition. During an event focused on defense issues, attendees highlighted Russia's ability to produce weapons and ammunition at a quarter of the cost compared to the West and its ability to increase production at a faster rate. Russia is gearing up for a sustained war economy that could last for a century, says Manturov. The number of companies - both public and private - dedicated to producing weapons and ammunition has skyrocketed in the past two years of conflict. "Today, the military-industrial complex is the engine of the economy," states economist Pyotr Fradkov, chairman of Promsvyazbank, in the face of significant business deals.

NATO members are displeased with Germany's reluctance to designate a new support project for Ukraine as a "NATO mission." German officials argue that calling the project "NATO Mission Ukraine" (NMU) could be misconstrued to mean that the alliance is sending soldiers to Ukraine, prompting concerns of Russian disinformation campaigns. However, proponents of the term "mission" counter that the Kremlin would likely portray the NATO project as an act of aggression and use it for propaganda regardless. The German government's stance is seen as overly considerate of Russia and confounding by the majority of NATO members, as Berlin supports the project in essence.

Ukraine is disappointed by the lack of representation from important states at an upcoming conference in Switzerland, says Russia expert Gerhard Mangott. The conference's absence of countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa is viewed as a blemish, especially since there are already discussions of a follow-up conference before the current one has begun. Furthermore, the anticipated absence of significant attendees like US President Joe Biden is perplexing, according to Mangott. He calls Biden's decision not to participate "really incomprehensible."

Russian attacks on Ukraine include drones launched from the Black Sea and cruise missiles, which have been shot down. An air raid alarm is in place for most of Ukraine, except for the western regions.

The USA is preparing to supply Ukraine with a new military aid package worth approximately $225 million. The anticipated assistance includes ammunition needed to protect the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian attack. The package is expected to include ammunition for the HIMARS system, mortar systems, and a variety of artillery shells. US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris today.

Five o'clock in the morning: Power issues in various sectorsUkrenergo, the Ukrainian power grid operator, has reported power outages in thirteen regions. Affected locations include Lviv and Zakarpattia in the west, the capital Kiev, Kiev region, Odessa in the south, and Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia in the east. The power provider states that in these areas the power consumption has exceeded limits. Important facilities may also be at risk. Following Russian assaults on electricity infrastructure, the total power creation capability of the country has decreased considerably.

Midnight: US denies entry to certain GeorgiansDue to the adoption of a "foreign influence law" in Georgia, the United States has implemented visa restrictions on specific individuals involved in the process. As per the State Department, a few dozen people, including members of the Georgian Dream party, parliamentarians, and members of the security services and their relatives, will no longer be permitted to enter the U.S. Washington had previously announced this measure. Additionally, relations with Georgia will be reassessed. Protesters filled the streets in Georgia for weeks to hinder the implementation of the law. The regulation bears resemblance to the 2012 Russian law against "foreign agents," which allows authorities to clamp down greatly on government-critical media and organizations.

Ten to nine in the evening: Russian governor: Occupied Ukrainian territories may be combined into a federal districtThe Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine could soon form a new federal district, according to reports by the Russian state-owned media RIA Novosti. This information comes from Evgeny Balitsky, a Russian governor active in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia. In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea and invaded the Ukrainian Donbass region. After the start of the full-scale conflict in February 2022, Russia seized additional portions of Ukraine encompassing the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Nine o'clock in the evening: Ukrenergo reduces power supply in Kiev and other regionsUkrenergo, the Ukrainian state-owned energy company, decreases power supply in the Ukrainian capital Kiev and across twelve regions. The company revealed this on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform. According to the post, both private households and commercial establishments in Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and Kiev region are susceptible to the restrictions.

8:47 Zelensky anticipated to address the Bundestag on Tuesday

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is expected to travel to Berlin on Tuesday and also give a speech in the Bundestag, according to information from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. During the upcoming dates of Tuesday and Wednesday, a reconstruction conference for Ukraine is taking place in the capital, which is being organized by the Foreign Office. It was already anticipated that the Ukrainian president might attend this event. This would not be Zelensky's first trip to Berlin since the start of the war, but he would deliver a speech in the Bundestag for the first time personally. A specialized session will have to be organized by parliamentarians for this purpose.

8:36 Macron: France furnishes Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine

France is transferring Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. "These aircraft enable Ukraine to defend its land and airspace," stated French President Emmanuel Macron in a television interview. He also mentioned that the training of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers would be provided.

8:01 Zelensky commemorates the first anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recalls the first anniversary of the dam break in southern Ukraine. "Exactly one year ago, the Russian occupiers demolished the dam and the structures of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Plant." He described the incident as one of the most significant environmental crimes committed by the Russian intruders since their invasion. Thousands of people, according to Zelensky, were impacted by the resulting flood wave. The water supply of hundreds of thousands of individuals was disrupted. "The immediate consequences of this crime were even conspicuous in the neighboring countries of our Black Sea region," stated Zelensky.