Scholz views D-Day as a reminder for heightened defense endeavors.

Scholz views D-Day as a motivator for boosting defense endeavors.

Before the festivities for the Allied invasion of Normandy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged for a more robust European defense. "It's evident to me: Europe will be taking on more responsibility in the future," Scholz wrote in a guest piece for French newspaper "Ouest-France." A strong Europe economically, militarily, and socially is crucial to preserving peace, he stated, in the context of Russia. "To work towards this Europe is the legacy of June 6, 1944," he continued, referring to D-Day. For Germany and its allies, it's clear that "brutal Russian imperialism" must not prevail. "And it won't succeed, as we'll continue to support Ukraine in its courageous defense efforts as long as it's necessary."

4:46 p.m. Biden: Democracy more endangered than ever since World War IIAmerican President Joe Biden addressed the D-Day commemoration ceremony in France, claiming that democracy is more jeopardized worldwide now than it's been since the end of World War II. "We reside in a period when democracy is more imperiled globally than it has been since the conclusion of World War II," said Biden in Colleville-sur-Mer. He took part in the ceremony for the US troops who lost their lives during the Allied landings. "Here, we have proven that the forces of freedom are more powerful than the forces of conquest," said Biden, referencing the D-Day operation on June 6, 1944, which set the stage for the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. The D-Day exemplified the value of alliances. "Isolationism wasn't an answer 80 years ago and isn't currently," Biden commented in reference to NATO.

4:17 p.m. NATO will not deploy troops to Ukraine, says StoltenbergNATO has no plans to deploy troops on Ukrainian soil, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. "NATO has no plans to send troops to Ukraine," Stoltenberg stated during a visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki. Furthermore, no immediate military threat to any NATO member nation exists from NATO's perspective.

3:46 p.m. Biden: USA and NATO won't ignore Ukraine crisisThe USA and NATO won't neglect the Ukrainian crisis, as stated by American President Joe Biden. Ukraine, currently engaged in a war with Russia, was targeted by a "tyrant" who yearns for power, according to Biden in Normandy on the anniversary of the Allied landing in World War II, also known as D-Day. Democracy is currently more endangered than it has been since World War II. "We won't surrender, we won't capitulate to the tyrant, that's unthinkable. If we do, freedom will erode, and all of Europe will be threatened," said Biden in Colleville-sur-Mer.

3:21 p.m. Frenchman arrested in Russia for gathering military dataA Frenchman has been detained in Russia for allegedly amassing data on Russian military engagements, as per the Russian Serious Crimes Investigation Committee. The man has reportedly visited Russia multiple times over the years and has met with Russian nationals.

2:57 p.m. Lavrov assures more Russian military cooperation in Sahel statesRussia aims to amplify its military involvement in West and Central Africa. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rounded up a four-day tour of the region. "I pledged to our Chadian friends that Russia will continue to make a worthwhile contribution to the stabilization of the situation in the Sahel-Sahara region, assisting the areas in the region in providing more aid to augment the readiness of their national armed forces and training military personnel and law enforcement officers. This extends to Chad and other nations in the region," Lavrov said, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.

1:30 p.m. Two dead, numerous injured in Russian attacksUkrainian officials reported two fatalities and 22 injuries due to Russian attacks the day prior. The violent incidents with civilian casualties occurred in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro regions. One example is Nikopol, where a bus was impacted by a drone, resulting in a fire and injuring at least four passengers.

12:57 p.m. Scholz: Putin's support for AfD is "embarrassing"Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted to Putin's accolades for the AfD during his government statement. "Already, it's embarrassing that you've received such unbridled praise from the Russian president today," Scholz declared. Before this, AfD members had made interruptions. "You've worked hard for that, and the citizens will accurately assess it." Putin had defended the collaboration between Russian officials and the far-right AfD during a meeting with foreign media the previous night. "We will cooperate with everyone who wishes to cooperate with Russia," stated the Russian leader. "We observe no indications of neo-Nazism in the activities of the AfD."

12:31 NATO Chief: Closing the Gaps in Ukraine's Military Supply

The supply gaps in Ukraine's military support must be eliminated, as stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. The Western allies must ensure this. In recent months, we've witnessed some delays and shortages in the delivery of military aid to Ukraine, Stoltenberg remarked at a press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki. Ukraine needs reliability and predictability from its NATO allies.

11:59 Ukraine Requests More F-16 Pilot Training Slots

Ukraine has requested Western nations to increase the number of training slots for its F-16 fighter jet pilots. 'Politico' reports that there is a shortage of training space to easily fill the planes with pilots once they're delivered. Currently, there are 30 pilots ready to start training in the US's Arizona state, but only 12 spaces are available. Similar issues have been reported in other countries like Denmark and Romania, according to 'Politico'.

11:28 ISW: Ukraine Increases Counterattacks Near Vovchansk

The conflict around the city of Vovchansk near the Russian-Ukrainian border continues. The Ukrainians aim to inflict heavy casualties on the Russians, halt their advances, and regain lost territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) citing General Staff Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian military bloggers suggest that Ukrainian forces have intensified their counterattacks near Vovchansk. The city's military administration head, Tamaz Gambaraschvili, also reported that Ukrainian forces had retaken some unspecified positions within the city.

10:52 Ukrainian Military Intelligence Sinks Russian Tugboat

The Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) has reportedly destroyed a Russian tugboat in the Black Sea, according to "Kyiv Independent" quoting HUR spokesperson Andrij Yusov. The ship, a tugboat used by the Russians in Crimea, was destroyed by HUR's operation.

10:23 Ukrainian Author Serhiy Zhadan Joins the Army

The renowned Ukrainian author and Peace Prize of the German Book Trade recipient, Serhiy Zhadan, has enlisted in the Ukrainian army. Zhadan posted on social media saying he's joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Chartia, and is currently undergoing training. He also shared a photo of himself in camouflage with a rifle.

09:57 German Chancellor Defends Weapons for Ukrainian Attacks on Russia

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the supply of weapons to Ukraine, stating that it can use them to attack Russian positions in Russia when defending itself against attacks on its territory, its cities, and its people - all within international legal boundaries.

09:26 Munz: "Putin applies pressure on Germany"

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly spoke to the international media and threatened the West for the first time since Russia's attack on Ukraine. His focus was on Germany. ntv journalist Rainer Munz interprets this in context.

08:56 Russian Defense Ministry Claims 13 Ukrainian Drones Destroyed in Crimea

Russia alleges to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula in the past night, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry. Other reported damage includes six destroyed objects in the Belgorod region and an anti-ship missile and 40 armored personnel carriers in the Rostov region. These claims lack independent verification.

08:23 Ukrainian Forces Claim 515,000 Russian Soldiers Killed

Ukrainian forces claim to have killed 515,000 Russian soldiers during the ongoing attack war, as per the Ukrainian General Staff. In the last 24 hours, Russia reportedly lost 1,300 soldiers plus 22 tanks, 48 artillery systems, an anti-aircraft system, and 40 armored personnel carriers, according to the General Staff. These claims also cannot be verified independently.

Recent developments in Russia involve a fire at a significant oil refinery, reportedly caused by a drone attack from Ukraine. In the refinery of Novoshakhtinsk, a fire ensued, as reported by the governor of the region, Vasily Golubev. The incident has led to production being halted, although thankfully, there are no reported casualties. The refinery, located ten kilometers east of Ukraine's border, is often subjected to Ukrainian attacks and is considered one of the most prominent oil refineries in southern Russia.

Meanwhile, Ralf Ketzel, the head of the defense company KNDS, expressed concerns over potential maintenance issues with damaged Ukrainian tanks. Despite predicting potential challenges, he emphasized that the responsibility for repairs mainly lies with those on the front line.

Ukrainian forces have also repelled a Russian drone attack, destroying 17 out of 18 Shahed drones in regions like Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Additionally, two Iskander missiles were launched at the Dnipro region, though it's unclear whether these were also intercepted.

Russian President Putin is now threatening to deploy high-tech long-range missiles if Ukraine decides to utilize long-range weapons within Russia's territory. He suggests that countries that permit such action may face similar Russian missiles being stationed near their borders. The specific locations of these potential missile deployments remain undecided.

The managing director of German weapons manufacturer KNDS, Ralf Ketzel, asserts that his company is unable to provide quick support to Ukraine, as their ability to deliver materials rapidly has been exhausted. Two years ago, Ketzel believes a proactive decision should have been made to prepare for a prolonged war.

Russia is reportedly moving forward with plans to strengthen its ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan. At an International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin discussed expanding its relations with the Taliban, contending, "We have always believed that we have to deal with reality." Previously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed intentions to remove the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations they've been listed under since 2003.

Alexei Nawalny's widow, Julia Nawalnaja, and his foundation have been honored with the Freedom Prize by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, after Nawalny's death in a Siberian prison in unclear circumstances last month. Nawalnaja, who accepts the award with the intention to continue her husband's work, warns against Russian disinformation and false experts encouraged by Putin prior to the European elections. She highlighted the necessity to combat this "poison of propaganda" and expressed determination to continue working in the face of her husband's untimely death.

A fire has been reported at an oil refinery in Novoshakhtinsk, Russia, with explosions preceding the incident. The region's governor, Vasily Golubev, attributed the fire to a drone attack. This refinery, located near Ukraine's border, has been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks in the past.

U.S. officials predict that Russia will carry out intensive naval and air force exercises in the Caribbean. These exercises are expected to be classified as routine naval activities and not direct threats to the United States.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, defends interactions between Russian officials and German AfD politicians. Referring to a gathering with big international news agency reps in St. Petersburg, Putin declared: "We'll team up with anyone eager to collaborate with Russia." He didn't recognize any signs of neo-Nazism in the AfD's actions. He also clarified that there are no established connections with the German right-wing party. Putin mentioned if someone promotes harmonious ties with Russia, Moscow would support that.

23:29: Putin Denounces NATO Territory Invasion Claims as "Bullshit"

In a conversation with widely recognized media representatives, Putin dismissed the idea of Russia invading NATO territories as "bullshit." Adding an intense tone, Putin asked, "Have you lost your minds? Are you this dumb as this table? Who thought that? It's rubbish, do you get it? Nonsense." He also rubbished the claim that he threatened using an atomic weapon, saying: "Did I hint at using nuclear weapons? You guys did."

22:20: Putin Welcomes Action into AFP Journalist's Death Investigation

Putin expressed his willingness to investigate the conditions surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. Referring to a gathering with top global media representatives in St. Petersburg (see entries 21:25, 20:58, and 20:18), Putin said, "We're ready to do everything." Even though Soldin perished on Ukrainian-controlled territory, Putin remained resolute, "We're prepared. However, I'm unsure how it'll look in reality since it happened in a war zone." Soldin, an obscure video journalist, passed away from a rocket attack on May 9, 2023, while covering Ukrainian soldiers near the frontlines of Bachmut, a contentious Ukrainian city.

21:51 Lavrov Hunts for New Allies in Africa

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced during his Burkina Faso trip that Moscow will aid Burkina Faso by sending more weaponry and instructors to boost its defense capabilities. This diplomatic foray from Moscow stretches back to the 2022 military coup, as highlighted by Lavrov in his conversation with Russian news agency TASS, who stated: "Since the initial contacts between our countries after the coup, Russia and Burkina Faso have worked closely together in various fields, including military and military-technical cooperation." Moscow aspires to find a African ally capable of providing military backing who is not a staunch critic of Russia's Ukrainian invasion.

21:25 Putin Predicts Sporadic Changes in U.S.-Russia Ties After Election

Vladimir Putin expects no significant modifications in the United States' policy towards Russia following the US presidential election. Talking to media during a St. Petersburg meet, Putin confessed: "For us, electing a new president doesn't hold significant value." If it's the candidate picked by the US voters, Putin stated that Russia would cooperate. Earlier, Putin had opined that Biden would be a more favorable option due to his reliability. He also noted that the legal actions taken against former President Donald Trump, who unsuccessfully challenged Biden for presidency on November 5, were peculiar.

20:58: Over 6,000 Ukrainians Held Captive in Russia

After over two years into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Putin approximated the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war to be more than 6,000. A stark contrast compared to Russian POWs, Putin revealed this at a meeting with worldwide news agency representatives in St. Petersburg (see entry 20:18).

Ukraine has 1,348 Russian soldiers and officers captured, while Russia has 6,365 detained Ukrainians. This is uncertain. Putin responded to a question concerning the Russian casualties during the war, acknowledging that no party explicitly admits the losses. However, casualties resemble the prisoner numbers.

20:18: Putin Warns of Consequences if German Weapons Used Against Russian Targets

In St. Petersburg's Lachta Centre, a gathering site for global media representatives, Putin cautioned against utilizing German weapons by Ukrainian troops to target Russian installations. Putin deemed this a really hazardous step. The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine in the previous year caused a stir in Russia. If Ukrainians resorted to striking installations on Russian soil, Putin affirmed that "it'd ruin Russian-German relations entirely." The media meeting was part of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the initial international meeting since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia began.

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Note: The paraphrasing was done ensuring the input's tone, word choice, and length remained the same.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has defended the relationships between Russian representatives and German AfD politicians, implying an intent for cooperation with any willing party. He doesn’t believe the AfD is neo-Nazi, and there are no significant connections between the Russian Kremlin and German opposition party. However, if someone advocates better relations with Russia, then Moscow will support them.

At a meeting with international news agencies in St. Petersburg, Putin rejected the notion of a Russian invasion of NATO territory as nonsense. He dismissed the claims about his atomic weapon threats, saying it was the journalists who brought it up.

Regarding investigations into the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin in a war zone, Putin expressed readiness to help. Soldin was killed in a rocket attack near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut while filming Ukrainian soldiers.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Burkina Faso to strengthen the defense capacity of the West African country. After multiple visits since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia seeks a new ally for military support not critical of their conflict.

Putin expects minor changes in the U.S.'s policy towards Russia post-election and would collaborate with whichever candidate wins. He had earlier considered Biden more predictable and reliable. However, he criticized the legal actions against ex-President Donald Trump.

Putin estimated the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war at over 6,000, more than the Russian soldiers caught; however, these figures couldn't be independently verified.

The Russian President warned against Ukrainian forces doing attacks on Russian targets using German weapons, as this would end all Russian-German relations. His remarks came at a media gathering with representatives from prominent international news agencies during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.