G7 Nations Establish Guidelines for Utilizing Russian Resources at 19:30 in the US
The United States is optimistic about the progress being made in negotiations regarding the use of frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to President Biden, reports that discussions on this issue have been fruitful and productive, and a decision on the matter is anticipated at the G7 summit in Italy. Although Sullivan emphasizes that the forthcoming statement from world leaders will only provide an overall framework, he feels confident about the direction in which things are heading.
In other news, Thiele, a military expert, believes efforts by politics and media to promote the notion that Ukraine's aggression is justified are insufficiently aggressive. He suggests that even Vladimir Putin is cooperating with these efforts. Since 2011, Germany has suspended conscription. However, Defense Minister Pistorius sees the creation of more reservists and strengthening the military as a necessary step. Thiele, on the other hand, perceives the proposed plan as inadequate and argues that even Putin shares this sentiment.
Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy plan to sign a bilateral security agreement between their two countries during the same G7 summit. Sullivan announced that the negotiations between the US government and the Ukrainian government have been completed. However, he did not reveal the details of the possible agreement, stressing that it would not entail a commitment to deploying US troops to defend Ukraine. Instead, he described it as "a pledge that we will ensure that Ukraine can defend itself."
Reports indicate that at least eight people have lost their lives and 21 others were injured in a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed these events. Additionally, four more individuals are still missing. Zelenskyy has requested that his country's allies provide Ukraine with air defense systems. "Modern air defense systems can provide maximum protection for people, cities, and our positions," he wrote.
A significant number of agreements, amounting to over 100, were signed at the reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin. These agreements include declarations of intent between companies and governments. The conference focuses on networking and has designated four dimensions for the reconstruction: the business, human, local, and EU dimension.
A fleet of Russian warships has made its way to the Caribbean. The first two ships have safely navigated through Havana Bay. The US military predicts that several Russian ships and support vessels will participate in the scheduled exercises. These exercises may also include a stop in Venezuela. There were suggestions that these Russian ships could remain in the region until the summer. Despite the tensions and recent events, a US government spokesperson maintains that none of the ships carry nuclear weapons and pose no direct threat to the US.
In anticipation of the G7 summit in Italy, the United States is proposing a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions target over 300 individuals and organizations that are aiding Russia in its continued war efforts. Moreover, they include Chinese companies that support the Russian state.
Rheinmetall, a DAX company, aims to deepen its strategic partnership with Ukraine. The collaboration will involve establishing a joint venture in Ukraine for the production of artillery ammunition. The company also intends to donate Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine and initiate their production in that country.
In response to Russia's conflict with Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has formed the world's first drone combat force. This development involves thousands of drones contributing to surveillance and attacks on enemy positions.
The Swedish Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, believes that his idea for a different type of military service will result in an extra 5,000 individuals joining the Bundeswehr each year. He hopes to progressively raise this number. According to him, around 400,000 18-year-olds join the world every year, and his plan is to reach out to them and ask them to complete a questionnaire about their views on the Bundeswehr. He thinks a quarter of them might be interested in joining the Bundeswehr. The suitable candidates will be chosen after a screening process. Women will also get the questionnaire but aren't obligated to fill it out. Pistorius emphasizes that the Basic Law does not mandate compulsory military service for women. The chosen individuals should serve a basic military service of six months or be open to a 23-month commitment. However, the plan also says: "We want a new model that depends largely on voluntary service but also includes mandatory elements."
15:25 Hoegl promotes "modern military service" - for all genders
The German parliamentary defense ombudsman, Eva Hoegl, supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' novel military service concept and urges broad acceptance. "This could assist in resolving the manpower concerns of the Bundeswehr. It would also significantly enhance our defense potential since the entire society must defend our peace, our freedom, and our democracy - militarily and civilly," the SPD politician notes. "Hence, a modern military service with voluntary and obligatory components is essential." Pistorius had previously presented his strategies to the German parliament's Defense Committee. His plan involves re-establishing mandatory military registration, which was suspended 13 years ago. Furthermore, Hoegl wishes for young men to be compelled to provide information about their readiness and capability to serve via a questionnaire and to take part in a screening.
15:17 Germany supports science and research in Ukraine with 24 million euros
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research asserts it will invest 24 million euros into Ukrainian science and research over the next four years. This was announced by Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger at the conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Berlin. "For the reconstruction, science and research of the highest caliber are essential," the FDP politician notes. "We need first-class and interconnected scientists and researchers, as well as an educational perspective for young people." The ministry is supporting various collaborations, such as German-Ukrainian and European history of the 20th century, antibiotic research, or quantum research.
14:49 Kim praises 'Weapons Brotherhood' with Russia before predicted Putin visit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks highly of the connection with Russia, referring to it as a 'Weapons Brotherhood.' According to Pyongyang, "the friendly and cooperative connection has evolved into an unbreakable tie" following last September's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since then, both countries dramatically increased their military and economic cooperation. Both sides are suspected of exchanging traditional weapons, like artillery and rockets, to support Russia's war in Ukraine. In exchange, North Korea receives access to advanced military technology and financial aid. Meanwhile, Japanese broadcaster NHK, citing diplomatic sources, reports that Putin might visit North Korea next week since Russia needs additional weapons for its invasion.
14:24 Enterprise Alliance Formed for Small and Medium Companies
On the second day of the international Ukrainian reconstruction conference in Berlin, Germany and Ukraine, along with twelve other countries, and seventeen development organizations and banks, establish an Enterprise Alliance for small and medium firms. These companies make up the foundation of Ukraine's economy, accounting for two-thirds of its economic output and creating more than 80% of its jobs. The goal of the alliance is to "identify these firms during wartime and prepare them for reconstruction," the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development states. The founding members are expected to provide monetary investments, political advice, or capacity-building programs. The total commitments for the alliance add up to more than seven billion euros for ongoing and new programs.
13:51 Schulze wants to encourage Ukraine-city partnerships
Germany encourages Ukraine's partner countries to help the war-torn nation by expanding city partnerships in its reconstruction. "Let's work together so that each Ukrainian community has at least one international partner," Development Minister Svenja Schulze underlined at a participatory forum with numerous German and Ukrainian mayors during the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin. A review should occur at the following year's reconstruction conference in Rome, states the SPD politician. According to Schulze, Germany has a large German-Ukrainian municipal partnership network that numbers more than 200 partnerships.
Previous Russian politician Dmitry Medvedev illustrates the whole of Ukraine on a map as Russian territory on the Russian national holiday. In his blog on Telegram, he publishes an animated display: With the sounds of the Russian anthem playing, the white-blue-red flag waves over a map of Russia. The entire Ukraine, extending to the borders of Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, is indicated as Russian. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, is left out. Since the beginning of the war, inconsistent reactions from Moscow have emerged, both official and propaganda-wise, over how far they want to suppress Ukraine. Additional resources are available here.
12:42 Rheinmetall allegedly constructing Lynx infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine
The arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is said to be constructing Lynx-type infantry fighting automobiles in Ukraine, as per a news publication. Reps from both nations consented to start production at the Ukraine reconstruction convention in Berlin, Handelsblatt reports. "This year we will produce the first Lynx," said the Ukrainian minister for strategic industries, Oleksander Kamyshin, to the newspaper. The production of the Lynx tank is said to be underway this year, but the degree of other production is unclear.
12:20 Russians armor motorcycles and buggies with cages
In the Ukraine conflict, drones are used more frequently - to spy on the rebellion and to attack military vehicles. To safeguard their soldiers, the Russians are now arming not merely tanks but also other threats with a protective roof. Military expert Ralph Thiele is unclear as to how this approach is advantageous.
11:49 Hungary permits NATO-Ukraine plan
Hungary will not participate in the proposed broadening of NATO's help for Ukraine, yet will not hinder it either. "I'm satisfied we've reached an agreement on that," stated NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg after a meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary won't offer monetarily or bodily to the NATO plans. On the contrary, Orban guaranteed that Hungary will not block the NATO plans. "Hungary won't obstruct the decisions of the NATO that other member countries have consented on," said Orban.
11:19 Trubetskoy: AFK's justification for Zelensky boycott "total hogwash"
During Zelensky's discourse in the Bundestag, there was a commotion: MPs from BSW and significant components of the AfD remained away from Zelensky's address publicly. Ukrainian reporter Dennis Trubetskoy doesn't want the AfD's justification for the boycott to stay put.
11:05 Uniper inclines to endure €13bn in damages from Gazprom
The German energy company Uniper, which was nationalized in the gas crisis, confronts damages worth €13bn from the Russian Gazprom conglomerate due to unfulfilled gas volumes. Due to the fact that Gazprom reduced its deliveries in June 2022 and halted them totally in August of the same year, a court granted Uniper €13bn in damages, according to the Düsseldorf firm. Uniper will now formally conclude the still intact contracts with Gazprom, the organization announced additionally. Meanwhile, it's clear that with a legitimate compensation from Gazprom, little is anticipated.
10:39 Must the draft be reintroduced?
The discourse on the reintroduction of conscription is underway. What's your viewpoint? Must the draft be reintroduced?
10:10 Moscow terminates Berlin's transport aggravation
Russia declares a major-scale military workout in the Atlantic. Russia journalist Rainer Munz sets this military exercise in context and examines the Russian reactions to news about Selenskyj's Berlin trip.
09:44 Succession of Strack-Zimmermann on Defense Committee is confirmed
For Scholz, the situation will not become simpler: The new chairperson of the Bundestag Defense Committee is the FDP politician Marcus Faber. The 38 committee members picked the 40-year-old in a session in Berlin. Faber will change the previous chairperson, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who is relocating to the European Parliament for the FDP and therefore giving up her seat in the Bundestag. Faber hails from Saxony-Anhalt and has been an MP in the German parliament since 2017, while she has been a frequent member of the Defense Committee. The military expert is an unwavering ally of Ukraine. Faber has frequently proclaimed his approval of supplying the Ukrainian Taurus missile launcher, a stance that Scholz has fervently resisted.
Amira Mohamed Ali of the Left Party expresses her disapproval of bringing back conscription, calling it unnecessary war rhetoric and an attempt to prepare Germany for a major war. However, she acknowledges the Bundeswehr's inability to fulfill its constitutional duty of defending the country due to its current limitations. To fix this, she suggests improving the Bundeswehr's equipment and correcting its procurement process, as billions have gone missing in military budgets.
Moscow is toughening its stance on foreign organizations in Russia. The legislature's first readings of a draft law allowed Russian authorities to label any foreign organization as "undesirable," and another bill introduced criminal penalties for involvement in such organizations. The Institute for the Study of War views this as an expansion of the Kremlin's ability to combat and censor foreign organizations in the country.
Ukraine seeks Russian involvement in a second peace conference, with the Ukrainian presidential administration head Andrij Yermak expressing hopes for a "representative" from Russia attending. He emphasizes the need for international support of a "joint plan" for peace in the region.
A pro-Ukrainian partisan group, Atesh, claims to have sabotaged a Russian satellite communication station in Moscow. They released a video of a supposed attack on R-441 Liven communications satellite, which will allegedly weaken the Moscow region's air defense.
Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister, supports soccer team Borussia Dortmund's planned advertisement for Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer. Pistorius views this as proof of the arms manufacturer's importance in maintaining national security and creating jobs and know-how, despite some resistance.
Pistorius is also pushing for the reintroduction of conscription, requesting young men to fill out a questionnaire assessing their willingness and ability to serve and potentially enlist. Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/rheinmetall-werbung-101.html
During the morning of ntv, Left Party co-chair Amira Mohamed Ali expresses dissatisfaction with plans to reinstate conscription. She believes that discussing military conscription and readiness leads to war preparations, which should be avoided. While she admits to the Bundeswehr's inability to live up to its duty of defending the country, she advocates for equipment upgrades and alterations in the procurement process.
The Kremlin increases pressure on foreign organizations in Russia. The Duma looked into two draft laws, the first allowing the government to identify any foreign organization as "undesirable" and the other imposing penalties like fines and imprisonment for any involvement with such organizations. The Institute for the Study of War explains the expanded Kremlin authority over foreign organizations and their activities in Russia through these draft laws.
Kiev desires Russian involvement in a second conference discussing peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president's administration head Andrij Yermak calls for international support and a "joint plan" for peace, suggesting a possible Russian representative at the meeting.
A potential sabotage attack took place on a Russian communications satellite station near Moscow, according to Atesh, a pro-Ukrainian group. They released a video and a photo of the burning station, allegedly weakening the Moscow region's air defense.
Reinstating conscription and picking military service questionnaires are among Boris Pistorius' suggestions. The German Defense Minister approves of a deal between soccer team Borussia Dortmund and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, viewing it as a symbol of the importance of national security and job creation. Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/rheinmetall-werbung-101.html
06:46 Bolivia Acquires More Fuel from Russia: Bolivia is trying to overcome its fuel shortage with Russian assistance. Parliament has approved a deal for the purchase of fuel from Russia, according to Bolivian President Luis Arce following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Although details about the agreement are still unclear, Arce also met with representatives of Russian oil company Rosneft. Bolivia's own fuel production has been declining, and the country's demand is increasing. Bolivia has maintained close ties with Russia, refraining from imposing direct sanctions on the country due to the conflict in Ukraine and not officially condemning the Russian attack.
06:17 Gabriel Calls for Firm Action against Russia: Former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel advocates for a stronger stance against Russia, even if it involves German military involvement. "I never imagined I would have to say this: We'll have to suppress Russia again as we did during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Putin must realize how serious we are," Gabriel told Stern. "The Kremlin needs to receive the clear message: Stop this war - or we'll bring it to you. If that means German air defense systems, aided by the Bundeswehr, will implement no-fly zones in Ukraine to protect civilian Ukrainian cities from Russian air attacks, I would tell Mr. Putin that we will not do so."
05:54 Putin Keeps Powerful Ally Patrushev in Security Council: Despite the reorganization of his power apparatus, Russian President Vladimir Putin retains close confidant Nikolai Patrushev as a permanent member of the Russian Security Council. Patrushev will also join Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, as a permanent member of the body, per a statement published on a government website. The Russian Security Council, chaired by Putin, is an advisory body responsible for managing and developing national security policy. It holds no direct authority over Russian security agencies and ministries. Surprisingly, during the May government reshuffle, Putin demoted Patrushev, who previously served as national security secretary, to an advisory position on shipbuilding.
04:32 Stoltenberg Advocates for Long-term Defense Aid to Ukraine: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urges perpetual military aid for Ukraine in a meeting with NATO defense ministers. "We should allocate 40 billion euros annually in new funds," Stoltenberg proposed. This is a significant amount, Stoltenberg added, but necessary. The financial burden of each NATO member nation would be based on their gross domestic product. Stoltenberg also advocates for the United States to contribute approximately half of the 40 billion euros yearly, the remaining funds would be shared among European allies and Canada. "This is absolutely feasible," Stoltenberg emphasized.
02:19 Report: US Provides Ukraine with Another Patriot Missile System: US President Biden plans to provide Ukraine with another Patriot missile system to bolster its air defense capabilities. While not yet confirmed, the decision is said to be the result of strategic discussions and meetings with senior officials, according to the "New York Times." The Patriot system in question is currently stationed in Poland but can be dispatched to the Ukrainian front in the coming days. This would mark the second Patriot air defense system given to Ukraine by the US.
01:01 Ukraine: Relative Calm since US Weapons Authorization: The authorization by the United States and its allies to use supplied weapons against Russian forces has reportedly decreased attacks on Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian sources. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told Reuters, "It has helped. Perhaps that's why Kharkiv has been relatively quiet in the past few weeks...the attacks were less intense than, for example, in May." Since the mid-May authorization, Ukraine has had the ability to utilize US weapons against invading forces on Russian territory.
01:00 Study: EU Can Weaken Kremlin by Admitting Russian Experts: A group of Russian critics recommend that EU countries accept more Russian opposition figures. According to them, this would not only be in the interest of Europe but also help weaken the Russian economy and military capabilities. They presented their findings at a Paris conference. The study claims that 80% of the surveyed 3,200 Russian emigrants left the country after 2014, beginning with the annexation of Crimea. Approximately 50% left Russia only after the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Most Russian emigrants were highly educated and had pro-Western values. The group suggested a broader advertising campaign to attract "economic immigrants" from Russia. "Through the migration of qualified specialists and their assets, the Kremlin's dominance can be weakened more effectively than by existing sanctions," the study concluded.
23:38 Research: Russian Experts' Emigration Could Undermine the Kremlin: A group of Russian dissidents calls on EU countries to admit more Russian opposition figures, citing the potential economical benefit for Europe and the Kremlin weakening. The study shows that 80% of 3,200 surveyed respondents left Russia after 2014, mainly related to the annexation of Crimea. 50% of these individuals left the country only after the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Many of the emigrants are well-educated and share Western values. The group proposes a campaign to encourage qualified specialists to relocate to the EU, considering the large impact on Russia's economy and military capabilities.
The Russian military has supposedly seized control over two more villages in eastern Ukraine. As per the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian troops have advanced into the town of Timkowka, situated near the city of Kupyansk within the northeastern region of Kharkiv, as well as the village of Miasoschariwka in the northern part of the eastern region of Luhansk.
At 21:56, Latvia urges Eastern Flank countries of NATO to join forces in backing Ukraine. President Edgars Rinkevics insists, "The fundamental thing is that we have a joint plan for the NATO summit in Washington." However, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has decided against attending the Riga summit, where nine East European NATO nations convene. Additionally, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has also canceled her appearance "at the last minute," as stated by the Latvian president's office. Hungary has chosen not to offer military assistance to Ukraine. Slovakia, on the other hand, halted its aid after the entrance of Prime Minister Robert Fico the previous year.
21:25 - Scholz dissatisfied but not astounded by AfD and BSW boycott
German Chancellor Scholz admonishes the non-participation of AfD and BSW during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech in the German Parliament. The government spokesperson declares this act "reprehensible" to ARD's primary studio. Scholz expresses his feelings of "considerable displeasure but not astonishment." AfD and the whole BSW section skipped Zelensky's address.
20:47 - Estonia moves Mistral missile systems to Ukraine
Estonia intends to deliver additional military assistance to Ukraine to confront Russia. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announces that Estonia will dispatch rockets and launchers of the short-range air defense system Mistral to Kiev. "Ukraine necessitates air defense to combat the continuous violent assault from Russia, and it also safeguards the direct security interest of Estonia to work alongside its allies," expresses Pevkur, yet withholds information on the dimension of the weapon delivery. "We've assembled the aid package in such a manner that Ukraine can profit as much as achievable without affecting the combat preparedness of the Estonian armed forces," adds Pevkur.
20:11 - USA lifts sanctions against Ukrainian Azov Brigade
The United States has ended its ban on arming the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. The military unit states through Telegram, "A new chapter in the history of our brigade is about to be written." The brigade can now get military support from the United States. The US State Department comments that no proof of human rights violations was found during a detailed analysis. In the early days of the Donbass dispute in 2014, the Azov Battalion gained notoriety for its Neo-Nazi symbols such as the wolf's hook. Among the founders of the battalion was the renowned right-wing extremist Andrij Bilezkyj. The US now affirms that the present brigade, which has been a part of the Ukrainian National Guard for some time, varies from the militia from the outset.
Read also:
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, is expected to sign a bilateral security agreement with Joe Biden during the G7 summit, which includes a promise from the US to help Ukraine defend itself without deploying troops.
- In response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has formed the world's first drone combat force, consisting of thousands of drones that contribute to surveillance and attacks on enemy positions.
- Russia's military exercises in the Atlantic have been met with concerns from NATO allies, with Hungary allowing but not participating in the planned expanded assistance to Ukraine.
- Thiele, a military expert, criticizes the insufficient aggression in promoting Ukraine's justification for aggression by politics and media, and suggests that even Putin shares this view. Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Pistorius aims to create more reservists and strengthen the military as a necessary step, but Thiele sees the plan as inadequate.
