Baerbock underscores the European viewpoint on Ukraine.

Baerbock underscores European viewpoint on Ukraine.

The European approach to Ukraine was highlighted by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. She stated at the Ukrainian reconstruction conference in Berlin, "We're not just resisting the brutal Russian attack, we're also setting the path for Ukraine to join the European Union." Baerbock criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for attempting to destroy Ukraine's lifeblood with his aggressive invasion. This is why, she said, "We're standing together and united—not only in terms of defense and economic reconstruction, but most importantly on the road to the European Union." The people of Ukraine needed electricity, water, and heating amid their country's infrastructure being under attack, Baerbock stressed. That's why various politicians, mayors, companies, and organizations gathered at the conference to contribute to Ukraine's survival. "So that Ukraine isn't just free after winning this war but can also stand on its own feet economically in a united Europe."

At 10:35 AM, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was welcomed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin. Steinmeier would also take part in the conference and follow Zelenskyy's speech in the Bundestag. The specific details of their bilateral meeting remained secret. Steinmeier and Zelenskyy had previously met in May of the previous year at Schloss Bellevue. Tension between the two leaders had existed at the start of the Ukraine war, with Steinmeier originally planning to visit Kiev with Polish and Baltic state officials; he eventually arrived in Kiev alone. Since then, the relationship between the two presidents has improved.

Accompanying the reconstruction conference was a major disruption in Berlin's public transportation. The S-Bahn completely ceased operations between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten at the request of the police, affecting several lines. Additionally, regional trains were rerouted.

Russia and Belarus are initiating a second phase of a tactical nuclear exercise. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, this exercise aims to ensure their armed forces and equipment are prepared to protect their countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes joint training of units on the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The nuclear exercise was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to threats by France, Britain, and the United States related to the Ukraine conflict. Western allies had allowed Ukraine to target Russian military assets following recent arms deliveries.

NTV reporter Kavita Sharma shares the Ukrainians' expectations for the Berlin conference, emphasizing the importance of networking relevant actors. Furthermore, she mentions "accusations at a particularly unfavorable time."

Anton Hofreiter, the chair of the European Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag, urged Germany to support Ukraine's air defense. "A prerequisite for Ukraine's reconstruction is a comprehensive air defense," Hofreiter said. "Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by Russian air attacks." He advocated for "urgent European initiatives in the field of air defense," explaining, "The Russian air attacks must be reliably thwarted to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure."

Union defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann supported Hofreiter's sentiment, emphasizing, "Germany needs to provide further support to Ukraine." Union parliamentary group deputy chairman Johann Wadephul concurred, saying, "The Federal Chancellor will provide the Ukrainian president with more concrete, quick German support," also stating, "He will make it clear that he's in favor of the president's wishes."

The Ukrainian reconstruction conference in Berlin on March 30-31, 2023, aims to provide a long-term development picture for Ukraine with around 2000 participants from 60 countries. It began with a speech by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the City Cube Congress Center in Berlin's Charlottenburg district.

Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus started the second phase of a nuclear exercise geared towards ensuring that their armed forces and equipment remain prepared to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. This entails joint training for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The exercise was ordered by Putin in response to threats from France, Britain, and the United States related to the Ukraine conflict. Western allies had previously allowed Ukraine to use the provided weapons against military targets within Russia.

At the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, the focus was on networking relevant actors. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma detailed the hopes of the Ukrainians regarding the conference and the "accusations at a particularly unfavorable time."

CDU Secretary General Michael Czaja raised concerns about the German government potentially escalating the war in Ukraine, saying, "The German government may expand the war in Ukraine." This escalation may come in the form of "more arms deliveries or an escalation into a wider war with NATO against Russia." However, no clear evidence exists that such an escalation is imminent.

Due to a lack of representation of Eastern Germans in the CDU leadership, their perspectives on issues like Russia and arms deliveries to Ukraine aren't as widely heard in the party. This was stated by former CDU Secretary General Mario Czaja in an interview with Tagesspiegel. He believes that Eastern Germans bring unique experiences when dealing with Russia that Western Germans don't have. In Czaja's opinion, the current authorization of the German government to strike targets in Russia could potentially widen the war. He expressed this worry, saying that "many people in Eastern Germany" are greatly concerned and criticize this move. Czaja expressed his hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would come back to the negotiating table to end the conflict. However, caution is necessary to ensure the war doesn't keep growing, with more and more civilians being killed. Czaja and Michael Kretschmer's stance against providing Taurus missile systems to Ukraine is unpopular within the CDU, according to them.

Former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo wrote in a guest article for Tagesspiegel that more European support is needed for Ukraine, especially through extensive private sector investments. He compares it to the reconstruction of Germany after World War II. Pompeo reminds that if investors don't contribute to the reconstruction efforts, Putin would have successfully destroyed Ukraine, even if he doesn't manage to capture Kiev.

Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff has reported 520,850 Russian losses since the start of the war. 1,100 casualties suffered by the Russian armed forces in the past few days are included in this number. The report provides an overall list of Russian losses since February 24, 2022, including 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored combat vehicles, 18,676 vehicles 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 Kiev Economic University conducted a study that estimates the damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure at 56.2 billion US dollars (52 billion euros) due to Russian air strikes. This includes financial losses incurred by energy companies due to lost revenues as well. Restoring the energy infrastructure will cost approximately 50.5 billion US dollars, the study says. The direct losses due to the destruction of energy infrastructure as of May amounts to 16.1 billion US dollars. Power plants, power lines, and facilities in the oil and gas sector were primarily affected. The loss due to missed revenues for energy companies is estimated at roughly 40 billion US dollars.

Union Faction Vice President Johann Wadephul has again urged the delivery of Taurus missiles to Kiev after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin. "I hope that President Zelensky doesn't have to make another pleading speech in the German Bundestag and then return empty-handed," he told the Rheinische Post. He emphasized that Ukraine needs "any support" at this critical phase in the war against Russia. Wadephul has criticized Germany for not providing enough support in full thus far.

A Russian SU-34 bomber crashed during a training flight in the Caucasus, with reports saying that the crew has been killed. The cause of the crash is believed to be a technical malfunction, according to government statements. The crash occurred in Russia's North Ossetia-Alania. The number of people on board is unknown.

The CDU's Foreign Policy Specialist, Jurgen Hardt, commends the global Ukraine recovery conference as "a powerful political and economic emblem of unity." Happening in the early hours of the day in Berlin, this gathering sparks optimism for the people of Ukraine, Hardt told the German News Agency. "The conference indicates that the free world is equipped and determined to turn Ukraine into a modern, free nation. The potential of Ukraine is enormous. A prosperous Ukraine would also be beneficial for Germany," Hardt mentioned. The path towards NATO and the EU for Ukraine will likely get a fresh boost as a result of the conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to begin the conference with a speech at 10:00 a.m., with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also attending (see also posting at 11:46 p.m.).

06:10 Schulze before the Recovery Conference: Robust Alliance Behind Ukraine

Germany's Development Minister Svenja Schulze anticipates the Ukraine rebuilding conference starting in Berlin this morning to send a strong message of collaboration. "For two days, individuals from all around the world will assemble in Berlin who not only aspire for a better future for Ukraine but are actively working toward it. This conference demonstrates that there's a strong partnership behind Ukraine: 60 countries, many companies, municipalities, and representatives of civil society," the minister shared prior to the gathering. Russia has illegally assaulted Ukraine, and Ukraine deserves "our unflagging support." She further added: "Ukraine is defending our security and liberty." It's also crucial to rebuild under the conditions of war. Schulze stated: "Ukraine has no alternative. It cannot wait until the war is over. The people require a roof over their heads, electricity, water, and hospitals at the current moment." The nation also needs civil help to sustain the war. "They require doctors, electricians, and craftsmen as much as tanks," Schulze expressed. Around 2,000 participants from politics, business, and international organizations are expected at the rebuilding conference, lasting until Wednesday. It's not a donation conference for rebuilding funding, but instead about linking the relevant factions.

05:24 Report: US Lifts Ban on the Ukrainian Azov Regiment

The US government has reportedly lifted a ten-year training and weapon prohibition on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. "Following a thorough evaluation, the 12th Special Unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, has cleared the Leahy Amendment review by the US State Department," the "Washington Post" cited a statement from the US State Department. There's allegedly no proof of human rights violations by the unit. The Leahy Law forbids the provision of military help to foreign units that commit such violations. The Azov Regiment stems from right-wing and ultranationalist roots. It's now part of the Ukrainian National Guard. The Azov Battalion was established in 2014 as a unit that combated the pro-Russian separatists who had declared independence in the eastern Ukraine.

02:34 Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" catches fire in the Barents Sea

In the Barents Sea, the Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" has caught fire. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy. The information has not been independently verified yet. The ship, with approximately 300 crew members, is "struggling to survive," posted Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook. It's believed that an overheated engine caused the fire. The "Admiral Levchenko" was commissioned in 1988 into the Soviet Navy. Its engines were built in Ukrainian Mykolajiw and can only be maintained there. "This happens when the Russian state is subjected to sanctions by Ukraine," writes Pletenchuk.

00:37 Rheinmetall and Ukraine Launch Tank Repair Workshop

The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and Ukraine are opening a joint tank repair workshop and production facility. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries, the keys to the workshop for the maintenance of the infantry fighting vehicle Marder have been given over. The first joint service center will make possible prompt repairs and maintenance of German weapons directly in Ukraine, stated the Ukrainian Defense Ministry in Kiev. This will greatly enhance the efficiency of the armed forces. In the shared production facility, Ukrainian specialists will operate, while Rheinmetall representatives will oversee the technical supervision.

23:46 Zelensky Arrives in Berlin

The Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Berlin. He shared this in the evening via X. In the German capital, he's taking part in the recovery conference for his country. "Chancellor Scholz and I will discuss further defense assistance, the enhancement of the Ukrainian air defense system, and a co-production of arms," said Zelensky. On Tuesday afternoon, he'll address the German parliament.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has canceled the credentials of an Austrian journalist and commanded her to depart the nation. According to the ministry, this move is in response to the withdrawal of the normal accreditation of a Russian press officer from Austria's Tass state agency. The correspondent was forced to exit Austria on April 30 due to the termination of his accreditation, as reported by Moscow. The Austrian authorities have not yet explained their biased decision.

9:44 pm - Poland institutes a buffer zone at its boundary with Belarus.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk's cabinet in Poland has decreed the establishment of a buffer zone along its border with Belarus. The Interior Ministry in Poland was directed by the cabinet during a meeting in Bialystok in the eastern part of the nation. This action is meant to hinder the illicit transfer of migrants across the Polish-Belarusian border and to enhance the working conditions for border guards, the military, and the police. The buffer zone will span 200 meters in depth, but in certain spots, it may stretch up to two kilometers. Poland has a 400-kilometer-long border with Belarus. Poland and the EU blame Belarusian head Alexander Lukashenko for orchestrating the import of migrants from turbulent regions to the EU's perimeter to persuade the West.

9:14 pm - DIHK: Significant safety guarantees are crucial for German businesses' involvement in Ukraine

The German Industry and Trade Chamber (DIHK) is advocating for the expansion of certain security mechanisms to assist with Ukraine's reconstruction. "We support the fact that crucial German foreign trade promotion resources for Ukraine are preserved by the federal administration despite the conflict," says DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben. Wansleben emphasizes the necessity of increasing the scope of German investment guarantees. He urges establishing foundational elements at the impending reconstruction summit in Berlin to counteract high cost and risk evaluations via reinsurance options and thereby facilitate financing. It is paramount for German companies to be engaged in Ukraine that there is an overview of internationally available instruments for financing, export guarantees, and other insurance solutions. The German economy is maintaining its interactions. In 2022 and 2023, according to the DIHK, German investment guarantees were granted for over 40 projects.

8:41 pm - Ukraine: 32 men escape with a truck over the green border to Hungary.

In western Ukraine, 32 Ukrainians have crossed the green border into Hungary using a truck, as per Ukrainian officials. "The adjacent country reported that they had identified a vehicle and arrested 32 Ukrainian citizens," states the Ukrainian border guard spokesman Andrij Demtschenko to the news platform Ukrajinska Prawda. Departure is conceivable only for males of military service age between 18 and 60 years, save for a few exemptions. Many attempt to evade across the green border to neighboring EU countries or Moldova. Frequently, the bodies of runaways are discovered in the Tissa (Theiss) river and in the Carpathians.

8:09 pm - Germany and the EU augment funding for Ukraine aid program.

Germany and the EU intend to increase funding for a GIZ project supporting Ukraine at the international reconstruction conference in Berlin to a total of 75 million euros. Germany will increase its contribution from the original 27 million euros to 39 million euros, and the EU Commission will increase its assistance from 18 million euros to 36 million euros, as informed by a Foreign Office spokesperson in Berlin. This project is a component of the Federal Foreign Office's stabilization platform. It is intended to offer practical assistance to enhance state and civil society actors in regions notably impacted by the war.