22:50 Due to Trump's campaign, NATO aims to synchronize weapon shipments.

22:50 Due to Trump's campaign, NATO is considering coordinating arm shipments.

NATO is set to take over the coordination of arms deliveries to Ukraine, announced NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. This move is thought to be an effort to minimize reliance on US political decisions. The catalyst for this change stems from President Trump's skepticism towards providing aid to Ukraine. While the change in command may have limited impact, it's important to note that the US is the dominant power within NATO and provides most of the weapons for Ukraine.

At 10 pm in Paris, the G7 nations have struck a deal to provide a $50 billion loan to Ukraine by year's end. This loan would be repaid using the interest from frozen Russian assets, according to the French presidency. Interestingly, the idea for this loan originated from the US. However, there's a caveat: if the Russian assets are released or the interest isn't sufficient to finance the loan, other means to alleviate the financial burden may need to be considered.

The Netherlands plans to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer, according to Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren. This transfer will mark the first time a NATO member provides military jets to Ukraine. It's worth noting that Denmark will be the first country to provide the aircraft, with the Netherlands following suit as part of a joint effort. Additionally, the Dutch defense minister mentioned that her country is exploring the possibility of supplying Ukraine with an extra Patriot air defense system.

A report has surfaced, indicating that kidnapped Ukrainian children were offered for adoption on a Russian website. The "Financial Times" revealed that they found four Ukrainian children on a Russian adoption site, with fake identities, Russian names, and altered ages. The kidnapped children, aged between 8 and 15, were separated from their families and guardians in 2022 when numerous cities under Russian control fell. Some of these children are in the Russian regions of Tula and Orenburg, while others are in the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He mentioned during the meeting that preparations were underway for a peace summit in Switzerland, which Zelensky was initially scheduled to attend in early June. However, uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia's participation in the summit arose, as it was reported they wouldn't attend unless Russia was present.

Ukrainian military officials claimed they carried out successful air strikes against Russian air defense systems on the Crimean Peninsula during the previous night. The Ukrainians targeted installations equipped with S-300 and S-400 systems at the Belbek military airport near Sevastopol, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Two radar installations and ammunition depots were destroyed, though no evidence was provided. Moscow-appointed Governor of the port city, Mikhail Razvozhaev, also confirmed these Ukrainian rocket attacks, stating that all targets were destroyed in the air and partly over the sea.

Russia is demanding the release of a Russian woman detained in Denmark on allegations of espionage. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the Russian embassy in Denmark has implored the Danish authorities to immediately release the Russian citizen, who is expected to be provided consular assistance. The Danish authorities have yet to present any evidence of criminal activity. The Danish security service revealed on Tuesday that the Russian woman was arrested due to her suspected involvement with a foreign intelligence service. She is scheduled to be released after questioning.

This declaration signifies progress in negotiations pertaining to the use of frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine, according to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. A decision regarding this matter is expected at the G7 summit in Italy. According to Sullivan, this planned declaration by state and government leaders will set a framework for the use of these assets, but will not specify every detail.

Countries involved in the situation have been making significant military and political decisions. NATO plans to take over arms deliveries to Ukraine, while G7 nations are considering a $50 billion loan to be repaid with interest from frozen Russian assets. The Netherlands is set to send F-16 jets, and Ukraine has reportedly destroyed Russian air defense systems in the Crimean Peninsula. Additionally, Russia is requesting the release of a woman suspected of espionage in Denmark, and the US is optimistic about the prospects of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.

For the past ten years, Germany has not had mandatory military service. Defense Minister Pistorius is aiming to increase the number of reservists and enhance defense capacity with a new strategy. However, military expert Ralph Thiele considers this strategy "not robust or ambitious enough." He thinks that Putin might even be taking advantage of the situation.

3:44 PM: The United States announces a security agreement with Ukraine

U.S. President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky plan to sign a bilateral security agreement between the two countries on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. They have already completed negotiations, which will make Ukraine the 16th country to have such an agreement with the U.S. While Sullivan did not provide details about the contents of the agreement, he emphasized that it does not include any pledge for American forces to be sent to defend Ukraine. "It's a promise that we will ensure Ukraine can defend itself," said Biden's national security adviser.

3:14 PM: At least nine people killed in Kryvyi Rih air strike

At least nine individuals were reported dead and 29 others injured, including five children, following a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, a southern Ukrainian city. Authorities are still searching for those missing. This strike happened in a place where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was born, and he once again urged his allies to provide Ukraine with air defense systems. "Modern air defense systems can offer the best protection to people, cities, and our positions," Zelensky wrote on his official website.

3:02 PM: More than 100 agreements signed at Ukraine reconstruction conference

More than 100 deals were inked at the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Berlin, said Development Minister Svenja Schulze. These included partnerships between companies and governments as well as efforts to improve training. The four "Berlin dimensions" of the reconstruction plan have been defined as economic, human, local, and European. This format is not a donor conference where money is collected, but a way to network instead.

2:51 PM: Russian warships enter the Caribbean

A fleet of Russian vessels has reached the Caribbean. Two ships passed through Havana Bay. It is expected that more Russian ships and support vessels will join the exercises, which could also involve a stop in Venezuela. The United States military estimated that this deployment would last until the summer. Although Russian warships have been frequent visitors to the Caribbean in the past, this time it's happening just weeks after the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use American-provided weapons to defend Kharkiv. In response, the Kremlin hinted at "asymmetric actions" in other areas of the world. Despite this, a U.S. official mentioned that none of the ships onboard had nuclear weapons. They are not a direct threat to the U.S.

2:20 PM: The United States announces new sanctions on Russia

Shortly before the G7 summit in Italy, the United States announced a new sanctions package against Russia. The U.S. government stated that it targets more than 300 individuals and institutions that have helped Russia continue its aggressive war against Ukraine. Chinese companies are also included.

2:05 PM: Rheinmetall strengthens ties with Ukraine

Rheinmetall and Ukraine plan to broaden their strategic partnership. The German DAX company and Ukraine, represented by Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyschin, signed an intention statement during the Berlin Ukraine Reconstruction Conference. Rheinmetall's Board Chairman Armin Papperger noted that they are in discussions to form a joint venture for the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine. Additionally, they plan to give Ukraine its first Lynx infantry fighting vehicles this year and start making them in Ukraine as well.

1:33 PM: Ukraine creates the world's first drone combat unit

Thousands of drones are hovering over the battlefield. With the onset of the war, Ukraine has started using these flying machines to survey enemy territories and attack them. Now Ukraine is creating a dedicated unit that assembles all their drones. This makes Ukraine the first country to have a dedicated drone combat force in the world.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius believes that his new military service plan will lead to 5,000 extra soldiers for the German military each year. He intends to increase this number annually. He calculates that approximately 400,000 young males will turn 18 annually and aims to reach out to this group to fill out a questionnaire regarding their feelings about the German military. He assumes that one-fourth of these individuals might be interested in joining the military. Suitable candidates will undergo a selection process. Although women will also receive the questionnaire, they are not obligated to complete it. According to Pistorius, the German Constitution does not require compulsory military service for women. The choice of candidates will serve a basic military service of six months or may elect for 23 months. The idea also mentions: "We want a model that mainly relies on voluntary service but also includes mandatory components."

Eva Hogl, the German parliament's defense ombudsman and an SPD member, endorses Pistorius' military service model and advocates widespread backing. "This strategy can address the Bundeswehr's staffing issues and significantly enhance our defense capabilities," Hogl comments. "Everyone in society must defend our peace, freedom, and democracy - both militarily and civilly." Hogl previously heard Pistorius' proposal in the German Parliament's Defense Committee. He seeks to reintroduce compulsory military service, which was suspended a decade ago. Additionally, Hogl suggests that young men complete a questionnaire assessing their interest and capacity to serve, followed by conscription selection.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is supporting scientific and research in Ukraine with a €24 million investment over four years, as announced by Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger at a Berlin conference on Ukraine's reconstruction. "To rebuild, we need top-notch and networked scientists and researchers, as well as an educational perspective for young people," states the FDP politician. The ministry will fund initiatives, including joint research groups formed by Germans and Ukrainians in subjects such as German-Ukrainian and European 20th-century history, antibiotic exploration, and quantum research.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un commends the relationship with Russia as a "weapons brotherhood." According to Pyongyang's official statement, the "friendly and cooperative connection has turned into an unbreakable bond" following their September meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the summit, both countries considerably increased their military and economic cooperation. The US, South Korea, and their affiliates anticipate that North Korea has given Russia weapons like artillery, rockets, and other conventional armaments to support the invasion of Ukraine. In return, North Korea gained access to highly advanced military technology and monetary aid. Meanwhile, Japanese broadcaster NHK claims, based on diplomatic sources, that Putin is anticipated to travel to North Korea in the following week since Russia requires more weapons for its invasion.

On the second day of the international reconstruction conference in Berlin, Germany and Ukraine, along with twelve other nations and seventeen aid organizations and banks, collaborated to form an alliance for small and medium-sized enterprises. These entities are the lifeblood of Ukraine's economy, as they account for two-thirds of value generation and supply over 80% of employment in the nation. The objective of the alliance is to "reach out to these enterprises during wartime and assist in their reconstruction," it says. Founding members are expected to provide financial investments, political advice, or capacity-building programs. The combined commitments for the alliance total more than seven billion euros for existing and new initiatives.

Germany urges Ukraine's partner countries to support the country's reconstruction through the expansion of city partnerships. "Let's collaborate to ensure that every Ukrainian metropolis has at least one international partner," Development Minister Svenja Schulze stated in a forum with numerous German and Ukrainian mayors at the international reconstruction conference in Berlin for Ukraine. Schulze plans to assess the alliance's progress at the following conference in a year in Rome. According to Schulze, there is a vast German-Ukrainian municipal partnership network with over 200 partnerships.

12:55 Medvedev proclaims Ukraine as part of Russia using a mapFormer leader Medvedev, appearing on a Telegram blog, indicates that the whole of Ukraine right up to the borders with Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary is Russian territory using a map. His statements come as part of Russia's national holiday celebrations. Previously, Russian responses to subjugating Ukraine have been unclear and inconsistent. Further details here.

12:23 Rheinmetall producing Lynx combat vehicles in UkraineMilitary contractor Rheinmetall is reportedly manufacturing Lynx infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine. During the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Berlin, representatives from both countries have agreed on the production's commencement this year. Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Olexander Kamyshin spoke to 'Handelsblatt', confirming the start of production. The level of further production is uncertain.

11:58 Protecting troops with caged vehicles during Ukraine warAs the use of drones increases in the Ukraine war, Russian soldiers are arming their motorcycles and buggies with cages for protection. Military analyst Ralph Thiele considers the measure questionable.

11:35 Hungary to partake in NATO-Ukraine plan, but not financially or physicallyHungary won't join NATO's planned support for Ukraine, but will also not hinder it. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg shared these details after meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary will not contribute either financially or individually to the NATO plan.

11:05 Hungarian journalist Trubetskoy counters AfD boycott of Zelensky's speech as "nonsense"Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy is unconvinced with the AfD's justification for their boycott of Zelensky's speech in the German parliament.

09:42 Uniper owed €13 billion in possible compensation from GazpromFollowing the gas crisis, Uniper found itself on the brink of insolvency and being nationalized. Russia's Gazprom has now claimed compensation for the missed gas volumes. Uniper announced significant contract termination. However, there appears to be little chance of Gazprom actually paying the compensation.

09:06 Should conscription be reintroduced? Discuss.The topic of conscription is a hotly debated subject. Your thoughts? Should conscription be reintroduced?

08:47 Russia announces extensive military exercise in the AtlanticRussia's Permanent Representative to NATO Nikolai Korchaykin reveals that Russia will soon begin a large-scale military exercise in the Atlantic. Moscow's reaction to Zelensky's Berlin trip will also be discussed by Russia correspondent Rainer Munz.

08:33 Marcus Faber steps into Strack-Zimmermann's role as Defense Committee chairmanFDP politician Marcus Faber is the new chairman of the Bundestag's Defense Committee following an election of 38 committee members. He succeeds fellow party member Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who is leaving the Bundestag to join the European Parliament. Faber, a Saxon-Anhalt native, has joined the German Parliament in 2017 and has worked in the Bundestag's Defense Committee since 2018. He frequently advocates for supporting Ukraine and even endorses the German Taurus missile systems - which Scholz vehemently opposes.

The Left Party's co-chair, Amira Mohamed Ali, voices criticism against the reintroduction of conscription. In a ntv interview, she states, "I find it wrong to reintroduce conscription." The German parliamentarian disagrees with any discussions regarding conscription and military readiness, viewing both as war propaganda aimed at preparing the nation for large-scale conflict. She reiterates, "We must do everything to prevent that." However, she acknowledges the Bundeswehr's challenges, stating, "It's clear: The Bundeswehr has a problem. It cannot currently fulfill its constitutional mandate of defending the country." To address this issue, Mohamed Ali suggests improving the armed forces' equipment and reorganizing the procurement process. "For years, billions have been poured into the military budget. Money has been disappearing into channels for consulting firms or ineffective equipment."

09:09 Increased pressure on foreign organizations in Russia

The Kremlin is increasing its pressure on foreign organizations in Russia. On Tuesday, the Duma held the first reading of a bill allowing the Russian government to designate any foreign or international organization as "undesirable." Additionally, another bill was introduced with criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals involved in "undesirable" organizations. The Institute for the Study of War interprets this move as "an expansion of the Kremlin's discretion in combating and censoring a broad spectrum of foreign organizations operating in Russia."

08:40 Kiev seeks Russian participation in second Ukraine peace conference

Kiev is hoping that Russia will attend a second peace conference on Ukraine. During a video link from Berlin prior to the first summit in Switzerland, the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andrij Jermak, stated, "We'll work with all colleagues, with all countries interested in participating," referring to a "common plan" with "support from all responsible countries." Jermak envisions "representatives from every continent, so we're looking for the possibility of inviting a representative of Russia to the second summit and presenting this common plan together."

08:11 Moscow's air defense reportedly weakened by sabotage act

It's reported that a Russian satellite communications station in the Moscow region has been sabotaged. Pro-Ukrainian Aesh partisans claimed responsibility for the attack on a R-441 Livnen commuications satellite and uploaded a video on Telegram of an "Aesh agent" pouring a flammable liquid on the site. The partisans claim that the sabotage act weakened Moscow's entire air defense system.

07:40 Pistorius praises Rheinmetall's Borussia Dortmund sponsorship

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sees no issue with Rheinmetall advertising at Borussia Dortmund, stating, "Rheinmetall advertises at Borussia Dortmund, and that's okay with me." He believes "arms manufacturers are necessary"](https://www.focrussia.com/world/2023/03/18/162655/) as they "produce weapons that a country needs to deter aggressors or defend itself in case of an emergency," while also paying taxes and creating jobs. The minister also believes their presence shows "the arrival of the Zeitgeist," with "some still having issues with that idea."

07:34 Pistorius pushes for reinstatement of conscription system

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to reinstate the conscription of conscripts, which was suspended 13 years ago. He aims to have young men provide information about their willingness and ability to serve in a questionnaire and report for conscription if selected.

07:11 Kiev allegedly experiences multiple attacks

The Ukrainian capital Kiev witnessed numerous explosions in the morning, seemingly from Kiev's air defense against anti-aircraft attacks. Media reports suggest at least 24 Russian drones, cruise missiles, and a hypersonic Kinschal (Dagger) missile were fired at targets in Kiev. The city's military administration only confirmed the use of the air defense. The OSINTdefender platform hints at multiple Russian rockets hitting their targets, including an industrial plant and a warehouse, a gas station, and an oil depot.

Bolivia is seeking aid from Russia to help address its fuel shortage. President Luis Arce made this announcement after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Arce also met with representatives from the Russian oil company Rosneft, but did not disclose any details about the agreement. Facing rising demand for fuel, Bolivia's own production has declined in recent years. Bolivia and Russia maintain close relationships with each other; Bolivia has not enforced any sanctions against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine and has not openly criticized the attack.

In response to the crisis in Ukraine, former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel advises a tougher stance against Russia. This includes the possibility of deploying German soldiers. "I never thought I would have to say this: But we will have to bring down Russia again just like we did during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Putin must realize how serious we are," Gabriel told the "Stern" newspaper. He suggests raising the prospect of deploying German missile defense systems with Bundeswehr support to create no-fly zones in Ukraine for civilian protection.

Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains Nikolai Patrushev's role in the Security Council despite a significant government overhaul. Patrushev, a longtime confidant of Putin, was demoted from his position as head of the country to an advisor on shipbuilding in May. He now retains his seat as a permanent member of the council, alongside the new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Security Council, chaired by Putin, is an advisory body for Russian national security policy. It doesn't hold authority over Russian security services or ministries.

In a call for action, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg encourages alliance countries to dedicate annual financial support to help Ukraine's military. Specifically, he urges them to commit $40 billion annually. "[This] is a lot of money," Stoltenberg stated, "but it's a big country with a lot of needs. And it would be a lot easier to shoulder the burden within NATO."

According to the "New York Times", the United States is planning to provide Ukraine with another Patriot missile defense system. This could supplement the existing system, offering more protection against Russian aerial assaults. However, there has been no confirmation from the White House regarding this possible decision. But the second Patriot missile system is currently in Poland, which could be deployed to the Ukraine front in the coming days.

Ukrainian authorities report that the situation in Kharkiv has improved since in early September when they were given permission to use US weapons in their defense. "This has helped," the Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, stated in an interview with Reuters. In early September, Ukraine had received permission to deploy US-provided weapons on Russian territory. Since then, Kharkiv has experienced more peace than during the earlier months.

NATO critics advocate for welcoming more Russian political figures and experts, suggesting that such a move would weaken the Kremlin economically and militarily. A study on Russian exiles presented in Paris revealed that 80% of the 3,200 interviewees left Russia after 2014, the year of the Crimea annexation. Nearly half of this 80% emigrated following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022. The study highlighted that emigrants were largely well-educated and embraced Western values, making a campaign for "economic immigration" from Russia a viable option. Through this exodus of professionals and their resources, the Kremlin could be weakened.

22:16: Russia Claims Capture of Two More Towns in Eastern Ukraine**Russian troops have allegedly seized control of two additional towns in eastern Ukraine, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The first town is Timkowka, situated near Kupyansk in Kharkiv's northeastern region, while the second is Miasoschariwka in the northern part of Luhansk's eastern region.

21:56: Latvia Urges Unity among NATO Eastern Flank Members on Ukraine Support**Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics is pushing for a unified stance among NATO Eastern Flank nations in assisting Ukraine. He states, "The most crucial matter is that we have a unified strategy for the NATO summit in Washington." Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has opted out of attending the Riga summit of the nine Eastern European NATO states. Additionally, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has withdrawn from the event at the last minute, as noted by the Lithuanian president's office. Hungary has declined to provide military assistance to Ukraine, while Slovakia has halted its aid after the election of Prime Minister Robert Fico last year.

21:25: Scholz "Surprised but not Shocked" by AfD and BSW Boycott**German Chancellor Scholz deplores the absence of AfD and BSW during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Bundestag speech. The government spokesperson remarks that this behavior is "disrespectful" to ARD's capital studio. Scholz expresses being "very surprised but not shocked" by their decision to boycott the address. The majority of AfD faction members and the entire BSW group skipped Zelensky's speech.

20:47: Estonia Delivers Mistral Missile Systems to Ukraine**Estonia intends to provide further support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur discloses plans to supply Ukraine with rockets and launchers of the short-range air defense system Mistral. "Ukraine needs immediate air defense capabilities to combat the unrelenting Russian assault, and it's vitally important for Estonia to contribute alongside its allies," Pevkur remarks. He does not disclose the specifics of the weapons provision. "We have assembled the aid package so that Ukraine benefits most without affecting the Estonian armed forces' readiness," Pevkur concludes.

20:11: US Lifts Embargo on Ukrainian Azov Brigade**The United States has removed its arms embargo on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. The military unit expresses gratitude and anticipation for receiving military aid from the United States on Telegram. The U.S. State Department shares that it conducted a "thorough review" and discovered no instances of human rights abuses. During the early stages of the Donbass conflict in 2014, the brigade's members were notorious for employing neo-Nazi insignia like the Wolfsangel. Among the founders of this volunteer battalion were notorious right-wing extremist Andriy Biletsky. However, the United States now maintains the current brigade, which has been part of the Ukrainian National Guard for some time, is distinct from the militia from the early days.