Pistorius Pledges Additional Arms for Ukraine at 7:00 PM

7:00 PM Pistorius vows to provide additional firearms to Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Pistorius announces plans to supply Ukraine with more handguns and sniper rifles, as well as assistance in anti-tank weapons, artillery ammunition components, drones, and anti-drone defenses. This was revealed during a joint visit with Ukrainian President Zelensky at a military training ground in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (referred to in live ticker at 17:29). An additional 100 Patriot missiles will also be provided as part of a joint German, Danish, Dutch, and Norwegian initiative, with 32 already having been delivered and 68 to follow shortly.

The Ukraine can expect significant support at the G7 summit regarding its defense against the Russian invasion, with a potential loan of $50 billion (around €47 billion) agreed upon using interest from frozen Russian state assets, as reported by a senior EU official. The loan is intended to help Ukraine bolster its defense and reconstruct damaged infrastructure. The official added that any potential budget shortfalls in the Ukrainian state could also be addressed through the initiative.

Italy is also planning to provide Ukraine with additional military aid, including air defense, as stated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. Additionally, Italy will provide the Ukraine with €140 million worth of civilian aid, directed toward infrastructure, health, and energy sectors.

During a visit to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Zelensky and Pistorius observed the training of Ukrainian soldiers on the Patriot air defense system. The two leaders appreciated the German military's support, with Pistorius calling this a significant signal to signify Germany's solidarity with Ukraine. Zelensky added that at least seven more Patriot systems are required to protect Ukrainian cities and agglomerations effectively, noting, "Air defense is the answer to everything."

Union faction leader Friedrich Merz criticized the absence of the Left-Green Alliance (BSW) and most AfD MPs during Zelensky's Bundestag speech, saying, "This is a real low point in the culture of our parliament." Only four out of 77 AfD MPs and none of the 10 BSW MPs attended Zelensky's speech.

Russia and Belarus conducted atomic weapons exercises, as per a statement from Russia's Defense Ministry. While Russian forces continued to target Ukrainian power plants and infrastructure, Munz, an ntv correspondent, assured that there was no real threat from these exercises.

Russia announced exercises involving highly precise long-range weapons in the Atlantic, with the nuclear-powered submarine "Kasan" and the frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" practicing targeting targets from over 600 kilometers away, as mentioned in a Russian Defense Ministry statement.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern over the growing strength of pro-Russian populists in Europe, particularly in light of the recent European elections, stating, "Radical pro-Russian rhetoric is dangerous for your countries." During the German European elections, pro-Russian populism gained ground with the AfD and the Wagenknecht Party BSW.

During his speech, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern over the increasing strength and influence of pro-Russian populists in Europe. "Radical pro-Russian rhetoric is dangerous for your countries," he warned the Europeans. This sentiment was rooted in the escalating aggressive behavior displayed by Russia.

The German AfD faction in the Bundestag criticizes the speech of Ukrainian President Zelensky during the plenary session. Leaders of the faction, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, express their disapproval by stating, "We have no interest in listening to a speaker in disguise." They argue that Zelensky's leadership has come to an end, calling him "a war and beggar president." Instead, they believe Ukraine requires "a negotiating peace president." The AfD board has opted to boycott Zelensky's address in the Bundestag. Although the plenary session followed suit, four AfD MPs remained present for Zelensky's speech.

In their statement, Weidel and Chrupalla echo the claims of Russian President Putin, who alleges that Zelensky's term is over. However, the truth behind these allegations and the motives behind this disinformation campaign can be explored here:

15:00 - Zelensky defiant in Bundestag address: "The time for compromises is over"

During his speech in the Bundestag, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for determination in the battle against Putin's Russia. "Ever since Putin resorted to murder instead of deals, the time for compromises has ended," says the leader of Ukraine. He highlights the devastation wrought by Russia, whose actions have led to "hundreds of cemeteries." Russia, according to Zelensky, is used to subjugating others. "Russia destroyed Grozny and Aleppo, divided Moldova, and forced Belarus to submit," he says. Continuing, Zelensky mentions how Putin's opponents have been the target of murder attacks in Western Europe. The president emphasizes the importance of denying Putin's agenda.

14:53 - Zelensky expresses gratitude for Germany's support

In his Bundestag speech, Zelensky expresses gratitude to Germany for its support of Ukraine after the Russian invasion. He states that this conflict is of utmost significance to all of Europe, as Ukraine fights for its future in the interest of the continent.

14:44 - Bas conveys Germany's support for Ukraine

Prior to Zelensky's speech in the Bundestag, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas made clear Germany's commitment to Ukraine. "Ukraine's future lies within the EU and NATO," said Bas.

14:33 - Scholz dismisses idea of training Ukrainian soldiers in Ukraine

Chancellor Scholz rules out training Ukrainian soldiers by German trainers on Ukrainian soil. He confirmed their ongoing training in Germany and stated that this policy would continue.

14:17 - Gressel: "Kharkiv counteroffensive was a Russian failure"

Ukraine has declared Russia's advance on Kharkiv a failure. While it's unclear whether or not this was the actual Russian plan, security expert Gustav Gressel notes that Ukraine managed to inflict a blow inside Russia, making this a challenging situation for Moscow.

14:01 - German MPs encouraged to boycott Zelensky's speech

Following the unanimous boycott of the Left Alliance (BSW) against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address in the Bundestag this afternoon, the AfD faction recommended that its members avoid attending the speech. However, the decision is ultimately up to the MPs themselves to decide if they will attend or not.

13:48 - Refugees from Ukraine should continue to benefit from EU temporary protection

The EU Commission proposes extending the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026. Given the ongoing Russian attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, conditions for a safe return to Ukraine are not yet present. Therefore, the reasons for temporary protection still remain in place. The number of registered Ukrainian refugees in EU countries totals 4.2 million, with the highest concentration in Germany at around 1.3 million. The countries with the most Ukrainian refugees per 1,000 inhabitants include the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Poland, which house around 32 refugees each.

13:29 - Russia and Iran maintain commitment to cooperation agreements

Moscow plans to strengthen its relationship with Iran, says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Despite rumors of potential delays, Peskov expresses Russia's unwavering support for its ally. This is further corroborated by Iran's ambassador to Moscow, Kasem Jalali, who denies any problems with the cooperation agreements.

13:15 - Germany to aid Ukraine in post-reconstruction funding

Germany will provide Ukraine with advice on post-reconstruction financing, according to a report. Although an official statement has not been made, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is expected to raise the matter with her Ukrainian counterpart in the coming weeks. The German government's support is crucial to Ukraine's reconstruction plans.

Germany and Ukraine's finance ministers have agreed to a statement expressing a desire to help Ukraine during its post-reconstruction phase. The Ukrainian finance ministry will receive advice on supervisory and control capabilities in funding the rebuild. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner shared, "We want to contribute now to ensure that Ukraine can lay the groundwork for future growth with the reconstruction." This move will likely support private businesses in Ukraine and spur investment opportunities.

Von der Leyen Supports EU Accession Talks with Ukraine by End of June

The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her support for starting EU accession talks with Ukraine by the end of June. Von der Leyen believes Ukraine has reached all agreed-upon reforms, as discussed during Berlin's international reconstruction conference for Ukraine. "That's why we believe the European Union should begin accession negotiations with Ukraine, and that should start at the end of the month." Since Ukraine already holds the status of an EU membership candidate, the plan had been approved at a December summit, but no start date has been set since. Hungary has raised certain demands as a hurdle.

Ukraine Requires $10-$30 Billion Annually until Reconstruction Completion

Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal shared that annual investments of $10-$30 billion would be required over the next decade to restore the economy. He emphasized the necessity of enhanced logistics and access to international markets to foster economic growth. Thus far, the Ukrainian economy has expanded by 4.4 percent in the first four months of the year.

Stoltenberg Reaffirms Support for NATO's Eastern Allies

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has reassured eastern NATO member states of their support in the event of an attack. Stoltenberg asserted to the Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics in Riga, "NATO has the forces, resources, capabilities, and political will to defend any ally." This statement was made during a meeting to prepare for the NATO summit in July in Washington. The attendees included participants from the Bucharest Nine Group - Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb as guests.

Von der Leyen Announces Immediate Aid for Ukraine

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced billions of euros in aid for Ukraine. 1.9 billion euros in financial support will be provided, and in July, around 1.5 billion euros will use funds earned from frozen Russian assets. The G7 summit plans additional discussions on how Ukraine can gain more rapid and substantial benefits from these assets. To address the energy sector impacted by Russian attacks, the EU has allocated almost 500 million euros for urgent repairs. Furthermore, 1,000 generators will be given to Ukraine for power generation, and eventually, thousands of solar panels will be made available. Von der Leyen concludes that the EU aims to decentralize energy supply and increase the resilience of the Ukrainian network.

Russia Claims Bombing of Ukrainian Civilian Infrastructure is Justified

The Kremlin justifies its regular attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure with the possibility of supplying military industries. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, commented on whether Ukrainian power grids serve as legal military targets for Russia, "Clearly, in some cases, the power grid has something to do with military infrastructure." These assaults, ongoing for over two years, have resulted in substantial damage to Ukraine's thermal and hydroelectric power plants, causing 80% and 30% capacity losses, respectively. Amnesty International classifies these attacks as war crimes due to their impact on heating, electricity, and water services for the population.

The Kremlin has justified the bombing of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine with the pretext that some of these facilities may be connected to military industries. Dmitry Peskov, the Russia Kremlin spokesman, stated, "Clearly, in some cases, the power grid has something to do with military infrastructure." Russia's two-year attack on Ukraine has systematically targeted energy infrastructure, causing severe damage to thermal and hydroelectric power plants. As a result, 80% and 30% of their capacities have been destroyed. However, human rights organization Amnesty International considers this to be a violation of international law, as it indiscriminately cuts off the population from heating, electricity, and water.

The Russian government is contemplating an adjustment to its nuclear position. The stance from the West encourages Russia to reevaluate its nuclear deterrence policy, as communicated by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, according to a report by the Russian news agency Tass. The particulars of this change remain obscure.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country requires seven Patriot air defense systems to safeguard the nation from Russian attacks. "Air defense is the answer to everything," Zelensky said at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. He thanked Germany specifically for providing three Patriot systems. He added that Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy supply. Nearly half of Ukraine's electricity capacity has been devastated by Russian attacks, he mentioned at the conference. Earlier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for enhanced Ukrainian air defense against Russian attacks (see entry 11:15 am).

Scholz urged for the fortification of Ukraine's air defense during the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine. He urged partners to support a German initiative "with everything that is possible." "Since: The most effective reconstruction is the one that doesn't need to take place," Scholz remarked in his opening speech at the two-day gathering. He shared comprehensive and far-reaching state commitments for Ukrainian reconstruction. Scholz will champion these at the G7 summit of the prominent Western economic powers in Italy, which starts on Thursday. Scholz referred to the World Bank's prediction of a need for $500 billion (464 billion euros) in remediation aid across a decade. He also encouraged private enterprises to invest in reconstruction. "Given the magnitude we're discussing, private capital must also be involved." Over 35,000 employees of German businesses are engaged in Ukraine, primarily in the automotive industry, Scholz underlined. Notwithstanding the war, there has been no decline in German investments, and trade volume has substantially escalated compared to pre-war levels. "This confirms for me: The economy grasps Ukraine's potential."

In Berlin, the Bernamerena reconstruction conference for Ukraine is underway, and President Zelensky has journeyed there. Life in shambles can be observed in Isjum. There, ntv reporter Kavita Sharma converses with a house proprietor and a power plant manager who anticipate aid.

Baerbock underscored the European standpoint of Ukraine. "We assert here at the reconstruction conference that we are not merely resisting the barbarous Russian offensive collectively, but also pasting Ukraine's entrance into our European Union," the Green politician conveyed upon her arrival at the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin. Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, aims to pulverize Ukraine's life support systems with his heinous war of aggression, Baerbock chided. "Consequently, we unite and stand together - not only in terms of defense and economic rehabilitation, but predominantly on Ukraine's course toward the European Union," she asserted. The individuals in Ukraine necessitate aid for the assault on the lifelines within their country, particularly electricity, water, and heating, said the German Foreign Minister. Thus, it is vital that this conference does not merely convene politicians but also mayors, companies, and entities that sustain life in Ukraine. This is significant "so that Ukraine one day can not only have gained liberty after triumphing in this war but can recover on its own again in a unified, common Europe."

10:35 Steinmeier welcomes Zelenskyy at Schloss Bellevue

On the eve of the Ukraine reconstruction conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. Steinmeier will also take part in the conference and listen to Zelenskyy's speech in the German parliament. No details about their private discussions were released.

At the same time, tensions between Russia and Belarus escalated as they began the second phase of a tactical nuclear exercise. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed this exercise was meant to ensure both countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. The drills include training joint units from both nations to respond to non-strategic nuclear threats. The move comes after Western allies allowed Ukraine to use the weapons they supplied for attacks on Russian targets.

During the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, where roughly 2000 participants from 60 countries are expected, the main focus is on uniting relevant actors. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma commented on Ukrainians' expectations and accusations before the event.

anton-hofreiter (German Bundestag parliament chairman for European affairs), Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP defense expert), and Johann Wadephul (Union faction vice-president) called for better air defense support for Ukraine and additional arms deliveries. Hofreiter emphasized that securing the airspace is crucial for preserving Ukraine's energy infrastructure devastated by Russian airstrikes.

Mario Czaja, a former CDU Secretary-General, voiced concerns that the German government's support of striking Russian targets might expand the war. He expressed that many East Germans hold firm opinions on Russia and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and critics have criticized this development. However, Czaja expressed hope that Putin will return to negotiations and not let the war expand further. He urged caution and warned against increasing civilian casualties.

The minority view of Czaja and Michael Kretschmer against providing Taurus missile systems to Ukraine has been overshadowed in the CDU, where it's an unpopular opinion.

11:12 Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin: S-Bahn operations suspended

The Ukraine reconstruction conference disrupts Berlin's public transportation. Police ordered a halt to S-Bahn trains between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten, impacting several lines. Regional trains face the same issue and are diverted. The government hopes to help Ukraine gain a long-term development perspective through the two-day conference. The opening address was given by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the City Cube Congress Center in Charlottenburg's exhibition grounds.

09:51 Russia and Belarus launch second phase of nuclear exercise

In response to threats from France, Britain, and the United States over the conflict in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus initiated the second phase of their tactical nuclear drill. The exercise concerns ensuring armed forces and equipment readiness to protect both countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is also joint training between units from these nations for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.

09:31 "Race against Time": What are Ukraine's expectations at the reconstruction conference?

NTV reporter Kavita Sharma discussed Ukrainian hopes at the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, which anticipates around 2000 participants. She mentioned political strings and implied accusations.

09:05 Hofreiter demands better Ukrainian air defense support

While in Berlin for the reconstruction conference, Anton Hofreiter, chairperson of the European Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag, insisted on stronger air defenses for Ukraine. He explained that Ukrainian infrastructure, severely damaged by Russian airstrikes, could only be rebuilt with air defense support. To achieve this, Hofreiter advocated European initiatives regarding air defense. He also called for comprehensive arms deliveries.

08:27 Ex-CDU Secretary General Czaja: East Germans have different views on Russia and weapons deliveries

Citing the lack of eastern voices in the CDU, Mario Czaja stated that East Germans bring different perspectives when dealing with Russia, including on arms deliveries to Ukraine. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, he expressed his concerns about German weapons hitting Moscow, endangering civilians. Czaja believed that negotiations should be the goal, not expanding the war with more harm to civilians. However, he acknowledged the minority position on not supplying Taurus missile systems to Ukraine in the CDU.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urges Europe to provide more support for Ukraine, specifically through substantial private sector investments. This assistance would emulate the rebuilding of post-World War II Germany. Pompeo argues that maintaining Ukraine's domestic infrastructure and economy is crucial for the country to recover from the ongoing war. He believes failure to bring in more private investors could result in Putin's victory, even if he doesn't capture Kiev.

Ukraine reports that Russia has suffered 520,850 casualties since the start of the conflict. This latest update from the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff includes 1,100 recent losses among the Russian armed forces. The report also details Russian losses since February 24, 2022: 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored combat vehicles, 18,676 cars and fuel tanks, 13,690 artillery systems, 1,099 multiple rocket launchers, 842 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,023 drones, 28 ships and boats, and a submarine.

The Kyiv School of Economics has estimated the damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure at $60.7 billion (€52 billion). The study considers both the financial losses of energy companies due to lost revenue, as well as the costs of restoring the destroyed infrastructure. The direct losses from the destruction of energy infrastructure since May total $16.1 billion. Affected facilities include power plants, power lines, and oil and gas sector facilities.

Union faction Vice Chairman Johann Wadephul calls for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv. Wadephul hopes for a more successful visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin than one where Zelensky asked for similar support unsuccessfully. Wadephul insists supplying Ukraine with "appropriate long-range weapons," like the Taurus, is essential. He criticizes the lack of full support from Germany and warns of dire consequences for the war and European security if this trend continues.

A Russian SU-34 bomber has crashed during a training flight in the Caucasus. The crew is reported to have died, though the number of people on board remains unclear. The crash could be attributed to a technical malfunction, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The CDU Foreign Policy Expert Jürgen Hardt views the Ukraine rebuilding conference as a symbol of solidarity. This event in Berlin offers hope to Ukrainians, and it can boost Ukraine's path toward NATO and the EU by demonstrating the free world's ability to transform the conflicted country into a modern and free nation. Importantly, a thriving Ukraine will be advantageous to Germany. The conference will be opened by Chancellor Olaf Scholz at 10:00 a.m., and President Zelensky is expected to attend (see entry at 9:32 p.m.).

A Russian bomber crashed in the Caucasus during training. The crew was killed in the incident, but the exact number of individuals on board has remained unconfirmed. The cause is suspected to be a technical malfunction, as suggested by the Russian Defense Ministry. The crash occurred within the Russian republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

The rebuilding conference in Berlin is recognized as an impressive manifestation of solidarity by CDU foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt. It provides optimism to Ukrainian citizens and illustrates the potential of Ukraine to transform into a prosperous and free nation. The event will have both immediate and long-lasting benefits, not only for Ukraine but also for Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will kick off the conference at 10:00 a.m., with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance (check entry at 5:14 a.m.).

Svenja Schulze, Germany's Development Minister, anticipates that the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, which kicks off later today, will convey a powerful message of collaboration. She claims, "For two days, individuals from all corners of the world will gather in Berlin who not only envision a brighter future for Ukraine but are actively working toward it. This conference illustrates the formidable coalition supporting Ukraine: 60 nations, hundreds of businesses, municipalities, and representatives of civil society." Russia's illegal assault on Ukraine merits "unwavering support," Schulze adds, arguing, "Ukraine is defending our security and freedom." It's crucial, she emphasizes, to begin the reconstruction process even amid ongoing hostilities. According to Schulze, "Ukraine has no choice. They cannot delay until the war ends. People require shelter, electricity, water, and hospitals now." The country also needs civilian assistance to withstand the conflict adequately. "It requires doctors, electricians, and craftsmen as much as tanks," she asserts. Around 2,000 stakeholders from politics, business, and international organizations are estimated to participate in the rebuilding conference until Wednesday. It is not a fundraising event for reconstruction but rather aims to interconnect the relevant actors.

05:24: Reports indicate the US has eased sanctions on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade.

The US government has allegedly lifted the decade-long training and weapon ban on the Ukrainian Azov Regiment. "Following a comprehensive review, the 12th Special Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Regiment, has satisfied the Leahy Amendment conditions stipulated by the US State Department," the Washington Post cites the US State Department statement. A recent analysis reportedly failed to discover any violations of human rights by the unit. The Leahy Law forbids offering military help to foreign units accused of human rights violations. The Azov Regiment has right-wing and nationalist roots. It's now part of the Ukrainian National Guard, created in 2014 as a battalion to battle the separatists supported by Russia, who had proclaimed independence in eastern Ukraine.

02:34 A Russian destroyer, "Admiral Levchenko," is on fire in the Barents Sea.

A Ukrainian Navy spokesperson reported a fire onboard the Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" in the Barents Sea. Independent confirmation was unavailable at the time. The ship houses hundreds of crew members and, according to Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook, is "fighting for survival." The spark is believed to have originated from an overheated engine. The "Admiral Levchenko" dates back to 1988 and belongs to the Soviet Navy. Its engines were manufactured in the Ukrainian city of Mykolajiw, necessitating Ukrainian maintenance. "This happens when the Russian state is subject to sanctions from Ukraine," Pletenchuk observes.

00:37 Rheinmetall and Ukraine have inaugurated a tank repair workshop and factory.

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and Ukraine have launched their first collaborative tank repair facility and production facility. Ukraine's Ministry of Strategic Industries and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirm receipt of the workshop keys for the maintenance and repair of the Marder infantry fighting vehicles. The joint service center will facilitate rapid restoration and maintenance of German equipment within Ukraine, improving the effectiveness of the military. In the production facility, Ukrainian specialists will work, overseen by Rheinmetall representatives.

23:46 Zelensky has touched down in Berlin.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has arrived in Berlin. He announced the news in the evening. In Germany's capital, he is attending the reconstruction conference for his country. "Chancellor Scholz and I will discuss additional defense aid, the expansion of the Ukrainian air defense system, and joint arms production," Zelensky says. On Tuesday afternoon, he'll speak in the German parliament.

22:15 The Russian Foreign Ministry has expelled an Austrian journalist.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has withdrawn the accreditation of an Austrian journalist and ordered her departure. This was acknowledged by the ministry. The move is reprisal for the withdrawal of the permanent accreditation of a Russian journalist working for Tass, the Russian state agency, in Austria. The Tass journalist left Vienna on May 30 due to the loss of her accreditation. The Austrian government has yet to address the discriminatory decision.

21:44 Poland establishes a buffer zone at its border with Belarus.

The Polish government has decided to establish a buffer zone along its border with Belarus. The interior ministry instruction, issued during a Bialystok cabinet meeting east of the country, mandates the creation of the regulation. The objective is to make it more challenging to smuggle migrants illegally across Poland's border with Belarus and to enhance the working conditions for border guards, the army, and law enforcement. The buffer zone will have a depth of 200 meters in most places, but in some regions, it will stretch up to two kilometers. Poland possesses a 400-kilometer-long boundary with Belarus. Poland and the EU accuse Belarusian head, Alexander Lukashenko, of orchestrating mass immigration to the EU border as a means to exert pressure on the West.

21:14 DIHK Promotes Enhanced Security Measures in Ukraine for Reconstruction

The German Industry and Trade Chamber (DIHK) is advocating for the expansion of certain security mechanisms in Ukraine to help with the reconstruction process. DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben said, "We're on board with the federal government maintaining key German foreign economic promotion instruments for Ukraine, even during the war." Wansleben suggests expanding the German investment guarantee coverage, adding, "We must establish a framework at the upcoming reconstruction conference in Berlin for setting up risk-reducing reinsurance mechanisms to simplify financing. It is crucial for German companies to be aware of global options for investments, export guarantees, and insurance services." The DIHK reported that over 40 projects received German investment guarantees in 2022 and 2023.

20:41 Ukraine: 32 Men Flee to Hungary via Truck Crossing the Green Border

32 Ukrainian men reportedly escaped to Hungary via a truck through the green border in western Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities. Border guard spokesperson Andrij Demtschenko informed the news portal Ukrajinska Prawda, "Hungarian authorities discovered a vehicle with 32 Ukrainian citizens and arrested them." Crossing the green border for men between the ages of 18 and 60 is highly unusual. So, many try to flee to neighboring EU countries or Moldova. The bodies of fled men are often found in the Tissa (Theiss) river and in the Carpathians.

20:09 Germany and EU Increase Funds for Ukraine Support Fund

The German government and European Union (EU) are planning to increase funding for a project by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) for Ukraine from 45 million euros to 75 million euros at the international reconstruction conference in Berlin. Germany will raise its support from the former 27 million euros to 39 million euros, while the EU Commission will boost its contribution from 18 million euros to 36 million euros, confirmed a spokesperson from the German Foreign Office. This particular project falls under the Foreign Office's stabilization platform, aiming to bolster state and civil society actors in the most war-stricken regions with concrete aid.

All prior updates are available here. [#german industry and trade chamber, #ukraine, #war, #germany, #eu, #berlin, #reconstruction, #forign economic promotion, #investment guarantees, #risk reduction, #reinsurance, #german society for international cooperation, #giz]