Russian incursion - Conflict in Ukraine: current state of affairs
Olaf Scholz, Germany's Federal Chancellor, is confident that his recent shift in Ukraine policy won't lead to an escalation of the conflict. "Essentially, we're sure it won't cause any problems because, as the American president said, it's purely about defending a city like Kharkiv," Scholz told Antenne Bayern in an interview. "And I think that's something everyone can understand." However, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck expressed regret over the timing of this policy change, while still supporting it.
Steffen Hebestreit, the German government spokesperson, confirmed that Germany's supplied weapons to Ukraine are now allowed to target military targets in Russia. Previously, the US had only granted Ukraine permission to use American weapons defensively.
With questions still arising over this new stance, Scholz will address the Bundestag about the current security situation on Thursday.
Habeck, a Green politician, believes Ukraine needs to defend itself to better protect its people from Russian attacks, stating that denying it would result in more fatalities. He also turned down accusations against Scholz, stating, "Being hesitant isn't the right term. It's about making difficult decisions carefully."
Earlier, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had signaled their willingness to lift restrictions on military aid. However, the SPD, the largest coalition partner of the traffic light coalition, advises against directly confronting Russia, warning that it might interpret such aid as an aggressive act.
US Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the upcoming Ukraine peace summit on June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. The purpose of the summit is to rally more international support for Ukraine. Harris will emphasize the US's commitment to helping Ukraine achieve a peaceful resolution.
Moscow saw wives and mothers of Russian soldiers hold a demonstration for the return of their husbands from the war zone in Ukraine. About two dozen women and some children gathered in front of the Russian Defense Ministry, urging for their loved ones' return. This public display against the war is unusual in Russia due to ongoing state repression.
Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, is set to join the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. While President Joe Biden will not be in attendance, she'll attend with Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Over 100 states and organizations have confirmed participation in the summit, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He stresses the urgency of rallying more international support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukraine is facing a challenge due to Russia's military presence. The demand for the safe return of the mobilized soldiers is a sentiment shared by several Russian women and mothers, who held a demonstration in Moscow. They gathered in front of the Russian Defense Ministry, displaying banners urging for the men's return. Public anti-war protests are infrequent in Russia due to nationwide suppression efforts.
Read also:
- Despite concerns in some circles, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes his change of course in Ukraine policy won't lead to an invasion by Russia, as he stated in an interview with Bavarian broadcaster Antenne Bayern.
- Germany has granted Ukraine permission to use German-supplied weapons to target military targets in Russia, following a change in policy initiated by Chancellor Scholz.
- Robert Habeck, Germany's Vice Chancellor and a Green politician, expressed regret over the timing of the policy change but continued to support it, maintaining that being hesitant is not the right term.
- At a upcoming Bundestag address, Chancellor Scholz will explain the rationale behind this new stance and discuss the current security situation in Germany and Ukraine.
- The SPD, the largest coalition partner in the traffic light coalition, advises against directly confronting Russia, fearing it might be interpreted as an aggressive act and lead to an escalation of conflicts.
- The upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland will see the participation of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who will emphasize America's commitment to fostering peace and resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
- In a demonstration in Moscow, Russian women and mothers called for the safe return of their husbands and sons who are part of the Russian military forces in the Ukraine conflict zone.
- Amidst growing international pressure, the United States and over 100 other states and organizations have confirmed participation in the Ukraine peace summit, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- US President Joe Biden will not attend the peace summit, but Vice President Harris will he represented along with Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, emphasizing the US's commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully.
- As the Ukrainian conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck remain focused on finding a diplomatic solution to ensure the well-being of civilians and avoid further escalation of the crisis.
- The conflict in Ukraine has sparked global attention, with leaders like Annalena Baerbock, Boris Pistorius, and Kamala Harris dedicating their efforts to finding a peaceful resolution and promoting international cooperation to maintain peace and stability in Europe.
