Conference participant Weichert expresses surprise at the attendance of Moscow's allies.
International conference for Ukraine peace talks is ongoing in Switzerland, absent Russian presence. Russian journalist Weichert suggests participants should heed Moscow's views.
15:27 Zelenskyy sees mounting pressure on RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarks increasing pressure on Russia through the peace talks in Switzerland. The two-day gathering of 92 countries and eight international organizations aims to collectively halt a war, build trust, and establish peace, Zelenskyy states before the start of the delegation meetings. "We have given diplomacy a chance." Meanwhile, the host dampens expectations for the conference. "Our goals are modest," says Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd. It's about inspiring a process for an enduring and just peace. Central to this is the importance of international law as the foundation of global order. "Russia's aggression breaches this seriously," Amherd states.
14:59 Harris arrives in Switzerland for peace talksUS Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Switzerland for the Ukraine peace conference in the afternoon. Keystone-sda reports that Harris flew from Zurich airport to the meeting venue on the Bürgenstock by helicopter. She represents US President Joe Biden, who is attending a campaign event in California. It's unclear whether there will be a joint declaration. Several contentious issues remain within the delegations, and there's a possibility for a declaration without consensus.
14:34 Russians obstruct views of "Admiral Gorshkov"Moscow dispatches four Russian Navy ships to Cuba, including an atomic-powered submarine and the warship "Admiral Gorshkov." The frigate is the subject of onlookers as Russia invites visitors for a tour of the ship.
14:01 Germany denies blocking new Russia sanctionsFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz denies accusations that Germany is impeding new sanctions against Russia in the EU. "It's not being blocked. We are discussing the practical implementation," Scholz tells Welt TV and other media under the Axel Springer Concern. "It's about enabling the German economy to carry on its activities." Yet, it must be ensured that goods destined for South America, Asia, or Africa do not reach Russia through detours, Scholz adds. He is optimistic that an agreement will soon be reached. "It's a practical matter and not a fundamental issue." The new sanctions package includes measures against sanctions evasion. In addition, restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas are being considered, but not a ban, as the European Parliament demands.
13:38 US announces additional aid packages for UkraineUS Vice President Kamala Harris announced a 1.5 billion dollar aid package to support Ukraine's energy sector. The funds aim to rebuild damaged energy infrastructure and provide over 379 million dollars in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.
13:18 Clarity on summit questions: Will there be a Putin conference after Switzerland?After the G7 summit, the Ukraine's supporter nations will convene for peace talks in Switzerland. What can be anticipated from the meeting, and what further steps does a peace plan for Ukraine call for? ntv discusses this with political scientist Thomas Hunter:
12:43 Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian military aircraftA Russian military aircraft allegedly intruded into Swedish airspace on Friday. The aircraft disregarded warnings, according to the Swedish military. Two Swedish fighter jets then intercepted the SU-24. Earlier, the Finnish border guard had harbored suspicions that four Russian military aircraft entered the airspace of the country on the previous Monday. Sweden frequently expresses concerns about a potential Russian assault, particularly in relation to the strategically significant island of Gotland:
12:07 Brigade: No nation at peace comprehends modern warfare realitiesThe 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces is frequently deployed to frontlines where battle intensity is high. The unit employs, among other things, US Bradley infantry fighting vehicles of the M1A1 type. The heavily used military equipment from abroad requires repair and enhancement. "Every piece of equipment must be repaired and improved, especially foreign equipment. Because no country in the world that is at peace will ever understand the realities of modern warfare," the 47th posts on social media. "The main advantage of the Bradley is its precision, excellent stability, and maneuverability despite its high weight," says a commander. The Bradley is well-suited for combat during the day and at night due to its good thermal imaging cameras.
11:35 Russia reports multiple casualties after Ukrainian attacksAccording to Russian reports, five individuals were killed and several injured in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border town of Schebekino. As the governor of the region Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reports, four bodies were recovered from the rubble of a house. A woman reportedly died in the hospital. In addition, six civilians were injured during the attack on Friday evening. The 40,000-inhabitant city of Schebekino is located in the south of the Russian region Belgorod, which borders the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Russian ground forces launched an offensive there on May 10.
10:56 Ukrainian intelligence reports mass drone attack on Russian airfield
Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has acknowledged, through War Zone platform, a large-scale drone assault on Morosowsk airfield in Russia. Approximately 70 drones were involved in the attack, allegedly housing Su-34 fighter jets. Though Budanov did not disclose the number of jets affected, the assessment of Russian losses is still uncertain. Satellite images disclosed by War Zone exhibit signs of the presumed attack.
10:15 Ukraine readying for "careful and methodical" new phase of conflict ------------
Ukrainian military has consistently targeted Russian air defense systems in recent weeks, as per military expert Nico Lange. He speculates that the extensive deployment of fighter jets is imminent. "Ukraine is carefully and systematically preparing to use its own Su-24, accompanied by British and French cruise missiles, and the use of F-16," Lange told Bild. Ukraine announced earlier that it aimed to attain air superiority to counter Russian forces. The first F-16s are anticipated to conduct combat missions this summer, thereby inititating a new stage. Initial deployment, however, is expected to be limited due to a shortage of pilots. It's envisioned that F-16s will be capable of shooting down planes launched from Russian territory bombarding Ukraine.
09:33 Scholz responds to Putin's peace proposal ------------
The peace suggestions of Russian President Vladimir Putin for initiating peace talks were not discussed during the G7 summit, as per Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Putin proposed conditions for peace talks with the Ukrainian government on Friday. In exchange for discontinuing hostilities, Russia demanded Ukraine abandoning its aspirations to join NATO, and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the four regions Russia claimed to have annexed.
09:01 ntv-Reporter Schmidt-Denker: "Definitive verdict of the G7 summit" ------------
The G7 summit in Italy has concluded, while the peace conference in Switzerland commences. However, not every participant is departing. ntv-Reporter Holger Schmidt-Denker explains the summit's success and the support for Ukraine being organized:
08:35 Heusgen anticipates no political progress from Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland ------------
Christoph Heusgen, CEO of Munich Security Conference, expects no political progress from the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland this weekend. "It's about images of solidarity and hopefully a powerful closing declaration. Central is that representatives from countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa are participating," Heusgen told t-online. "That will also be noticed in other parts of the world. Russia has challenged the international rule-based order, which cannot be indifferent to countries in the global south." According to the former foreign political advisor to ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel, this two-day summit will reveal how much Russia and China currently have in check within the international community.
07:47 Military expert: Peace conference could catalyze a process, with Russia potentially participating ------------
Military expert Nico Lange believes that at the peace conference in Switzerland, "a process could be set in motion, with Russia possibly participating in the future. It's worth meeting. No food blockade, no nuclear weapons, exchange of prisoners of war - these are universally accepted principles," Lange noted on X. Russia will only engage in negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine when it is militarily pressured there, according to Lange. "Putin still believes he can achieve his objectives, even in the hope that the Americans and Europeans will falter."
07:03 Defense contractor: We can still safeguard Augsburg, but not Berlin ------------
Frank Haun, CEO of KNDS defense contractor, asserts that the current German government isn't strengthening Germany's defense capabilities. In contracts, he observes no substantial change. "The vast majority of our order intake for 2023 did not originate from Germany, but from other NATO countries," Haun told FAZ. At the same time, Haun underscores: "We only have a stock of around 300 combat-ready tanks in Germany. Therefore, I often say: Augsburg we can still defend, Munich and Berlin, however, not anymore."
06:30 EU commissioner talks about 2.5 million artillery shells by 2025 ------------
According to the French EU commissioner Thierry Breton, the European Union is projected to attain a production capacity of 1.7 million of essential 155mm artillery shells by year-end. In 2023, it should be over 2 million. "The aim is to reach 2.5 million. I believe we should achieve that by the end of 2025," Breton said in an interview with "La Tribune." The EU has passed a program of 500 million euros to finance a series of factories for the production of munitions. Ukraine has faced a significant deficit of 155mm artillery shells relative to Russian forces for a substantial period.
05:54 EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova are expected to begin soon ------------
The EU states have agreed in principle on the initiation of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. According to the Belgian EU presidency, the first government conferences are expected to be convened on June 25. The decision must be formally endorsed at an EU Council meeting on June 21, and the approval of the Parliament of the Netherlands is also necessary. The President of the European Council of Heads of State and Government, Charles Michel, announced on X about the significant decision, stating that the EU will keep its promises and support Ukraine and Moldova "on the path to membership." The European Commission had already certified in June that Ukraine and Moldova had met all the conditions for membership negotiations.
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04:54 Tragedy in Russia and Ukraine as Attacks Leave Casualties- In a tragic incident, six people lost their lives in the Russian region of Belgorod, as per Russian authorities. Four bodies were discovered in a collapsed multi-story building in Schebekino, while a man was killed in his car by a Ukrainian drone, and a woman was shot in her house in the Oktjabrski settlement, according to the region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. On the Ukrainian side, a person was killed in Shostka, Sumy region, as reported by Ukrainian military officials. The Sumy region continues to face daily Russian attacks.
02:26 Preparations underway for Evacuation of Cultural Artifacts from Crimea by Russia- According to reports, Russia is making arrangements for the possible relocation of cultural heritage and historical artifacts from occupied Crimea. This information was shared by Ukrajinska Pravda, citing a letter from the Russian-led "Culture Ministry" of Crimea to museum directors, expressing concerns about potential "evacuations". The Russians are supposedly rushing to categorize and appraise exhibits using electronic registers. The Ukrainian National Resistance Center fears that the most valuable artifacts from Crimea may be moved to internationally recognized Russian territory.
00:39 Return of Ukrainian Children from Russian-Occupied Territories- Twelve Ukrainian children, aged 2 to 17, who were held in Russian-occupied territories, have been brought back to areas under Ukrainian control, as stated by Ukrainian authorities. These children were returned from the southern region of Kherson to areas under Ukrainian control, as reported by Governor Oleksandr Prokudin via Telegram. Kiev has accused Moscow of kidnapping nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children from eastern and southern regions since the invasion began in February 2022. Many more children are under Moscow's control. The return of children is a top diplomatic priority for the Ukrainian government.
23:07 Alleged Attack on Gas Transfer Hub in Kursk by Ukraine- According to Russian reports, Ukraine is shelling a gas transfer hub responsible for the export of Russian gas to Europe, located in the Kursk region. The governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, reported on Telegram that several settlements, including the city of Sudcha, were attacked. Despite no damage to the gas infrastructure, two people reportedly suffered injuries, and a house was destroyed during the shelling. The responsible Ukrainian operating company maintains that the Russian gas transit was unaffected by the attacks.
22:13 Austin: Putin Cannot Force Peace Terms on Ukraine- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Putin cannot dictate terms for peace to Ukraine. "Putin has illegally occupied sovereign Ukrainian territory," Austin said following a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. "We don't want a leader of a country to make a decision one day to redraw the borders of a neighbor and annex its territory. That's not the kind of world we want to live in." Putin should not impose peace conditions on Ukraine. Putin had the power to end the war today, Austin added. Putin previously demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories he had annexed and controlled as a condition for a potential peace settlement, as well as calling for a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free Ukraine, a "de-Nazified" leadership in Kiev, and other demands similar to those made at the beginning of the conflict ordered by Putin in February 2022.
21:45 Germany Blocks New Sanctions Package Against Russia- The EU countries had planned to discuss a 14th sanctions package against Russia, but Germany expressed reservations that weren't resolved, delaying the meeting. The starting of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is an important signal, particularly towards Kiev. The Ukraine peace conference is set to begin on Saturday 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, as announced by the Belgian presidency in Brussels.
21:07 Four Russian Military Aircraft Allegedly Enter Finnish Airspace- The Finnish Border Guard suspects, based on its own investigations, that four Russian military aircraft violated Finnish airspace on the previous Monday. Initially, only one aircraft was reported by the Defense Ministry, but further investigation led to the suspicion that three additional aircraft also committed boundary violations. It is believed that two bombers and two fighter jets were involved.
20:36 Putin Wants to Build a Global Security System - NATO Can Join- Russian President Vladimir Putin believes the "western model" of global security to have failed, according to his statements. He observed the collapse of the European-transatlantic system, Putin told representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The world has reached a turning point, Putin said. He accused the US specifically of sabotaging global security through abandoning arms agreements. Putin called for the creation of a new global security system, open to all, including NATO.
As per Vladimir Putin, some 700,000 Russian soldiers are currently involved in military actions within Ukraine. Back in December, he claimed there were about 617,000 soldiers engaged. Reports from the British intelligence suggest that approximately half a million Russian soldiers have suffered injuries or fatalities since the invasion started, which was in May. According to Mediazona and the Russian division of the BBC, roughly 136,500 Russian soldiers have tragically lost their lives in Ukraine. Based on available public data, around 50,000 of these deaths have been verified. To this date, the Kremlin has only publicly confirmed the demise of approximately 6,000 troops, in September 2022.
Catch up on all the previous updates right here.
Read also:
- At the peace conference for Ukraine, President Zelenskyy emphasizes the increasing pressure on Russia and calls for collective action against the attack on Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of international law.
- Amidst the peace talks in Switzerland, Russia is reportedly moving cultural artifacts from occupied Crimea, raising concerns about potential territorial claims and violations of international law.
- Russian President Putin proposes peace terms for Ukraine, including the abandonment of NATO aspirations and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the annexed territories, but these conditions are met with skepticism and resistance from NATO allies.
- The Ukrainian government actively seeks the return of children forcibly removed from Russian-occupied territories, with a specific focus on repatriating twelve children from the Kherson region to areas under Ukrainian control.
