Ex-CDU Secretary General Czaja suggests potential further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine by the German government.
Due to a scarcity of eastern officials in the CDU leadership, underrepresented viewpoints, including those about Russia and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, are also present in the party. Ex-CDU Secretary General, Mario Czaja, shared these perspectives in an interview with Tagesspiegel, stating, "I think East Germans have different experiences in dealing with Russia that West Germans haven't collected." He added that the current federal government's approval to strike Russian targets might prolong the war, drawing significant worry and protest from many East Germans. Czaja, a Berlin Bundestag MP, exclaimed, "I can't even imagine German attack weapons hitting civilians at the gates of Moscow."
While the goal remains to get Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table, caution should be exercised to prevent further escalation of the conflict, Czaja maintained. "'The war shouldn't continue where more and more civilians die," he said in the interview. Czaja and Michael Kretschmer's stance against delivering Taurus missile systems to Ukraine is a minority opinion within the CDU and is less frequently heard.
8:08 Former US Secretary of State Pompeo advocates more European support for Ukraine
Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State and CIA Director, advocates for increased European backing for Ukraine, particularly in the form of significant private sector investments. This approach mirrors the post-World War II German reconstruction. In an article for the Tagesspiegel, Pompeo asserted, "Today, as the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, America and Europe must return to this proven approach. They must strive to rebuild and strengthen Ukraine with massive foreign direct investments." Ukraine needs to maintain its domestic infrastructure and economy to recover from the war. Pompeo highlighted the necessity of a favorable investment climate to attract more private investors for reconstruction. "If this doesn't happen, Putin will have achieved his goal of destroying Ukraine - even if he fails to capture Kiev."
8:00 Ukraine announced Russian military losses of 520,850 soldiers
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have reported that Russia has lost 520,850 soldiers since the start of its war on Ukraine. Facebook updates from the General Staff include 1,100 additional casualties suffered by the Russian armed forces over the past few days. The total Russian losses since February 24, 2022, include: 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.
7:51 Kyiv university assesses 52 billion euro damage to energy infrastructure
Following Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, the Kyiv Economic University has estimated damages at approximately 52 billion euros. The study includes financial losses incurred by energy companies due to missed revenues. To restore the destroyed or damaged infrastructure, it's projected that approximately 50.5 billion euros are required. Damaged energy infrastructure amounts to $16.1 billion. The analysis by Kyiv experts identifies significant damage to power plants, power lines, and facilities in the oil and gas sector. Moreover, missed revenues for energy companies amounted to around 40 billion euros.
7:18 Union faction vice chairman requests Taurus missiles for Kyiv
Union faction vice-chairman, Johann Wadephul, reiterated calls for delivering Taurus missiles to Kyiv, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin for a two-day reconstruction conference (see 6:10 and 6:37 a.m.) "I hope that President Zelensky doesn't have to make another emotional appeal in the German Bundestag and return without accomplishing anything," Wadephul told the "Rheinische Post." He insisted, "It's crucial to provide Ukraine with the corresponding long-range weapons, especially the Taurus." Wadephul pointed out that Ukraine requires "any support" during this crucial phase of the war against Russia, noting Germany's "so-far insufficient" aid.
6:52: Russian bomber crashes in the Caucasus, crew confirmed dead
A Russian SU-34 bomber crashed during a training flight in the Caucasus, according to official statements. Citing Russian news agencies, the Defense Ministry reported that the crew has perished. The crash transpired in the Russian republic of North Ossetia-Alania, but the number of those on board is unclear. The crash was probably caused by a technical issue.
CDU Foreign Policy Expert Jürgen Hardt commends the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference as a "prominent display of unity." The conference's end in Berlin brings hope to the Ukrainian people, as disclosed by the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction's foreign policy representative to the German Press Agency. Hardt emphasizes that the global community possesses the capacity and drive to convert Ukraine into a contemporary, liberal nation, with Ukraine's potential being colossal. Consequently, a thriving Ukraine would be advantageous for Germany. Moreover, the path to NATO and the EU for Ukraine is poised for a resurgence. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will initiate the conference with a speech at 10 a.m., and it is anticipated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend (refer to article 23:46 pm).
6:10 Svenja Schulze preceding the Rebuilding Conference: A Strong Consortium in Support of Ukraine
Development Minister Svenja Schulze predicts the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Berlin starting in the morning to convey a potent message of association. "For two days, individuals from across the world will assemble in Berlin who not only envision a superior tomorrow for Ukraine but additionally work on it tangibly. This conference epitomizes the robust partnership that stands by Ukraine: 60 nations, numerous businesses, municipalities, and leaders from civil society," states the minister to the German Press Agency before the gathering. Russia has unlawfully targeted Ukraine, and the country merits "unflinching support." She elaborates: "Ukraine is defending our security and liberty." It is critical to engage in reconstruction endeavors even within the context of war. Schulze asserts: "Ukraine lacks a choice. It can't delay until the war ends. Individuals require refuge, electricity, water, and hospitals presently." The country likewise necessitates humanitarian assistance to endure the war. "In addition to tanks, they require doctors, electricians, and artisans," says Schulze. Over 2000 attendees from politics, commerce, and international organizations are predicted to attend the Reconstruction Conference until Wednesday. The function is not a donor conference where contributions are collected for reconstruction, but instead focuses on linking the relevant players.
5:24 Dispatch: USA Lifts Arms Embargo Against Azov Battalion
The United States government has reportedly dismantled a ten-year training and weapon restriction on the Ukrainian Azov Battalion. "Following a thorough examination, the 12th Special Unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, has passed the Leahy Amendment assessment by the US State Department," cites the "Washington Post" from a statement by the US State Department. The Leahy Law interdicts the supply of military aid to foreign units implicated in human rights abuses. The Azov Regiment is steeped in right-wing and ultranationalist background. It now forms part of the Ukrainian National Guard. It was founded in 2014 as a battalion combating the pro-Russian separatists who declared autonomy in eastern Ukraine.
2:34 Russian Destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" Aflame in the Barents Sea
In the Barents Sea, the Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" is armed with fire. This was conveyed by an Ukrainian Navy spokesperson. The information could not be substantiated yet. The vessel, housing numerous crew members, is "battling for survival," revealed Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook. An overworked engine instigated the fire. The "Admiral Levchenko" was admitted into service in 1988 under the Soviet Navy. Its engines were assembled in the Ukrainian city of Mykolajiw and can only be maintained there. "This occurs when the Russian state is subjected to sanctions by Ukraine," penned Pletenchuk.
00:37 Rheinmetall and Ukraine Unveil Tank Repair Workshop
The German munitions manufacturer Rheinmetall and Ukraine are inaugurating a joint tank repair workshop and manufacturing 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 handed over. The inaugural joint service center will enable rapid repair and maintenance of German devices directly in Ukraine, as divulged by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry in Kiev. This should drastically increase the efficacy of the military. In the collaborative production facility, Ukrainian workers will labor, while Rheinmetall officials will oversee technical supervision.
23:46 Zelensky has Arrived in Berlin
The Ukrainian President Zelensky has landed in Berlin. He declared this in the evening on X. In the German capital, he is participating in the reconstruction conference for Ukraine. "Chancellor Scholz and I will examine additional defensive aid, the development of the Ukrainian air defense system, and joint-arm production," assured Zelensky. Tuesday afternoon, he will address the German parliament.
22:15 Russia expels ORF journalist
The Russian Foreign Ministry has taken away the accreditation of an Austrian journalist and demanded her to leave. In response to this, they stated that this was a reaction to the withdrawal of the permanent accreditation of a Russian correspondent from the state agency Tass in Austria. The Russian correspondent was denied accreditation on April 30th and had to leave Vienna on June 7th, indicated the Moscow-based ministry. The Austrian party has not yet justified their biased move.
In the evening, Poland creates a buffer zone at its border with Belarus. The country's cabinet, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, instructed the Interior Ministry during a meeting in Bialystok in eastern Poland to establish this zone. This move aims to make it harder to smuggle migrants illegally across the Polish-Belarusian border and boost working conditions for border guards, the army, and the police. The buffer zone will be 200 meters deep in most places but up to two kilometers in some areas. Poland shares a 400-kilometer border with Belarus. Poland and the EU accuse Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of organizedly bringing migrants from disaster areas to the EU borders. to extract pressure from the West.
At 21:14, The German Industry and Trade Chamber (DIHK) advocates for the expansion of certain security mechanisms to support Ukraine's reconstruction. "We support that significant instruments of German foreign trade promotion for Ukraine are maintained by the federal government despite the war," says DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben. He recommends enhancing the scope of German investment guarantees. He seeks to establish a foundation at the upcoming reconstruction conference in Berlin to balance high risk assessments with reinsurance mechanisms, promoting investment. According to Wansleben, it is essential for German businesses engaging in Ukraine to know about available international instruments for investments, export guarantees, and other insurance solutions. In 2022 and 2023, German investment guarantees were provided for over 40 projects.
On June 13th, approximately 32 men reportedly escaped to Hungary from western Ukraine across the green border in a truck, as per the Ukrainian authorities. "The neighboring country informed that it found a vehicle and arrested 32 Ukrainian citizens," says Andrij Demtschenko, the Ukrainian border guard spokesperson, to the news outlet Ukrajinska Prawda. Ukrainian men of military age between 18 and 60 are allowed to exit only in rare circumstances. Many are fleeing to nearby EU countries or Moldova. Time and again, the bodies of migrating men are found in the Tysa (Theiss) River and the Carpathians.
Germany and the EU are planning to increase funding for a GIZ project aiding Ukraine by €30 million to €75 million at the international reconstruction conference in Berlin. Germany will up its contribution from the previous €27 million to €49 million, and the EU Commission will boost its backing from €18 million to €54 million, reports a spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin. The project is part of the Foreign Office's stabilization platform. It aims to offer practical aid to strengthen state and civil society agents in war-affected regions.
You can keep track of all past developments here.
Source: https://kit.de/rumpf/nachrichten/2022-06-13-fremdenpolitik/839999365
Header image: https://cdn.kit.de/bundespolitik/de/bild/12072017/nachrichten_img_1432/ukradnaw_j_hurzula_uk/ukradnaw-j-hurzula-uk-impressum-2048x2732.jpg
Link to previous developments: https://kit.de/rumpf/nachrichten/2022-06-13-fremdenpolitik/
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- The cyberwar against Ukraine, largely perpetuated by Russia, has resulted in significant damage to the country's energy infrastructure, according to the Kyiv Economic University's assessment.
- NATO's involvement in the Ukraine conflict has become a contentious issue, with ex-CDU Secretary General Mario Czaja expressing concern about the German government's approval to strike Russian targets, potentially prolonging the attack on Ukraine.
