Dead at "Mural of Remembrance" in Kiev, fallen Ukrainian soldiers honored by Zelensky, Macron, and Starmer at 21:43.
Article Rewritten
Ukraine War Live Updates: Zelensky, Macron, and Starmer Honor Fallen Soldiers in Kyiv
(21:43) Zelensky, Macron, and Starmer lay flowers at Mychajliwska Square's "Wall of Remembrance" in Kyiv, honoring fallen Ukrainian defenders. Western leaders praise the heroism and courage of Ukrainians who sacrificed their lives to defend their nation.
(21:19) Mützenich defends SPD politicians' controversial Russia contacts, stating that such talks are necessary for preparing for any potential future formal negotiations. Previously reported meetings in Baku raised eyebrows, with some demanding an end to Rolf Stegner's membership in the Parliamentary Control Committee of the Bundestag for the monitoring of intelligence services due to his controversial ties.
(20:51) Left Party chairman, Jan van Aken, applauds the visit of Merz, Starmer, and Macron to Ukraine. He suggests that they should visit Beijing next to bring Putin to the negotiating table and potentially end the conflict.
(20:10) Merz highlights the unity of Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire and claims that it is the most significant diplomatic initiative of recent months. Although, he clarifies that the offer is unconditional - there are no negotiations, merely a proposal for a ceasefire. Ukraine also imposes no conditions.
(19:23) Reports suggest that Russia considers the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but remains impressed with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov warning that it would be "pointless" to pressure Moscow. Earlier, Dmitri Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council, dismissed Ukraine's ceasefire demand, stating, "You can shove your peace plans up your ass."
(18:44) Merz announces that the new German government will terminate the publication of military aid to Ukraine, previously initiated in June 2022. However, support for Ukraine in its battle against the Russian onslaught will continue.
(18:09) Turkey offers to monitor any potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry insider. Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity during a phone call with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland.
(17:30) In an internal investigation following allegations of corruption, high-ranking National Guard officials in Ukraine have been suspended. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies, but details remain scarce.
(16:56) Zelensky accuses Russia of faking the ceasefire declared during Victory Day festivities, citing ongoing attacks on Ukrainian positions and border settlements. The Kremlin continues to deny such claims and hints at plans for a ceasefire, although specifics remain undisclosed.
(16:35) In response to a call for a ceasefire starting Monday, the Kremlin accuses Europeans of adopting a confrontational stance, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stating, "There are contradictory explanations from Europe, generally more oriented towards confrontation than attempts to revive our relations in one way or another."
(15:55) Dmitri Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council, rejects the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, using vulgar language to mock the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Politics
(15:33) Merz is open to a conversation with Putin, but only with the conditio that it takes place in coordination with European partners and the US.
(15:12) Merz remains cautiously optimistic about ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine, believing there is a "small chance," but remains resolute against Putin's continued military aggression.
(15:00) Macron reveals that the wearantee will mainly be overseen by the U.S., stating that they will take on the task "basically." He also threatens Russia with "massive sanctions" from Europe and the U.S. if they violate the ceasefire.
(14:39) Merz emphasizes the importance of close coordination with European partners and the U.S. in matters of military support for Ukraine. Although, discussions on specific arms deliveries will no longer be aired publicly.
(14:32) After a phone call with Trump, Ukraine offers Putin a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday.
Politics
(13:10) Ukrainian NGOs report nearly 20,000 children abducted by Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
(12:58) Strack-Zimmermann urges the new government to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine to strengthen military support.
(12:43) Ukrainian soldiers reveal pictures of the city of Wovchansk, reduced to ruins due to a year-long Russian offensive. The soldiers describe the urban combat as nearly impossible and detailed ongoing tunneling efforts by both defenders and occupiers.
(12:21) The EU is prepared to implement further tough sanctions against Russia, should they break a weapons ceasefire agreed with Ukraine.
(12:04) Macron threats consequences if Russia rejects a 30-day weapons ceasefire and subsequent peace talks.
(11:39) Royal Navy intercepts Russian submarine crossing the English Channel on its journey back to Russia from the Mediterranean.
Politics
(11:24) Reuters reports that Iran is expected to provide Russia with missile carriers for its ballistic short-range Fath-360 missiles in the near future, citing anonymous sources. Although, there is no public evidence to corroborate these claims.
(10:48) Merz threatens harsher sanctions against Russia if they refuse a 30-day weapons ceasefire and subsequent peace talks, pointing out Donald Trump's growing impatience with Putin.
(10:09) Political scientist, Thomas Jaeger, believes Putin's word could bring an end to the conflict and adds that even with a peace treaty, Ukraine remains suspicious of Russia.
(09:55) Ukraine reports at least four civilian deaths as a result of Russian attacks on civilian targets.
(09:20) Merz, Macron, and Starmer pay tribute to fallen war victims in Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
Politics
(08:51) Russia demands an end to arms aid to Kyiv as a prerequisite for a 30-day ceasefire.
(08:02) The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany expresses confidence that Friedrich Merz will pledge new arms deliveries to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv.
(07:17) Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk arrive in Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy, pushing for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire and initiating peace discussions.
(07:15) Ukraine reports 1,310 Russian losses over the past 24 hours.
(06:57) The US Embassy in Kyiv issues a warning about a potential comprehensive Russian missile strike.
(05:08) Former Munich Security Conference Chief, Christoph Heusgen, believes the new German government is on the right track and praises their intended joint approach in close coordination with France, Poland, and the UK.
(03:32) Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, seeks to boost security in the Baltic region amidst suspected acts of sabotage in the Baltic Sea.
(01:25) North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, praises the bravery of his soldiers who participated in the war between Russia and Ukraine, justifying North Korea's involvement in the conflict as consistent with their national sovereignty.
(00:38) European leaders plan a virtual meeting on peacekeeping forces after a potential peace agreement.
Follow our coverage for updates on the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Wars and Conflicts
- Military Deployments
- Russia
- Cyber War
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Sanctions and Pressure
- Diplomacy and Negotiations
- Military Aid
- Children's Rights
Enrichment Data:
The recent visit of European leaders to Kyiv included plans for a potential European troop presence after a peace agreement with Russia. These main points were discussed regarding such troop deployment:
- Peacekeeping forces and the coalition of the willing: The European leaders and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussed the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces after a peace deal. This deployment could be part of a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukrainian armed forces and police any future peace agreement.
- Monitoring and enforcement: The US would assume a key role in monitoring any proposed ceasefire, with support from European countries. This suggests the possibility of an international presence to ensure compliance with any peace terms.
- Continued support and sanctions: Europe and the US have vowed to maintain support for Ukraine during negotiations and threaten increased pressure on Russia should they violate the ceasefire, including energy and banking sector sanctions.
- Solidarity and unity: The historic visit of European leaders was seen as a significant show of solidarity with Ukraine, demonstrating their resolve to support the country throughout the conflict.
- The European leaders, including Starmer, have advocated for a focus on employment policies, stressing the importance of close coordination with the US and international community in creating and implementing these policies to support Ukraine.
- In the face of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, various community policy discussions have been highlighted, with an emphasis on protecting the rights of children who have been affected or abducted, such as those reported by Ukrainian NGOs.
- As part of the diplomacy and negotiations process, Merz has openly expressed a willingness to engage in conversations with Putin, provided that it aligns with European partners and the US, demonstrating a focus on employment policy within politics.
- In a show of sympathy and mourning, Merz, Macron, and Starmer paid their respects at various sites in Kyiv, including Maidan Nezalezhnosti, honoring fallen soldiers and war victims in the conflict.
