14:44 Bas: "Ukraine's destiny is with the EU and NATO."

Ukraine's path leads toward the European Union and NATO, says Bas at 14:44.

Prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's appearance in the Bundestag, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas voiced her support for the embattled nation. "The future of Ukraine belongs in the EU and NATO," Bas expressed.

14:33 Scholz Rules Out German Instructors in Ukraine:German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany would maintain its current policy, excluding the training of Ukrainian soldiers in their homeland. On the other hand, the Bundeswehr teaches Ukrainian troops in Germany, which will persist. This came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of training soldiers in Ukraine by French specialists.

14:17 Gressel: "It's Shocking That Russia Can't Defend Modern Planes":In response to Ukraine's claim that Russia's offensive on Kharkiv has failed, security expert Janis Gressel opined that it's shocking for Moscow to watch their jets get destroyed. It's unclear whether taking Kharkiv itself was ever Russia's aim. However, Ukraine scored a hit in Russia's interior, causing embarrassment.

14:01 Post-Speech: AfD Suggests Absenting Themselves from Zelenskyj's Bundestag Address:The AfD parliamentary group advises that AfD MPs stay away from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bundestag speech in the afternoon. Information from parliamentary sources indicates this, but it's up to individual MPs to decide. Meanwhile, the Left Alliance (BSW) has confirmed that its MPs will absent themselves.

13:48 Continued Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees in EU:The EU Commission wants Ukrainian refugees to continue enjoying special rights in the bloc until at least March 2026. The proposal was made to ensure a secure, lasting return to Ukraine is unachievable, given Russia's sustained attacks on civilians and critical infrastructures across Ukraine. According to Eurostat, there are currently 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees in the 27 EU countries, with the highest numbers in Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Poland. The Czech Republic, for instance, has 32 refugees per thousand inhabitants.

13:29 Russia-Iran Cooperation Denied:Russia clarifies its intent to strengthen ties with Iran. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, asserted that despite some delays, the work on a comprehensive bilateral agreement would continue. This denies a report by a Russian news agency, RIA, that claimed the plans were briefly suspended due to Iranian issues. Contrarily, the Iranian ambassador to Moscow, Kasem Jalali, dismissed the claims from an Iranian news agency, Irna, stating there were no hindrances to their cooperation.

13:15 Germany to Help Ukraine with Post-War Reconstruction Funding:German and Ukrainian finance ministers sign a memo of understanding, aiming to aid Ukraine's recovery. The Ukrainian Finance Ministry will receive guidance on improving oversight and managing reconstruction funds. Christian Lindner, Germany's Finance Minister, said they'd help Ukraine "lay the tracks for future growth with the reconstruction,*" stimulating private enterprise and investment.

13:05 Ursula von der Leyen Calls for EU Accession Talks with Ukraine at the End of June:The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, urged beginning accession negotiations with Ukraine by the end of June. Zelenskyy has met all required reforms, she revealed in Berlin at a Ukraine reconstruction conference. The EU decided last December to open talks, but a concrete date remains unknown. Some countries, like Hungary, still have demands.

12:55 Ukraine Estimates $10-30 Billion Per Year Is Required for Reconstruction:Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asserts that Ukraine needs yearly investments ranging between $10 and $30 billion over the next ten years to revive its economy. He emphasized the significance of better logistics and ease of access to foreign markets to foster sustainable economic growth. Shmyhal further mentioned that in the first four months of the year, Ukraine's economy grew by 4.4%.

12:46 Stoltenberg reassures eastern NATO nations of their support
NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, reiterates NATO's commitment to its member states on the eastern front in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "NATO possesses the forces, resources, abilities, and political drive to protect any ally," he states after meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics in Riga. Stoltenberg is present at a one-day consultation of the so-called Bucharest Nine (B9) group, consisting of Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The conference, attended by Stoltenberg alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, prepares for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July.

12:31 von der Leyen guarantees immediate billions of euros for Ukraine
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, pledges immediate billions of euros in aid for Ukraine from the European Union. Alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a reconstruction conference in Berlin, she declares that 1.9 billion euros in financial aid for Ukraine will be dispensed shortly. Moreover, approximately 1.5 billion euros will be sourced from interest earnings on frozen Russian assets in July. Discussions about Ukraine's faster and more substantial access to the frozen Russian assets are scheduled at the G7 summit later in the week. In response to Ukrainian President Zelensky's request for assistance in the energy sector, aggressively impacted by Russian attacks, the EU has allocated almost 500 million euros for emergency repairs. Von der Leyen further announces that 1,000 additional generators will be supplied for power generation and an abundance of solar panels will make their way to Ukraine in the near future. "The aim is to decentralize the energy supply and thereby increase the resilience of the Ukrainian energy grid," she says. Additionally, the first agreements worth 1.4 billion euros with partner banks will be inked in Berlin to entice private investment in Ukraine.

12:10 Peskov justifies attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine:
The Kremlin defends its shelling of energy installations in Ukraine with potential power supplies to military industries. "Clearly, there's some connection between the power grid and the military infrastructure in certain cases," states Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian news agencies, addressing a question regarding whether the Ukrainian power grid is a legitimate military target. Russia has been waging a war against Ukraine for over two years and has consistently targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, reports that 80% of the capacity at thermal power plants and about a third of the capacity at hydroelectric power plants have been obliterated. Human rights organization, Amnesty International, condemns the attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as war crimes, as they sever the population from heat, electricity, and water resources.

11:35 In response to Western stances: Russia mulls altering nuclear strategy
The Russian government is contemplating modifying its nuclear deterrence strategy, as per its own assertions. Relying on the Western position, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says a change may be made in the Kremlin's nuclear strategy in a Russian news agency report. Details on this potential change are currently unclear.

11:25 Zelensky: Air defense is the key to defending against Russian attacks
Ukraine requires at least seven Patriot surface-to-air defense systems, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, to safeguard the country from Russian attacks. "Air defense is the answer to everything," he emphasizes at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. Zelensky appreciates Germany's donation of three Patriot systems. He further states that Russia takes every opportunity it can to attack Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier demanded a further bolstering of Ukraine's air defense to counter Russian assaults.

11:15 Scholz demands increased air defense for Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insisted on more robust air defense measures for Ukraine in response to Russian attacks at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. "We must not permit the Kremlin to persistently assault Ukraine," he said. Scholz urged the international community to lend support to Ukraine in this regard.

Olaf Scholz advocates for enhanced air defense measures for Ukraine during this international restoration conference for the nation. In his inaugural speech at the two-day conference, the German Chancellor urges allies to support Germany's initiative "full-throttle." He highlights the significance of preventing reconstruction as the most valuable course of action, saying, "That's why we're here: The finest reconstruction is the one that doesn't happen at all." Scholz advocates for hefty and long-term government commitments to expedite Ukraine's recovery. Besides, he will raise this issue at the upcoming G7 summit of the leading Western economies in Italy, which commences on Thursday. The Chancellor cites the World Bank's estimate for $500 billion in financial assistance required over the next decade. Furthermore, Scholz encourages the participation of private businesses in the rebuilding process. "The sheer volume necessitates private capital involvement," he asserts. Within the context, approximately 35,000 employees of 300 German enterprises are based in the automotive sector in Ukraine alone. Despite the ongoing hostilities, Germany's investment in the nation has remained unchanged, and trade volume has even surged dramatically as compared to pre-war figures. "These developments show me that Ukraine's economic potential has not gone unnoticed by the business world," shares Scholz.

10:59 Despair and resilience: Life amidst the rubble in Isjum

In Berlin, the international restoration conference for Ukraine is underway, with President Zelenskyy in attendance. How life is lived amidst the wreckage in Isjum brings the feeling of despair and determination front and center. NTV journalist Kavita Sharma chats with a homeowner and a power plant manager, both of whom hope for assistance.

10:41 Baerbock: EU takes on a European role in Ukraine's restoration process

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasizes the European perspective of Ukraine at the International Reconstruction Conference for Ukraine. She affirms, "The message we convey here at the Ukraine reconstruction conference is that not only are we united in our resistance to Russia's brutal assault, but we're simultaneously laying the groundwork for Ukraine's membership in the European Union." Russian President Vladimir Putin's objective, she claims, is to dismantle Ukraine's lifeblood through his unprovoked aggression. "That's why we all stand together and united," explains Baerbock. It's not only about defense and economic restoration but, above all, forging a coalition towards Ukraine's European Union entry, she adds. The people of Ukraine require support in their everyday lives, with electricity, water, and warmth at the top of the requirement list, she notes. Therefore, it's crucial that this conference involve not only politicians but mayors, corporations, and supporting communities converging to secure Ukraine's future.

10:35 Selenskyj and Steinmeier meet at Schloss Bellevue

Ahead of the restoration conference for Ukraine, its president, Volodymyr Selenskyj, met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. Steinmeier will also be present at the conference and will hear Selenskyj's address in the German parliament. The content of the bilateral meeting between the two heads of state was not disclosed. Steinmeier and Selenskyj had previously convened at Schloss Bellevue in May of the prior year during a time of tense relations between the two countries. Since then, however, the relationship has improved.

10:29 Mega-jumble on Berlin's public transport system due to restoration conference

This Ukraine establishment conference is resulting in significant disruptions in Berlin's public transportation system. The S-Bahn, for instance, has completely suspended service between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten, following police directives. According to the S-Bahn, multiple lines are impacted. Regional trains have been barred from operation and are being diverted instead. Striving to offer Ukraine a strategic development perspective, the German government hosts this two-day conference. The conference commenced at Berlin's City Cube congress center, located in the district of Charlottenburg, with an opening address by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj.

09:51 Russia and Belarus commence the second phase of a nuclear training exercise

Russia and Belarus are kickstarting the second part of their tactical nuclear exercise. As reported by the Russian Defense Ministry, this exercise intends to verify the readiness of armed forces and equipment to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. It also incorporates joint training of units of both countries to prepare for the employment of non-strategic nuclear arms. Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated this nuclear exercise last month amid military threats from France, Britain, and the United States concerning the Ukraine war. In response, Western allies authorized Ukraine to use weapons provided by these nations against Russian military targets.

09:31 Sharma on "The Clock is Ticking": What does Ukraine expect from the reconstruction conference?

Networking crucial stakeholders is the primary aim at the Ukraine restoration conference, slated to host around 2,000 participants from 60 nations in Berlin, according to NTV journalist Kavita Sharma. She explores the expectations of Ukrainians and shares "rumors at this particularly inauspicious moment."

09:05 Hofreiter demands superior air defense for Ukraine

During the Ukraine restoration conference, which is expected to bring together around 2000 participants from 60 countries in Berlin, the main objective revolves around facilitating meaningful connections. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma explores Ukraine's hopes and potential controversies.

The head of the European Affairs Committee in the German Bundestag, Anton Hofreiter, emphasizes the importance of superior air defense for Ukraine during reconstruction conferences. He states that Ukraine's energy infrastructure could only be protected and large-scale private sector investments made reliable if Russian air attacks could be successfully defended against. He exhorts the German government to take action for improved air defense as a matter of priority, advocating for a European initiative in this regard.

FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann also voices support for more comprehensive arms deliveries to Ukraine. She expects the German Chancellor to grant concrete and prompt aid to President Volodymyr Zelensky and publicly express his backing for the President's requests. In addition, Union faction vice-president Johann Wadephul calls on the German government to provide more support to Zelensky during his visit to Berlin, as well as to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

Recently, former CDU General Secretary Mario Czaja revealed in an interview with the Tagesspiegel that the CDU's less frequently expressed views regarding Russia and arms deliveries to Ukraine often come from East German perspectives. He notes that East Germans have gained unique experiences in dealing with Russia that differ from those of their Western counterparts. Czaja raises concern over the possibility of German attack weapons reaching Moscow and endangering civilians. While he stresses the need for the Russian President Putin to return to the negotiating table, he cautions against further escalating the war. In the CDU, Czaja believes his and Michael Kretschmer's opinion, which opposes the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, represents a minority perspective and remains underrepresented.

Meanwhile, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urges greater European assistance for Ukraine, including sizable private sector investments. By recalling the post-WWII reconstruction efforts in Germany, Pompeo argues that Ukraine must revive its domestic infrastructure and economy. The former American official maintains that without the necessary reconstruction investments, Putin could succeed in revenging Ukraine - even if he does not capture Kiev.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff revealed 520,850 Russian casualties since the start of Russia's assault on Ukraine. The last few days saw 1,100 casualties. The General Staff lists the total Russian losses: 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored combat vehicles, 18,676 vehicles and fuel tanks, 13,690 artillery systems, 1,099 multiple rocket launchers, 842 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,023 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

The Kyiv School of Economics estimates that the damage inflicted on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian air raids may amount to a staggering $56.2 billion. This figure considers not only the direct damages but also the financial losses incurred by energy companies because of lost revenues. In their analysis published on Monday, the experts estimated the cost of rebuilding the destroyed or damaged infrastructure at $50.5 billion. Direct losses from the destruction of energy infrastructure, such as power plants, power lines, and oil and gas infrastructure, are estimated at $16.1 billion. Losses due to reduced energy company revenues were assessed at $40 billion.

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In the wake of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin, Union deputy faction leader Johann Wadephul reiterates his call for Germany to supply Taurus missiles to Kiev. According to Wadephul, "I hope the President of Ukraine won't have to give another pleading speech in the German Bundestag, only to return with empty hands." He stresses the necessity of providing Ukraine with these long-range weapons, particularly the Taurus. Zelensky touched down in Berlin on Monday evening. He's in attendance at the two-day Ukraine reconstruction conference starting early Tuesday morning (see entries 06:10 and 06:37 am). Wadephul notes that Ukraine needs all the support possible in this critical stage of their battle against Russia. Germany hasn't fully met this need, drawing criticism from the CDU politician. If this doesn't change, it could be disastrous for the course of the war and European security at large.

06:52: Russian SU-34 bomber crashes in the Caucasus: No survivors

Reports out of Russia suggest that an SU-34 bomber has crashed during a training exercise in the Caucasus. According to Russian news agencies, citing the Defense Ministry, the crew perished in the crash. The cause is believed to be a technical malfunction. The incident took place in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, but the exact number of personnel aboard is yet unknown.

06:37: CDU foreign policy politician lauds Ukraine reconstruction conference

CDU foreign policy politician Jurgen Hardt hails the Ukraine reconstruction conference underway in Berlin as "an exceptional display of political and economic solidarity." Speaking to the German Press Agency, he views the event as "a powerful symbol of support" for the citizens of Ukraine. This gathering, which began early Tuesday morning, demonstrates that the free world has the capacity and will to turn Ukraine into a modern and free nation. The potential of Ukraine is immense, he asserts. A successful Ukraine would also prove advantageous for Germany. Hardt adds that Ukraine's road to NATO and the EU will be strengthened by the conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is slated to open the event with a speech at 10:00 am. Also expected at the conference is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (see also entry 23:46 pm).

06:10: Schulze before reconstruction conference: Sign of cooperation

Development Minister Svenja Schulze anticipates that the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, which starts Tuesday morning, will send a strong message of collaboration. "Everyone who's attending this gathering believes in a brighter future for Ukraine and is working toward it. This conference indicates a solid alliance behind Ukraine: 60 countries, thousands of businesses, municipalities, and civil society representatives will be present," explains the minister. Russia unlawfully invaded Ukraine, warranting "our unyielding support." Schulze continues, "Ukraine is defending our security and liberty." To rebuild under conflict circumstances, she argues, Ukraine has no option but to begin the rebuilding process now. The country requires civilians just as much as soldiers: electricians, doctors, and craftsmen. An estimated 2000 participants from politics, business, and international organizations are expected at the conference, concluding Wednesday. It's not a funding conference; rather, it's about connecting the pertinent parties.

05:24: Report: US lifts arms embargo on Azov Regiment

The US State Department allegedly lifted a ten-year ban on training and arming the Ukrainian Azov Brigade, per the "Washington Post". The statement asserts that the 12th Special Unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, received a clean bill of health following a thorough review, allowing it to bypass the Leahy Amendment. This law prohibits military assistance to foreign units implicated in human rights abuses. Azov is a regiment with right-wing, ultranationalist roots. Since 2014, it's part of the Ukrainian National Guard. The unit was formed by a battalion that combated pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, which had proclaimed independence.

In the Barents Sea, a Russian destroyer called "Admiral Levchenko" has burst into flames, as confirmed by a Ukrainian Navy representative. This report hasn't been verified independently. The vessel accommodates several hundred crew members, and they are fighting to keep the ship afloat. The fire is thought to have been caused by an over heated engine. The destroyer had entered service for the Soviet Navy in 1988, and its engines were built in Ukrainian Mykolajiw. Only there can these engines be maintained. Dmytro Pletenchuk shared on Facebook, "This occurs when the Russian state is sanctioned by Ukraine."

Ukraine and the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall are launching their first collaborative tank repair facility and production site. This news was disclosed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries. Their mission is to repair and maintain the infantry fighting vehicle Marder. This joint service center will swiftly provide repair and maintenance for German equipment directly in Ukraine, enhancing the efficiency of the armed forces. Ukrainian workers will drive the production facility, supervised by Rheinmetall agents regarding the technical details.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived in Berlin. He released a statement in the evening proclaiming his attendance at the reconstruction conference. He plans to discuss with Scholz additional defense support, the expansion of Ukraine's air defense system, and joint arms production. At the German parliament, Zelensky will deliver a speech on Tuesday.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has withdrawn the accreditation of an Austrian journalist and ordered her to leave Russia. The rationale behind this action was stated to be a response to the April 30 removal of a Russian correspondent working for Tass in Austria. The ministry in Moscow concluded, "The Austrian side has not yet explained its discriminatory decision."

Poland is establishing a buffer zone at its border with Belarus. The prime minister's cabinet, during a meeting in Bialystok in eastern Poland, gave instructions to the Interior Ministry. This area would make it tougher for illegal transportation of migrants across the Polish-Belarusian frontier, while also improving conditions for border guards, army, and law enforcement.

The German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) urges the extension of certain security arrangements to help rebuild Ukraine. DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben asserts, "We advocate for the expansion of the coverage practice of German investment guarantees." It's crucial to create a basis at the impending Berlin reconstruction conference to offset high cost and risk assessments through reinsurance mechanisms, thereby facilitating financing.

Thirty-two males fled Ukraine in a truck and crossed the "green border" to Hungary. According to the Ukrainian border guard Andrij Demtschenko, a spokesman for the authorities, "The neighboring country discovered a vehicle and arrested 32 Ukrainian citizens." Male residents aged 18-60 years old with certain exceptions are not allowed to migrate. Many attempt to exit across the green border to neighboring European countries or Moldova, where they can be found dead, particularly in the Tisa (Theiss) river and the Carpathians.

Germany and the EU aim to expand their funding for a project by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), supporting Ukraine at the Berlin reconstruction conference. Germany has agreed to enhance its support from the original 27 million euros to 39 million euros, and the EU Commission has increased its aid from 36 million euros to 54 million euros. This project facilitated by the Foreign Office is part of its stabilization platform and aims to deliver practical support to key state and civil society actors in regions most severely affected by the war.

For all previous events, please explore the prior recap.