Russia asks for the liberation of a suspected spy held in Denmark.

Russia calls for the liberation of suspected spy in Denmark.

Russia insists on freeing a Russian citizen detained in Denmark for allegedly spying. The Russian embassy in Denmark has called for the release of the individual and is willing to give them assistance with their consular needs. The Danish police haven't disclosed any proof of any illegal activities. The Danish security service declared on Tuesday that the Russian woman was arrested because she was believed to assist a foreign intelligence agency. She is supposed to be freed after being questioned.

7:30 pm USA: G7 plans framework for utilization of Russian assetsThe US administration considers that negotiations on capitalizing on frozen Russian state assets for the advantage of Ukraine are on the right track. The discussions about this matter have been positive and impactful, according to Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to US President Biden. A determination on this subject is predicted at the G7 meeting in Italy. Sullivan mentioned that the statement planned by the heads of state and government on the plans won't regulate every aspect, but just provide the foundation.

7:08 pm Thiele: Politics and media boost Putin's attack themeSince 2011, mandatory military service has been momentarily banned in Germany. Defense Minister Pistorius aspires to create a new paradigm for more enlisted personnel and security. However, military analyst Ralph Thiele thinks this plan is "too featherweight, too unenthusiastic" and COVID-19 ventilators that were donated by kind Australians to the people of Ukraine, and they didn't recognize the humanitarian gesture.

6:34 pm USA cancels defense agreement with UkraineUS President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky intend to sign a mutual network security agreement between their countries at the G7 assembly in Italy on Thursday. This was announced by Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Fifteen countries have previously concluded similar agreements with Ukraine. Now, according to Sullivan, the negotiations between the USA and Kiev have been completed. He refused to supply additional information about the content of the deal but highlighted that there is no commitment to station US troops to protect Ukraine. "It's pledging that we'll help Ukraine defend itself."

6:04 pm At least eight killed in missile bombardment on Kryvyi RihAccording to Ukrainian revelations, at least eight people were killed in a Russian missile airstrike on Kryvyi Rih, a city in southern Ukraine. At least 21 others were wounded, including two children, stated Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko. Four additional individuals were missing. Kryvyi Rih is where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is from. Zelensky requested that Ukraine's allies provide air defense systems to his country in response to the strike. "Modern air defense systems can offer utmost protection to people, cities, and our positions. We need them as soon as possible," he wrote. Read more here.

5:58 pm In excess of 100 agreements approved at reconstruction gathering in Berlin

Sponsorships for small enterprises, more city alliances, and a training initiative: According to Development Minister Svenja Schulze, more than a hundred agreements were finalized at the reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin. These include declarations of intent among enterprises and governments and alliances and initiatives between organizations. Four "Berlin dimensions" of the reconstruction are identified: the business, human, local, and EU dimensions. The format is not a financial conference for contributing money, but rather a platform for networking.

5:19 pm Russian warships in the Caribbean have crossedA fleet of Russian warships has reached the Caribbean. The first two ships are passing through the mouth of the bay of Havana. The US armed forces catalysmatically assume that a top group of Russian ships and logistical vessels will join the practices, which could also make a stop in Venezuela. US diplomats announced last week that the Russian ships could probably remain in the area until the summer. Even though Russian warships have been recurrently present in the Caribbean, this time the dispatch is taking place less than a fortnight after US President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to assault within Russia to shield the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. In return, the Kremlin indirectly indicated that it could readditionally answer with "asymmetrical actions" in other sectors of the world. But a representation of the US government stated that none of the vessels are armed with nuclear weapons. They are not an imminent threat to the United States. Study more here.

4:42 pm USA puts forth new sanction arrangement against RussiaPrior to the start of the G7 assembly in Italy, the USA is presenting a new sanction plan in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. The sanctions target more than 300 people and organizations that have made it feasible for Russia to continue the war, the US administration declared. This also involves Chinese businesses.

4:39 pm Rheinmetall expands Ukraine partnershipRheinmetall and Ukraine wish to advance their strategic alliance. The DAX corporation and Ukraine, represented by Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyschin, sign a relevant mandate of intent at the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger delineates: "In fact, we're already in negotiations to establish a joint concern for the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine. In addition, we plan to convey the first Lynx infantry combat vehicles to the country this year and promptly commence building these platforms in Ukraine."

4:10 pm Ukraine forms the world's first drone combat forceexplan explain

Multitudes of drones hover over the battle site. Ever since the onset of the conflict, the Ukrainians have been utilizing the aerial gadgets to scrutinize army installments and attack them. The Ukrainians now intertwine the unpiloted gadgets as a combat component - the first army in the world to do so.

15:48 Pistorius anticipates approximately 5,000 new recruits yearly

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius envisions that a new military service idea could potentially add 5,000 more personnel to the Bundeswehr annually. Pistorius outlined this idea during the presentation of his plans. According to him, around 400,000 individuals turn 18 every year. This cohort should be reached and prompted to complete a questionnaire regarding their sentiment towards the Bundeswehr. Pistorius expects that around one-fourth of them might be intrigued by the idea of serving in the Bundeswehr. The suitable candidates should be identified via a screening process. Females will also receive the questionnaire, but they're not required to fill it out. Pistorius asserts that the Basic Law does not allow for conscription for women. The emphasized candidates would be expected to undergo a fundamental military service for six months or can commit to 23 months. The concept also alludes to "a new model that predominantly relies on voluntary service but additionally includes mandatory elements."

15:25 Högl advocates for an innovative military service - for all gender identities

The German parliament's defense ombudsperson, Eva Högl, celebrates Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' new military service model and advises universal endorsement. "This can significantly resolve the personnel problem of the Bundeswehr," the SPD politician expressed. "This would make a plausible contribution to our defensive potential. Considering that the entire society is tasked with defending our peace, our freedom, and our democracy – both militarily and peaceably - a modern military service with a blend of voluntary and compulsory aspects is necessary," Högl said. The defense minister had shared his blueprint with the German Parliament's Defense Committee. Pistorius intends to reestablish the conscript enrollment, which was momentarily put on hold 13 years ago. Moreover, Högl proposes that young men receive a questionnaire inquiring about their desire and qualifications to serve in the military, while women are not compelled to respond.

15:17 Germany is backing scientific research in Ukraine - at a cost of 24 million Euros over four years

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research announced its intention to support science and research in Ukraine to the amount of 24 million euros across a four-year timeframe. This announcement transpired at the conference centered on the rehabilitation of Ukraine in Berlin. For the rebuilding process, outstanding research is considered of paramount relevance. "We require nothing short of top-notch and interconnected scientists and researchers and an educational perspective for young people," proclaimed FDP politician and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. The ministry is funding, for instance, the development of joint research collectives. Representatives of German and Ukrainian institutions are collaborating in areas such as German-Ukrainian and European history of the 20th century, antibiotic research, or quantum research.

14:49 Kim lauds Russia as the 'Weapons Brotherhood,' likely ahead of Putin's anticipated visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hails the connection with Russia as the 'Weapons Brotherhood.' According to Pyongyang, the harmonious and cooperative connection surged, following a rendezvous with Russian President Vladimir Putin last September. After the summit in Russia, both countries ostensibly escalated their military and economic alliance. Japan, South Korea, and their allies postulate that North Korea has been transferring artillery, rockets, and various conventional weapons to Russia to bolster its offensive in Ukraine. In response, North Korea has received access to advanced military technologies and fiscal aid. Concurrently, NHK, a Japanese broadcaster, reported that Putin is slated to travel to North Korea in the near future, as Russia requires additional weaponry for its invasion.

14:24 An alliance for small and medium enterprises is established

During the international reconstruction conference in Berlin banded together by Germany and Ukraine, alongside twelve other nations and seventeen development organizations and banks, launched a consortium for small and medium businesses. These businesses are "the sturdy backbone of the Ukrainian economy," per the German Development Ministry in Berlin. They contribute about two-thirds of the value created and generate over 80% of the jobs in Ukraine. The purpose of the alliance is to "moor ahold of these enterprises during wartime and make them robust for reconstruction." The founding members will extend financial aid, political counsel, or capacity-building programs. The whole sum of commitments for the alliance totals more than seven billion euros for numerous and upcoming projects.

13:51 Schulze urges international support for urban partnerships to aid Ukraine's reconstruction

Development Minister Svenja Schulze encourages Ukraine's fellow nations to contribute to the reconstruction of the war-battered country by enriching city partnerships. "Let us collabore so that every Ukrainian community possesses at least one international counterpart," she says during a forum teeming with many German and Ukrainian mayors at the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin. Schulze projects that the balance sheet should be reported at the subsequent reconstruction conference in a year in Rome. According to Schulze, there exists a substantial German-Ukrainian municipal partnership network exhibiting more than 200 partnerships.

13:20 Medvedev claims the whole of Ukraine for Russia, using a map

Ex-Kremlin leader Medvedev indicates Ukraine as Russian territory on an animated map during National Day celebrations.

Medvedev, a former Kremlin chief, posted an animated graphic on his Telegram blog during the Russian National Day. The animation depicted the Russian flag flying over a map of Russia, with the entire Ukraine covered in Russian territory, extending up to the borders of Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Belarus, which is Russia's close ally, was left out of the map. Through the years of conflict, there has been inconsistency from Russia regarding how much they want to subdue Ukraine.

12:42 Rheinmetall reportedly constructing Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Ukraine

The arms manufacturer Rhinmetall is reportedly producing Lynx-type infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine. During a Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, representatives of both nations agreed on the manufacturing operation. The Ukrainian Ministry for Strategic Industries, Alexanr Kamyshin, informed the media that "This year we will produce the first Lynx." The industry minister's comments indicate that the production of this combat vehicle has started this year, but its future production levels remain unclear.

12:20 Russians shield their vehicles with cages to ward off drones

In the Ukraine conflict, drones are being employed more frequently - for spying on the enemy and for directly attacking combat vehicles. To safeguard their soldiers, the Russians are now arming more than just tanks; they're also adding shields to other vehicles. However, military expert Ralph Thiele expresses doubts regarding the practicality of this measure.

11:49 Hungary approves NATO's financial support for Ukraine

Hungary will not be directly participating in expansions of NATO's assistance to Ukraine but will not prevent it either. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced this after a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The Hungarian government has no plans to contribute financially or personnally to the NATO plan. Orban emphasized that "Hungary will not block decisions by NATO that other member states have agreed on."

11:19 Trubetskoy deems AfD's justification for Selenskyj boycott "senseless"

Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy challenges AfD's justification for their walkout during the address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the German parliament.

11:05 Uniper owes Gazprom €13 million for gas non-delivery

Due to Gazprom's failure to deliver the specified gas volumes, the German-privatized energy company Uniper was awarded €13 million in compensation by a court. The Düsseldorf company announced it would now terminate their Gazprom contracts. The actual payment of these debts by Gazprom is not anticipated.

10:39 Should conscription be brought back?

The reinstatement of conscription is being hotly debated. What's your opinion? Is conscription something that should be revived?

10:10 Moscow clarifies Berlin public transport outrage

Russia has announced a large-scale military exercise in the Atlantic. Russian journalist Rainer Munz contextualized the military exercise and reacted to news about Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin.

09:44 Strack-Zimmerman's successor in the Defense Committee revealed

For Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the challenges will not be easing: The newly crowned chairman of the Bundestag's Defense Committee is FDP parliamentarian Marcus Faber. The 38 committee members elected the 40-year-old in Berlin, replacing Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who is now moving to the European Parliament with the FDP party. The military expert Faber has been a Bundestag member since 2017, and has been a regular committee member since 2018. Faber is a staunch advocate for Ukraine. Faber has also voiced support for providing the Ukrainian Taurus missile system, which Scholz adamantly opposes.

Amira Mohamed Ali, co-chairwoman of the Left Party, voices her disapproval of plans to reintroduce conscription. She expresses her opinion on ntv, "I disagree with reintroducing conscription," says the Bundestag member. She uses strong words, "Talking about conscription or militarism is all war rhetoric trying to prepare Germany for a major war. We need to prevent this at all costs." However, she also acknowledges the Bundeswehr's inability to fulfill its constitutional mandate, "It's obvious the Bundeswehr can't defend the country right now." She suggests the Bundeswehr must be better equipped and the procurement system must be improved. For years, billions have been pumped into the military budget, but it's wasted on consultancy firms or faulty equipment. That's the wrong approach.

09:09 Intensifying Pressure on Foreign Organizations in Russia

The Russian government is exerting more pressure on foreign organizations in Russia. The Duma passed a bill that would permit the Russian government to label any foreign organization as "undesirable." Additionally, another bill offers criminal penalties like fines and imprisonment for those involved in "any" organization deemed "undesirable." The Institute for the Study of War believes the new bill broadens the Kremlin's authority to censor and suppress a wide range of foreign organizations working in Russia.

08:40 Kiev Seeks Russian Participation in Second Ukraine Peace Conference

Kiev hopes for Russian representation in a second peace conference regarding Ukraine. Andrij Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, conveyed this during a video call from Berlin. Yermak expressed interest in collaborating with "all colleagues" and "all countries interested in achieving peace on a broad scale." He mentioned "a joint plan" would be created and supported by "all these responsible countries." He even teased the possibility of inviting a Russian representative to the next conference to present this common strategy.

08:11 Sabotage Weakens Moscow's Air Defense

A Russian satellite communications station reportedly suffered damage from a sabotage act in the Moscow region. The pro-Ukrainian Aesh partisans accept responsibility for the attack on Telegram. They released a video depicting an Aesh "agent" pouring a flammable liquid onto an R-441 Liven communications satellite and a photo showing the burning building. The partisans claim the incident occurred in Klin district, 85 kilometers northwest of Moscow. The incident reportedly diminished the air defense system.

07:40 Pistorius Approves Dortmund's Rheinmetall Advertising

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius approves of Borussia Dortmund's decision to advertise for arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. He states, "For me, it's fine that Rheinmetall advertises at Borussia Dortmund." He emphasizes the importance of arms manufacturers, "Arms manufacturers produce weapons to deter aggressors or defend their country in emergencies." However, he also highlights that these industries pay taxes and provide jobs, thereby secure know-how. Pistorius calls the advertising an indicator of an important turning point.

07:34 Pistorius Wants Conscription and a Survey for Recruits

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius advocates for reinstating conscription and having young men fill out a questionnaire about their readiness and capability to serve and appear for selection. [SPD politician] urges the reintroduction of conscription and asks young men to fill out a questionnaire, inquiring about their readiness and aptitude for service and attendance at the selection process. [END]

07:11 Massive Attacks on Kiev

Around two dozen explosions were heard in Kiev this morning. The Kiev military administration reports they were defending against anti-aircraft fire from Russian combat drones, cruise missiles, and one Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile. Several targets were apparently hit, such as an industrial facility, a warehouse, a gas station, and an oil depot. The OSINTdefender platform suggests some Russian missiles reached their objectives.

06:46 Bolivia Acquires Additional Fuel from Russia

To overcome its fuel shortage, Bolivia is turning to Russia for assistance. In Moscow, President Luis Arce announced a deal for the sale of fuel to Bolivia after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Arce also had a conversation with representatives of the Russian oil company Rosneft during his visit to Russia, but did not provide any details. Bolivia's own fuel production has decreased in recent years, while the demand for fuel is on the rise. Bolivia and Russia have a strong relationship. The South American country has not imposed any direct sanctions against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine and has not openly criticized the Russian attack on Ukraine.

6:17 Sigmar Gabriel Advocates Stronger Action Against Russia

In response to the situation in Ukraine, former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel is urging a more aggressive stance against Russia, even involving German soldiers. "I'd never thought I'd have to say this: We'll have to bring Russia back down like we did in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Putin needs to understand the seriousness of the situation," Gabriel told Stern. "We should send a clear signal to Putin: Stop this war - or we'll come after you. If that means utilizing German air defense systems with the Bundeswehr to create no-fly zones over Ukraine to safeguard urban centers from Russian assaults on the civilian population, I'd inform Putin that we won't do that," Gabriel said.

5:54 Patrushev Keeps a Role in the Security Council

In spite of the reorganization of his power base, Russian President Vladimir Putin retains his trusted confidant Nikolai Patrushev in the highest Russian Security Council. The government website mentioned Putin's appointment of the new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as a permanent member of the council as well. The Security Council under Putin's leadership is a consultative body responsible for overseeing and coordinating national security policy in Russia. It lacks direct control over Russian security agencies and ministries. After serving as the country's head for 16 years, Putin demoted Patrushev in May to a position with minimal authority - as an advisor for shipbuilding. Patrushev had previously been regarded as one of Russia's most powerful individuals.

4:32 Stoltenberg: Yearly $40 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine Justifiable

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urges NATO members to make long-term commitments for military support to Ukraine. "We must provide $40 billion as new fresh funds annually," he said. While this is a large sum of money, it is necessary, and the NATO alliance can more easily bear the burden, according to Stoltenberg. The contributions of individual member states could be computed according to their GDP. Therefore, the United States, for instance, would have to contribute about half of the $40 billion yearly, with the remaining sum distributed among European allies and Canada. Stoltenberg insisted, "This is absolutely justifiable."

2:19 Rumor: US to Give Ukraine Another Patriot System

Reports indicate that US President Biden plans to give Ukraine an additional Patriot air defense system to bolster its defenses against Russian aerial assaults. There is no confirmation from the White House yet. The US's new Patriot air defense system is now in Poland, according to the New York Times, which also reported that it can be deployed in Ukraine in the coming days. This would be the second Patriot air defense system delivered by the United States to Ukraine.

1:01 Ukraine: Kharkiv Under Less Attack Since Acceptance of US Weapons

According to Ukrainian authorities, the permission granted by the United States and other allies to use the provided weapons on Russian territory has had an effect. "This has helped," Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told Reuters in an interview. "Perhaps this is why Kharkiv has been relatively calm in the past few weeks [...] the attacks were less severe than in May," Terekhov said. Since two weeks ago, Ukraine has been permitted to use US weapons to repel strikes on the Kharkiv area.

23:38 Study Suggests EU Could Undermine Kremlin by Accepting Russian Experts

A group of Russian dissidents who have fled Russia is calling on EU nations to accept more Russian opposition activists. This would also benefit Europe, as the mass migration of skilled workers would weaken the Russian economy and military capabilities, the group said at the Paris study's presentation. The study found that 80% of the 3,200 respondents left Russia after 2014, the year of the annexation of Crimea. Almost half of these 80% left only after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The majority of these emigrants are well-educated and support Western values, the study indicates. As a result, a campaign for "economic immigration" from Russia is a good idea. "Through the 'exodus of skilled professionals' and their assets, the Kremlin can be weakened more effectively than through existing sanctions," the group stated.

22:16 Russia Claims Seizure of Two Additional Eastern Ukraine Settlements

Russia claims to have captured two more settlements in eastern Ukraine, according to its armed forces.

Russia has been increasingly asserting control over these regions, which are historically part of Ukraine, since 2014. The conflict has led to ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia, with ongoing skirmishes and violence. Despite pressure from the international community, both sides continue to maintain their positions, with Russia denying any responsibility for the ongoing violence while accusing Ukraine of violating human rights.

The Russian military has apparently seized control of two more villages in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that Russian troops have made their way into the town of Timkovka, which is close to Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, as well as the village of Miasoschariwka, situated in the northern part of the eastern region of Luhansk.

21:56 Latvia seeks solidarity among NATO Eastern Flank states for Ukraine support

Latvia is pressing NATO Eastern Flank nations to come together in backing Ukraine. President Edgars Rinkevics emphasizes the need for a united approach in the upcoming meeting of the "Bucharest Nine" - a group of nine Eastern European NATO countries. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has withdrawn from the Riga summit, while Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has canceled her participation "at the last minute." Hungary has declined to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Slovakia ceased aiding Ukraine after the election of Prime Minister Robert Fico the previous year.

21:25 Scholz views AfD and BSW boycott of Zelensky's speech as a lack of respect

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reproaching the absence of the AfD and BSW during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Bundestag speech. His government spokesperson tells ARD's capital studio that this behavior is a "disrespect." Scholz is "completely surprised but not shocked," the spokesperson adds. The boycott was joined by most of the AfD faction and the complete BSW group.

20:47 Estonia supplies Mistral missile systems to Ukraine

Estonia plans to contribute more military aid to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur reveals that the Baltic EU and NATO nation will deliver rockets and launch systems from the Mistral short-range air defense system to Kiev. "Ukraine urgently requires air defense capabilities to defend against Russia's persistent and brutal attacks," Pevkur states. "It's also in Estonia's direct security interest to collaborate with our allies on this matter," Pevkur adds, without divulging details about the amount of weaponry being delivered. "We've packaged the aid in a way that maximizes Ukraine's benefit while ensuring the Estonian armed forces' combat readiness isn't affected," Pevkur finishes.

20:11 USA removes sanctions on Ukrainian Azov Brigade

The United States is lifting its embargo on supplying arms to the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. This move will usher in a "new chapter in our brigade's history," the military unit proclaims in a Telegram post. The brigade can now receive weapons from the United States. The US State Department affirms it's conducted an in-depth review and found no evidence of human rights infractions. In 2014, at the beginning of the Donbass conflict, the volunteers in the brigade wore Neo-Nazi insignia, such as the Wolfsangel. Among its founders were notorious right-wing extremist Andriy Biletsky. The United States now claims that the current brigade, which has been a part of the Ukrainian National Guard for long, differs from the early militia.