Trump derides Zelenskyy as the top salesman ever

Trump ridicules Zelenskyy as an outstanding salesman of all time.

At a rally in Detroit, Trump continued to reject aid for Ukraine. To his supporters, he deemed Zelenskyy as the greatest salesman ever and falsely declared that the Ukrainian president demands "60 billion every time."

16:47 Moscow: Ukraine should consider Putin's proposal "carefully"The leadership in Kiev, as per the Kremlin, should consider withdrawing troops from the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine for peace talks. "The current state of affairs at the frontline clearly indicates that it's worsening for the Ukrainians," Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated, while Zelenskyy was in Switzerland with numerous state and government heads discussing an end to the conflict. "A politician who prioritizes their country's interests over their own and those of their masters would probably consider such a proposal," Peskov added. The Kremlin had previously suggested a ceasefire and peace negotiations, in exchange for Ukraine surrendering its partially occupied regions in the east and south and renouncing NATO membership.

16:23 Zelenskyy: Negotiations with Russia "tomorrow" if troops are withdrawnUkrainian President Zelenskyy stated that a Russian troop withdrawal was a condition for peace talks. "Russia can begin negotiations with us tomorrow without any delay if it withdraws its troops from our lawful territories," Zelenskyy told journalists at the end of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland. He, however, added, "Russia and its leadership are not ready for a just peace."

16:14 Von der Leyen: Putin shows no intention to end the warEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted that the conference in Switzerland deserved its title "Path to Peace," as peace would not be achieved in a single step. The conference was not about peace negotiations, as Russian President Vladimir Putin showed no genuine interest in ending the war. Putin demanded capitulation and control of Ukrainian territory, von der Leyen said. He also intended to disarm Ukraine, making it vulnerable to attacks. Such terms were unacceptable.

16:06 Zelenskyy: specialist teams to develop "peace action plans"At the conclusion of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced plans for another international conference. The participants had agreed to form special teams to work on "concrete ideas, proposals, and developments that could restore security in various aspects." Once "peace action plans" were in place, the way to a second summit would open, Zelenskyj said. They had agreed to "form special teams after the summit to work on specific ideas, proposals, and developments that could restore security in various aspects."

15:58 Zelenskyy calls for a prompt second summit of the Ukraine conference

According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, a second meeting of the Ukraine conference should take place soon. Preparations for such a meeting would not require years but only months, he stated after the conclude of a two-day meeting attended by around 100 countries and organizations. Several countries have already expressed their readiness to host such a summit. A prerequisite for Russian participation is that Moscow accepts the UN Charter, as stated by EU Commission President Von der Leyen. The final declaration, which was not signed by all participating countries, makes no mention of a follow-up conference. Swiss President Amherd acknowledges that "opinions and starting points were very diverse." However, she points out that the conference was the first time a high-level and broadly representative meeting discussed a peace process.

15:50 Statement urges against using nuclear weapons in the war against UkraineThe majority of participants at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland support the final declaration, which states that any threats or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the war against Ukraine are unacceptable. Nuclear energy and facilities must be secure, protected, monitored, and eco-friendly. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must be under full Ukrainian control and comply with the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and fall under its supervision.

15:32 Drone strike hits Russian military truck in BelgorodIn the Russian region of Belgorod, a Ukrainian suicide drone struck a Russian military truck. There were no reported injuries in the incident, but attacks are escalating. According to the governor, there were over 50 air strikes in Belgorod on Saturday alone.

15:21 Signatories of the declaration call for the return of all prisoners of war and deported childrenThe final declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland urges that food security should not be used as a weapon. Therefore, there must be free and secure shipping and access to seaports in the Black and Azov Seas. Attacks on cargo ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as on civilian ports and port infrastructure, are unacceptable, says Swiss President Viola Amherd, the conference host. In addition, all prisoners of war must be exchanged and all forcibly deported and unlawfully detained Ukrainian children, along with all other Ukrainian civilians, must be returned to Ukraine.

15:17 Ukraine Peace Summit: Advocating Russia's Involvement in Future TalksThe majority of attendees at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland favor Russia's participation in future peace negotiations. The final statement suggests, "We reckon that reaching peace demands dialogue with all parties involved." No specific plans for a follow-up conference are mentioned in the declaration, and no date or location for such a meeting with Russia is given. Before the gathering in Switzerland, several participants, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had pushed for Russia's inclusion in future conferences. Notably, Russia was not invited, and China was also absent. The objective is to establish a common international understanding for potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. For additional details, check here.

15:02 Disagreement at Peace Summit: Not All Nations Agree with DeclarationThe closing statement of the peace summit in Switzerland was not supported by all participating countries. Only 80 of the 93 states endorsed the document. The declaration emphasizes the United Nations Charter and "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" as the basis for "a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable peace in Ukraine." It also covers nuclear security, food security, and prisoner exchange. Among the countries that did not approve the declaration were six G20 members: Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. Several other nations like Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and the Vatican were also absent.

14:53 Union's Call to End Aid for Ukrainian RefugeesThorsten Frei, parliamentary manager of the Union faction in the German Bundestag, requests the stop of civilian aid payments to Ukrainian refugees. As per Frei, such aid creates unhealthy incentives amidst ongoing Russian aggression. However, he reveals that support for weapons and soldiers is vital for Ukraine. Moreover, Frei suggests modifications to the way civilian aid is provided to Ukrainian women, as they are surprisingly slow in seeking jobs in Germany.

14:17 Capture of Sagrine Village by Russia in Ukrainian SouthThe Russian Defense Ministry reports that the troops from the Eastern Military District have seized control of the Sagrine settlement in the Saporischja region. Russia's army has mainly been advancing in the east of Ukraine for months, though without significant victories. Before the takeover of Sagrine, Russian forces had announced capturing three villages in the east, south, and north-east of Ukraine in the past week. The advance in the north-east was eventually halted by reinforced Ukrainian forces after commencement on May 10.

13:50 Putin Stalls Talks with Ukraine for NowDespite Russian reports suggesting a possible future dialogue with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov states that guarantees are needed to ensure the credibility of negotiations. Many analysts view Putin's recent peace offering as questionable, aimed at influencing the conference in Switzerland. Kiev instantly dismissed the supposed offer.

13:23 Negotiated Solution: Remote Chances According to TrubetskoyWhile representatives from 92 nations discussed a peace plan for Ukraine at the Swiss Bernina Summit, the conflict persisted under Russian assault. Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy discusses the remote prospects of a negotiated solution and the stances of Zelensky and Putin in an ntv interview.

12:49 Uncertain Support for Ukraine Summit's Final DeclarationAustrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer suggests that the final declaration of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland may not receive universal backing. Some countries have reservations regarding the declaration's formulation, Nehammer informs journalists at Bernina Summit. A follow-up conference on Ukraine is anticipated, subject to format clarification and Russia's potential participation. An interim conference could be held before Russia's involvement, as per Nehammer.

12:23 Ukrainian Soldiers Wary of Putin's Peace OfferingPutin proposes a ceasefire and peace talks with Ukraine under specific conditions. Kiev denounces the offer outright as capitulation. Ukrainian soldiers, who risk their lives daily on the front line, react to the Kremlin's proposition.

12:02 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Praises Declaration of Ukraine Conference in SwitzerlandUkrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba deems the declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland complete and "balanced" to journalists at Bürgenstock. The positions of the Kiev government were taken into account. Only the Kiev government's peace plans were considered at the summit, and Ukraine will not accept decisions made by Russia using an ultimatum.

11:23 British Intelligence Predicts Additional $29 billion Revenue for RussiaAccording to British intelligence, Russia is projected to generate an additional $29 billion due to its military actions in Ukraine.

Tax hikes in Russia, anticipated by British intelligence, are expected to fund mounting financial responsibilities, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In 2025, the Russian government is projected to earn an extra $29 billion, owing to an increase in the corporate tax rate from 20% to 25%. New tax categories will be introduced, and the highest personal income tax rate will climb from 15% to 22%, as part of the updated income tax system. British intelligence predicts that these increased taxes may potentially hinder future investments and the growth of non-military sectors.

Peace talks in Ukraine carried on at a conference in Switzerland today. In smaller groups, they covered nuclear security, agricultural exports, and humanitarian matters, such as the fate of abducted Ukrainian children by Russia. The final declaration will reflect these discussions. Press conferences are planned for the afternoon, featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy among others, wrapping up the two-day event. The objective of the conference is to initiate a peace process, allowing for Russia's long-term integration. Although Russia has not been invited to the gathering and has expressed no intent to attend.

Historian Matthäus Wehewski from the Hannah-Arendt Institute for Totalitarianism Research considers it gullible to view Putin as willing to engage in any agreement or negotiations. He refers to X, the head of the "Alternative Ukraine" movement as a case in point: "Putin's 'peace proposal' Part II is an 'interview' with Viktor Medvedchuk, who is already Putin's puppet in Ukraine." In this interview published by the Kremlin propaganda outlet TASS, Medvedchuk spreads absurd lies, such as Zelenskyy not representing the Ukrainian people's interests. He also expresses that the interests of Russia and the Ukrainian people revolve around the "liberation of Odessa and other cities" following Putin's peace offer rejection. Medvedchuk repeats common Kremlin narratives and speaks of a "complete denazification and demilitarization" of Ukraine. According to Historian Wehewski, the "Alternative Ukraine" Movement consists of politicians from previously pro-Russian parties in Ukraine. "Putin has already constructed an 'alternative' Ukrainian government, with whom he intends to engage in 'negotiations' for Ukraine's dismemberment and political/cultural subjugation. This strategy was previously employed by Stalin in 1939/40 against the Baltics and Finland."

In Switzerland, state and government leaders are discussing solutions for peace in Ukraine. Notably absent is Russia, who was not invited to the event because, as NTV reporter Jürgen Weichert explains, Moscow did not receive an invitation.

Ukraine continues to report significant casualties among Russian troops. In the last 24 hours, it was reported that 1160 soldiers were killed, along with the destruction of six armored vehicles and 58 artillery pieces. There were no reports of destroyed tanks, according to the reports. These numbers cannot be independently verified.

Ukraine is still awaiting the majority of the $61 billion aid package from the USA. According to the first deputy Ukrainian Defense Minister, General-Leutenant Iwan Hawriljuk, even though a limited amount has arrived in the country, it has somewhat soothed the shortage of artillery ammunition. The advantage of Russian forces in available projectiles is said to have decreased from seven to five to one. Until sufficient Western aid arrives to significantly impact the battlefield, it will likely take some weeks or even months, Hawriljuk said.

Ukraine's power plants, once capable of producing 5 Gigawatts of energy, have been reduced to just 500 Megawatts due to Russian attacks. For the upcoming heating season, this is disastrous. Ukraine is making every effort to restore the power plants to at least some of their original capacity. However, this would require components like turbines or generators, which are not readily available. "This year, there might be a temporary fix," said Dmytro Sakharuk from Ukrainian energy conglomerate DTEK, in an interview with ntv.de. "We may receive material from power plants built in countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece." This is the quickest way to restore a portion of our power generation capacity, he added, but the material doesn't always fit perfectly, so our power plant blocks will be like Frankenstein's creations.

23:23 Activists allege renamed kids by RussiaUkrainian rights activists accuse Russia of indoctrinating children abducted from Ukraine. Mykola Kuleba, head of the charity Save Ukraine, states that captured kids are forbidden to speak Ukrainian or display any Ukrainian symbols. Children are severely punished if they refuse to sing the Russian anthem, Kuleba claims. Russian officials are said to have altered the children's names and birthdates. Save Ukraine has returned 373 children, Kuleba says, many of whom displayed signs of trauma. The Ukrainian government reports over 20,000 children have been kidnapped since the start of the conflict. Russia denies the abduction accusations, claiming they've brought children to safety from the war zone.

07:32 Russia's easy game? Cybersecurity expert doubts Germany's readinessGerman cybersecurity expert Christian Dörre expresses concern about Germany's preparedness to counter foreign misinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. Dörre, a researcher at the Hasso-Plattner-Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, states, "When it comes to hybrid threats, we are unfortunately not well prepared." He references the past two years of the Ukraine conflict, stating that society has shown unpreparedness and ineffectiveness when faced with hybrid threats, ranging from disinformation and fake news to attacks on infrastructure.

06:54 "Tense situation" - Ukrainian General Staff reports on Russian storm attacksThe Ukrainian General Staff reports increased military activity by Russia in the Wremiwka sector, located between Donetsk and Zaporizhia cities. The Russian military is reported to have stormed the frontlines ten times in Vodjane, Uroschajne, and Staromajorsk areas. The situation is described as tense, with measures being taken to stabilize it.

06:07 Could it be a counterattack success? Ukrainians claim captured Russian positionsUkrainian forces claim to have seized Russian positions in the Serebryansky Forest, as announced on social media by Swjatoslaw Palamar, deputy commander of the 12th Brigade of the Azov National Guard. Spokesperson Nasar Woloschin for the Chortyzja grouping confirms these advances, stating their defense forces are pushing back Russian defensive lines and firing positions, while launching counterattacks and seizing enemy firing positions on tactical levels.

05:24 Interior Minister Conference president criticizes Ukrainian refugee aidThe chairman of the Interior Minister Conference, Michael Stübgen, aligns with his Bavarian colleague's demand to end the payment of citizens' benefits to war-fleeing Ukrainians in Germany. Stübgen believes it's illogical to support Ukraine and simultaneously provide aid to "flag-fleeing" Ukrainians in Germany. He deems the immediate payment of citizens' benefits to refugees from Ukraine a mistake, as it acted as a barrier to employment. The federal government should consider a policy change, according to Stübgen.

03:55 Biden unavailable for Ukraine Summit, attendes Hollywood gala insteadUS President Biden did not travel to the Ukraine Conference in Switzerland like other G7 participants. Instead, Biden headed back to the USA to attend a gala dinner with Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and George Clooney to replenish his campaign funds. Vice President Kamala Harris attended the Ukraine Summit in Biden's absence.

02:50 von der Leyen urges restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrityEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes the ongoing conflict's current state should not be allowed to persist. "Freezing the conflict today while foreign troops occupy Ukrainian land is not the answer," she said at the Ukraine Summit in Switzerland. She emphasizes the need to support a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable peace for Ukraine, including the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

01:28 Latvia practices for emergencies with nationwide civil defense information dayIn Latvia, a day under the title "Armed with Knowledge" took place, aiming to educate the population on how to act in crisis situations. Knowledge was shared on first aid, emergency supplies, and handling explosive objects, radiation, or chemical hazards to strengthen civil defense amid Russia's attack war in Ukraine. Defense Minister Andris Spruds believes it's essential to inform the public on what to do in a crisis situation.

00:54 Zelensky claims 3,500 rockets fired monthly at civilian targets in UkraineUkrainian President Zelensky claims Russia fires approximately 3,500 rockets at civilian targets and infrastructure every month. These rockets are reportedly used to force people to leave cities and villages, paving the way for Russian occupation. Russia denies targeting only military objectives.

Civilians Met with Tragedy in East Ukraine: Russian Shelling Causing Deaths and InjuriesAccording to Ukrainian investigators, the east region of the country has witnessed unfortunate casualties due to Russian shrapnel. The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office alleges that the Russian military fired multiple rocket launchers, causing harm in the village of Ulakly in the Wolnowacha district. A residential area was targeted, and two men and a woman were killed with five more civilians injured, as per the investigators.

Sunak Condemns Russia's Backers: Aggression Unacceptable, History in ErrorBritish Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has harshly criticized Russia's supporters and allies for aligning themselves with an aggressor, stating they are on the wrong side of history. Addressing the peace summit in Switzerland, he questioned those supporting Russia by providing weapons or components, suggesting they reflect upon Bucha, Mariupol, and Kharkiv before making decisions. Sunak further expressed that Vladimir Putin is not interested in real peace. He claimed that Putin's claims of willingness to negotiate are false statements.

Peace Negotiations Imperative: Saudi Arabia Makes Its Stance ClearSaudi Arabia advocates for Russian involvement in any credible peace talks regarding a potential peace settlement. The Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, emphasized this point during the Ukraine conference in Switzerland. Aspects of such a peace plan would involve making difficult compromises, he stated. Saudi Arabia is speculated to be one of the contenders for hosting a future conference to discuss the matter further.

Ukrainian Forces Score Victories on Eastern FrontUkrainian troops claimed successes on the Eastern Front, specifically in the areas of Klischtschijiwka and Serebrjansker Wald. According to their Telegram page, the 12th Special Brigade Asow successfully drove out Russian troops from their positions in the Serebrjansker Wald region. The brigade's deputy commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, confirmed this on Facebook.

Continued Attacks in Ukraine: General Staff ReportsDespite international efforts for peace in Ukraine, Russian troops continue their attacks on various frontlines. With air support, Russian units are reported to have launched fresh attacks in the east of the country near Wowtschansk. There were also unusually strong advances in the region Pokrowsk in southeastern Ukraine, where approximately a third of the day's 74 Russian attacks were recorded. The attacks were repelled, as stated.

Scholz: Russia Must Participate in Peace Process for UkraineGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports Russia's inclusion in the peace process for Ukraine. Speaking at the peace conference in Switzerland, he emphasized that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without incorporating Russia. However, Scholz also demanded a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the partially occupied Ukraine. He suggested that Russia could end the war at any time if it ceased its attacks and withdrew from Ukraine.

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