At 19:25, Harris derides Putin's proposals as preposterous, stating, "He demands surrender."
Kamala Harris slams Putin's peace talk demands as illogical, stating, "It's about honesty. He's not seeking dialogue, he's demanding surrender." At the Switzerland peace summit, Harris affirmed ongoing support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. "The U.S. is with Ukraine, not out of affection, but to safeguard our strategic interests." Putin's precondition for an end to hostilities included full Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and the Crimean peninsula before the summit.
Swiss President Viola Amherd demanded collective political action at the Ukraine conference to make initial moves towards peace. Amherd told the representative of 92 countries, "Our survival depends on ensuring international relations are built on fairness, respect for international law, and human rights." The conference aimed to establish basic principles for upcoming peace negotiations by Sunday.
Russia refused to communicate with the participants of the Switzerland peace summit, as stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov through TASS. "We have nothing to convey," Peskov stated. Russia considers the Swiss peace conference a dead end and views the West as unwilling to engage in reasonable negotiations. Russia chose not to attend the peace summit, although they were invited.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence that Ukraine would receive the agreed-upon $50 billion aid package from the G7 summit. "I'm now completely convinced it will happen," Scholz said to ZDF.
A fire occurred on a gas pipeline in Saratov, Russia, causing it to shut down. The accident happened near the city of Saratov, approximately 470 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. According to Governor Roman Busargin, unusual heat caused a pressure drop, leading to the fire. No injuries were reported. Residents in the area have reported several explosions and a large fire.
A Russian military aircraft allegedly breached Swedish airspace southeast of the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. The Su-24 combat aircraft was intercepted by a Swedish Jas-39 Gripen. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom condemned Russia's actions as unacceptable and planned to convene the Russian ambassador. This marked the latest violation of Swedish airspace by Russian military jets in 2022. Sweden, a new member of NATO, recently announced its intention to participate in airspace monitoring under NATO command.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni characterized Putin's peace talk preconditions as propaganda during a press conference following the G7 summit. "It appears to me that this proposal for negotiations with Ukraine is not particularly strategic," Meloni stated ironically. Putin demanded Ukrainian troop withdrawal from four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine as a condition for a ceasefire and negotiations, with Ukraine also renouncing NATO membership.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer views the Switzerland conference as a potential route out of a stalemate. "We're trapped in a Western echo chamber. We all agree, but that's not enough," Nehammer said. The EU and US seek to rally more allies to increase pressure on Moscow in the Ukraine conflict. "Without Asian, African, and South American participants, we won't be able to shift the Russian Federation's perspective," Nehammer stated, referencing the presence of India and Brazil at the meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates a historic conference in Switzerland. At the conference, "history will be made," Zelenskyy predicts. The first steps towards peace in Ukraine will be discussed. However, experts and critics assume little progress will be made due to Russia's absence at the conference. The organizers of the conference have identified three thematic priorities: nuclear security, food security, and humanitarian issues. The list of issues to be addressed is shorter than the contents of a ten-point plan Zelenskyy had presented, which included Ukrainian withdrawal of Russian soldiers from occupied territories and the cessation of hostilities.
16:03 Weichert on peace summit: "Allies of Moscow's presence taken by surprise"
In Switzerland, a peace meeting for Ukraine aims to put an end to Russia's constant aggression against the country. What can we anticipate from this gathering without Russia's participation? The participant list is expected to compel Moscow to listen, according to ntv reporter Weichert.
15:27 Zelenskyy sees increased pressure on Moscow
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy observes the pressure on Moscow escalating due to the peace summit in Switzerland. The two-day event brings together 92 countries and eight international organizations, fostering the notion that collective action could halt a war and foster trust and peace. As Zelenskyy explains before the commencement of discussions amongst delegations, "We've given diplomacy a chance." Nevertheless, the host attempts to control expectations for the summit. "Our goals are humble," says Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd. The focus is on encouraging a process for sustainable and just peace. Central to this endeavor is the importance of international law, serving as the basis of international order. "Russia's aggression seriously contradicts this," asserts Amherd.
14:59 Helicopter transports US Vice President Harris to Bürgenstock
US Vice President Kamala Harris touched down in Switzerland for the peace meeting for Ukraine in the afternoon, as per the Swiss news agency Keystone-sda. Harris flew in from Zurich airport to the venue on the Bürgenstock by helicopter. She represents US President Joe Biden, who is attending a campaign rally in California. It remains uncertain whether there will be a joint declaration. There are still several contentious issues among the delegations, and it's possible that there will be a declaration issued without consensus.
14:34 Russians hinder views of "Admiral Gorshkov"
Moscow deploys four Russian Navy vessels to Cuba. Among them is an atomic submarine and the ship "Admiral Gorshkov." The frigate is a subject of interest as Russia invites visitors to tour the boat.
14:01 Does Germany block new Russia sanctions? Scholz denies the claim
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz denies allegations that Germany is impeding new Russia sanctions in the EU. "It's not being blocked. We're discussing the practical details," Scholz tells Welt TV and other media from the Axel Springer Group. "It's about ensuring that the German economy can continue its commercial activities. But goods destined for South America, Asia, or Africa mustn't inadvertently end up in Russia via indirect routes." Scholz is hopeful that consensus will be reached soon. "It's a practical matter, not a fundamental issue." The new sanctions package encompasses several measures aimed at combating sanctions evasion. Additionally, for the first time, restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas are being considered, but not an import ban, as the European Parliament suggests.
13:38 USA announces additional aid packages for Ukraine
US Vice President Kamala Harris declares a $1.5 billion aid package intended to reinforce Ukraine's energy sector. The money will aid in the rebuilding of the energy infrastructure demolished during the war, according to the Vice President's office, which is participating in the Ukrainian peace summit in Switzerland. Moreover, $379 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine is planned.
13:18 Jaeger responds to questions about summits: Will there be a meeting with Putin in Switzerland following Switzerland?
After the G7 summit, the supporters of Ukraine convene for a peace summit in Switzerland. What can we expect from this conference and what additional steps comprise a Ukraine peace plan? ntv consults political scientist Thomas Jaeger on this matter:
12:43 Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian military aircraft
A Russian military aircraft is said to have breached Swedish airspace on Friday, according to the Swedish military. The aircraft penetrated Swedish airspace east of the East Sea island of Gotland and ignored warnings, the Swedish military reports. Two Swedish fighter jets subsequently intercepted the SU-24. Earlier, the Finnish border guard had raised suspicions about four Russian military aircraft having entered Finnish airspace on the previous Monday. Sweden has recurrently voiced concerns about a possible Russian assault, particularly regarding the strategically significant island of Gotland:
12:07 Brigade: No nation at peace can ever grasp the challenges of contemporary warfare
The 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces is frequently deployed to battlefields that are particularly intense. In such areas, the unit employs, amongst other tools, US Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of the M1A1 type. The heavily utilized military equipment from abroad is reportedly in need of repair. "Every item must be fixed and improved, especially foreign equipment," the 47th explains on social media. "No country that's at peace will ever understand the realities of modern warfare," the 47th states. "The primary advantage of the Bradley lies in its accuracy, its remarkable stability, and its agility despite its heavy weight," asserts a commander. The Bradley is suitable for combat during daytime and at night due to its excellent thermal imaging cameras.
11:35 Russia reports fatalities following Ukrainian attacks
According to Russian reports, at least five people have been killed and more injured in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border town of Schebekino. As the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reports, four corpses were recovered from the rubble of a house. A woman reportedly died in the hospital. Six civilians were also said to have been injured during the attack that occurred late on Friday evening. The 40,000-strong Schebekino is located in the south of the Russian region of Belgorod bordering the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Russian troops commenced a ground assault in the area on May 10.
10:56 Report of Drone Swarm Attack on Russian Airfield:The head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kirillo Budanov, confesses to The War Zone an assault on the Morosovsk airfield in Russia using a drone swarm. Around 70 drones are said to have taken part in the attack, with SU-34 fighter jets possibly stationed on the base. Budanov does not report the number of aircraft downed, and the evaluation of Russian losses is still ongoing. Satellite images released by The War Zone allegedly show evidence of the attack.
10:15 Ukraine's Preparation for a New Phase of War:The Ukrainian military has been systematically attacking Russian air defense systems in recent weeks, destroying them. Military expert Nico Lange speculates that the increased use of combat aircraft is imminent. Lange suggests Ukraine is preparing to utilize its own Su-24 aircraft equipped with British and French missiles, along with F-16s. Ukraine has declared its intention to achieve air superiority to repel Russian forces. The first F-16s are set to embark on missions this summer, thus initiating a new phase. However, Kiev may initially only have a few combat aircraft due to a shortage of pilots. It is also hoped that the F-16s will be capable of shooting down planes launched from Russian territory onto Ukraine.
09:33 Scholz's Response to Putin's Peace Initiative:Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed that the peace initiatives offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the commencement of peace talks were not discussed during the G7 summit. Scholz stated that Putin's initiatives were not genuine, having no relation to the conference in Switzerland. Putin had proposed conditions for peace negotiations with the Ukrainian government on Friday, stipulating that Ukraine abandon its attempts to join NATO and withdraw its military from the territories Russia had annexed. Further details can be found here.
09:01 Schmidt-Denker's Conclusion from the G7 Summit:Ntv-Reporter Holger Schmidt-Denker summarizes the outcome of the G7 summit in Italy and the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland. Schmidt-Denker indicates that not all G7 participants will continue on to Switzerland. He provides an update on the support being organized for Ukraine at the conclusion of the G7 meeting.
08:35 Heusgen's Expectations for the Ukraine Peace Conference:Christoph Heusgen, head of the Munich Security Conference, does not anticipate political progress from the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland this weekend. He suggests the conference is primarily for symbolic solidarity and a powerful final declaration. He also mentions that representatives from various countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa will be present, which could signal global support for Ukraine. According to Heusgen, the summit offers insights into the current level of pressure being exerted on Russia and China in the international community.
07:47 Peace Conference Possibilities and Russia's Involvement:Military expert Nico Lange believes that a peace conference in Switzerland could initiate a process, with Russia potentially participating later. Lange considers the meeting worthwhile, provided there are no restrictions on food supplies, no nuclear weapons, and prisoner of war exchanges. Lange believes Russia will only engage in meaningful ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine when militarily compelled.
07:03 Defense Capabilities and the Limitations in Major Cities:The CEO of weapons manufacturer KNDS acknowledges that the current German government has not significantly enhanced Germany's defense capabilities. In contracts, Haun observes no reversal of trends. Haun states that his company, which manufactures the Leopard-2 battle tank, has not seen a significant increase in German contracts. He emphasizes that Germany only has around 300 combat-ready battle tanks and can only defend Augsburg with its current stock, while Munich and Berlin would be vulnerable.
06:30 EU Commissioner's Artillery Shell Production Estimates:French EU Commissioner Thierry Breton states that the European Union is expected to have the capacity to produce 1.7 million crucial 155mm artillery shells by the end of the year, with the figure increasing to 2.5 million by next year. In an interview with "La Tribune", Breton expresses a goal of reaching 2.5 million artillery shells by the end of 2025. The EU has authorized a program of 500 million euros to fund the production of factories for the manufacturing of munitions, with Ukraine experiencing a significant shortage of 155mm artillery shells compared to the Russian side.
05:54 EU to Initiate Accession Talks with Ukraine and Moldova Imminently
The EU powers have preliminarily agreed on initiating accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. The Belgian EU presidency reports that the first official meetings should be scheduled for June 25. The agreement must still be confirmed at an EU Council meeting on June 21, and the approval of the Dutch parliament is also necessary. The President of the European Council of State and Government Heads, Charles Michel, declares in the online service X that the EU will keep its promises and support Ukraine and Moldova "on the road to membership". In June, the European Commission had already verified that Ukraine and Moldova had met all the conditions for accession talks.
04:54 Casualties in Attacks in Russia and Ukraine
In the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, six people lost their lives according to Russian authorities. Four of them were found trapped in the debris of a multi-story building in the city of Schebekino. A man was struck by a Ukrainian drone while driving, and a woman was killed in the nearby settlement of Oktjabrski in her house due to shelling, as declared by the Governor of the region Vyacheslav Gladkov. On the Ukrainian side, in Schostka in the Sumy Oblast, one person died, according to Ukrainian military sources. The people in the Sumy region continue to face daily Russian attacks.
02:26 Russia Preparing for "Evacuation" of Cultural Artifacts from Crimea
Russia seems to be preparing for the possible transport of cultural artifacts and historical relics from the Crimea region. This is reported by the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrajinska Pravda, citing a letter from the Russian-led "Culture Ministry" of Crimea to museum directors, regarding potential "evacuations." The Russians are allegedly hurrying to classify and appraise artifacts using electronic registers. The Ukrainian National Resistance Center fears that the most valuable artifacts from Crimea could be taken to internationally recognized Russian territory.
00:39 Ukrainian Children from Russian-occupied Territories Reunited
Twelve Ukrainian children, who were being held hostage in Russian-occupied territories, have reportedly been reunited with territories controlled by Kiev, according to Ukrainian authorities. Three boys and nine girls aged between 2 and 17 were brought back from the southern region of Kherson to the Ukrainian-controlled side, as announced by the Governor of the region, Oleksandr Prokudin, on Telegram. Kiev accuses Moscow of having abducted nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children from eastern and southern parts of Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022. Many more children continue to live under Russian control. The return of the children is a priority for the Ukrainian government.
23:07 Russia Accuses Ukraine of Shelling Gas Transshipment Facility in Kursk
The Ukraine allegedly attacked, according to Russian reports, a gas transshipment facility in Russia. The Governor of the region Kursk, Alexey Smirnov, announced on Telegram that the Ukraine had struck several settlements, including the city of Sudja. There, the last functioning distribution center for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine is situated. Smirnov indicates no damage to the gas infrastructure. However, two people were reportedly injured, and a house was destroyed. The responsible Ukrainian utility company denies that the Russian gas transit was affected by the attacks.
22:13 Austin: Putin cannot Force Terms of Peace on Ukraine
Vladimir Putin, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, cannot dictate terms of peace to Ukraine. "Putin illegally took over sovereign Ukrainian territory," Austin said after a NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels. "We don't want a country leader to wake up one day and decide to erase the borders of its neighbor and annex its territory. That's not the world we all want to live in." Putin cannot force terms of peace on Ukraine. Putin could end this war today. Putin had previously demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories annexed by Russia as a condition for a potential peace solution; also from territories that Russia had officially annexed but still did not control. At the same time, he repeated all demands he had made at the beginning of the war he ordered in February 2022 against Ukraine. It's about a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-weapon-free Ukraine, Putin said. Ukraine must also demilitarize. It must be "de-Nazified" - under which Russia understands a friendly leadership in Kiev.
21:45 Germany Holds Back on New Sanctions Package against Russia
Originally, the EU countries were to discuss a 14th sanctions package against Russia at their permanent representatives' meeting. However, Germany had expressed concerns about the plans, which had not been resolved. The agreement on the start of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is an important signal - especially towards Kiev. On Saturday, the Ukraine peace conference starts in Switzerland.
21:34 EU Countries Agree on Accession Talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The EU countries have agreed in principle on the start of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. This was announced by the Belgian presidency in Brussels.
21:07 Finland: Four Russian Aircraft Violated Airspace
The Finnish border guard suspects, according to its own statements, that four Russian military aircraft violated Finnish airspace on the previous Monday. The Defense Ministry had initially only suspected one aircraft. But as the investigation into the incident progressed, more reasons emerged to suspect that three further aircraft had also committed boundary violations. It was probably two bombers and two fighter jets.
20:36 Putin advocates for a worldwide safety arrangement - and NATO's invitation is on the table
As per Russian President Vladimir Putin, the current Western strategy for global safety is falling apart. He made this remark during a gathering with Russian Foreign Ministry representatives, pointing out the disintegration of the European-transatlantic system. According to Putin, we've reached a turning point where there's no turning back. He specifically blamed the U.S. for dermining worldwide safety through their withdrawal from disarmament accords. Putin proposes the creation of a novel global safety framework. This project would be open to all, including NATO.
As per Putin, over 700,000 Russian troops are engaged in Ukraine. He mentioned that this number rose from 617,000 soldiers in December, according to his statements. The British intelligence service suggested in late May that around 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured since the commencement of the invasion. As reported by the platform "Mediazona" and the Russian branch of the BBC, approximately 136,500 Russian soldiers have perished in Ukraine. Based on accessible information, around 50,000 Russian soldier deaths have been documented. However, the Kremlin has only officially acknowledged the demise of slightly over 6,000 fighters in September 2022.
For more backstory, take a look here.
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- In light of the ongoing 'Cyberwar' attacks against Ukraine, the US has pledged to aid in reinforcing Ukraine's digital defense mechanisms.
- At the Switzerland peace conference, President Volodymyr Selenskyy is hoping for significant progress, despite Russia's absence, which has left many experts and critics skeptical of 'Military operations' leading to a resolution.
- Amidst escalating tensions, NATO has reinforced its support for Ukraine, serving as a deterrent against potential Russian 'Military attack on Ukraine'.
- Despite Russia's refusal to engage in 'reasonable negotiations' and boycotting the Switzerland peace summit, EU leaders like Olaf Scholz continue to push for peace, emphasizing the need for collective action to influence Russia's perspective in the 'Ukraine conflict'.
