Foreign Minister Wadephul applauds Baerbow's Ukraine policy.
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Germany's designated Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has lavished praise on incumbent Annalena Baerbock for her tough, clear stance on Ukraine. "Even a green politician like Baerbock has managed to represent Ukraine's policy in a surprising, hard-hitting way. Frankly, I didn't expect that a few years ago," Wadephul told Phoenix TV. He reinforced his approval for Baerbock's integration of climate policy into foreign affairs, which he believes should remain a key aspect.
20:10: Ukrainian Drone Pilots Perform Daring Rescue
A Video surfaces, showing a group of Ukrainian drone pilots executing an audacious rescue mission. Captured comrades of Ukrainian border guards can be seen in the custody of Russian soldiers, with the drone pilots separating them using targeted grenade attacks.
Politics: Border Guard Showcases Ukrainian Drone Coup Rescue
19:51: Kyiv Claims 95% of Drones Used at Frontline are Ukrainian-Produced
Official reports indicate that more than 95% of the drones in operation at the frontline are of Ukrainian origin. Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin announced this to Interfax Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine and Russia are equally reliant on drones for reconnaissance and combat purposes on both land and sea.
19:20: Pistorius Unconvinced of Putin-Announced Ceasefire
Acting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expresses a lack of faith in the ceasefire in the attack on Ukraine announced by Vladimir Putin. At a NATO headquarters visit, he voiced concerns over previous false promises of ceasefires, stating, "Despite ongoing talks about a ceasefire, cities and civilian infrastructure were targeted and intensified to instill fear among the civilian population." He hopes for a genuine ceasefire but expects little change in military situations or prospects for lasting peace.
18:49: Merz Expects Taurus Missiles Delivery Soon - "Matter of Credibility"
Andrij Melnyk, the former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, opines that the soon-to-be German Chancellor Friedrich Merz can regain lost trust by promptly delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Melnyk underscores the importance of credibility and believes that Merz can secure recognition as a central power player in the geopolitical arena with such a decisive move. He warns against a zigzagging course and instead advocates for swift action.
Politics: Reisner's Take on the Front - "Trump Suspects Putin of Trying to Pull a Fast One"
18:19: Ukraine Aims to Seal US Resource Deal ASAP
Ukraine anticipates prompt finalization of a long-planned resource agreement with the US. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson, during a live broadcast, confirmed regular consultations and progress toward this objective. The agreement is said to cover aspects like electric vehicle components, with both sides aiming for a deal advantageous to both parties.
17:42: Ukraine's Air Defense Claims Downing 40 Shahed Drones
Since midnight, Ukraine's air defense forces have reported shooting down 40 Shahed drones in eastern, northern, and central regions (as of 5 PM). According to Ukrinform's report, an additional 74 drones remain unaccounted for.
"Their Business" - China Refuses Comment on North Korea Troops in Ukraine War
While refusing to comment on the deployment of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war in the Kursk Oblast, China maintains its economic and diplomatic relations with both countries. At a press conference, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that interactions between North Korea and Russia are their own business.
16:41: Ukraine Counters Russia's Three-Day Ceasefire with Counterproposal
In response to Russia's unilateral declaration of a three-day ceasefire for the anniversary of the end of World War II, Ukraine proposes an immediate and extended ceasefire lasting at least 30 days, not limited to the Moscow military parade.
Increased Military Tension: Expert Warning - If Trump Allows Kyiv to Fall, NATO Could Collapse
15:57: Military Expert: If Trump Allows Kyiv to Fall, "Great Danger of NATO Collapse"
According to military expert Burkhard Meißner, a shift in U.S. handling of Moscow could lead to a series of possible scenarios, one of which includes the complete collapse of NATO if Kyiv falls to Russia.
Politics: If Trump lets Kyiv fall – "Great danger of NATO collapse"
15:42: Merz: Will not Accept a Dictated Peace for Ukraine
CDU leader Friedrich Merz emphasizes his opposition to a "dictated peace" for Ukraine. Germany and Europe aim to support Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia, Merz stated at a small party conference in Berlin.
15:11: Spokesperson: Trump Demands "Lasting" Ceasefire in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump demands a lasting ceasefire to put an end to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. She tells reporters that Trump is frustrated with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, and both leaders must come to the negotiating table for sustainable peace.
14:54: Russia Offers Military Aid to North Korea
Russia offers military support to North Korea if needed. The official news agency RIA reports, citing the presidential administration in Moscow, that Russia is prepared to help North Korea in return, according to comments by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
14:26: Baerbock Emphasizes Unity Towards Moscow Ahead of Baltic Sea Meeting
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announces tighter cooperation among Baltic Sea coastal states to combat persistent hybrid threats from Russia. Baerbock states during a meeting with colleagues from the Nordic and Baltic countries, Poland, and France on the Danish island of Bornholm:
In the face of escalating hybrid threats from Russia, Baerbock warns against the destructive actions of the Russian shadow fleet, which she claims not only enriches the Kremlin but also poses a significant threat to security and the environment in the North and Baltic Seas.
13:48: "Don't Underestimate the Ukrainian" - Foreign Minister Assesses Frontline Situation
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha provides a lengthy update on the volatile frontline situation, emphasizing the ongoing tension and daily brutal attacks. Despite immense efforts and resources, Russia has reportedly failed to breach the frontline and make significant strategic progress in any direction.
13:28: Russia Not to Attack Ukraine for Three Days Starting May 8
Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 11 for humanitarian reasons. Russia is prepared to engage in peace talks without preconditions, it is said. However, previous partial ceasefires have reportedly been violated by Russia, according to Ukrainian reports.
12:56: Neitzel: "Challenge for NATO Greater Than During the Cold War"
Seventy years after its formation, Germany has been a member of NATO. Military historian Sonke Neitzel from the University of Potsdam reviews NATO's role over the years and offers insight into its future role on the anniversary of NATO's founding:
Politics: No Status Quo Policy, Russia's Challenge for NATO Greater Than During the Cold War
12:23: Ukraine Reports Loss of Su-27 Fighter Jet
The Ukrainian air force reports the loss of a Su-27 fighter jet. It was allegedly shot down during an air battle to repel a Russian drone attack, according to a statement. The pilot managed to eject safely.
11:50: Germany Asks for EU Debt Exemption Due to Arms Production Until 2028
Germany requests an exemption from European debt rules due to planned arms production until 2028. The application, submitted to the EU Commission between May 5 and 6, cites ongoing war with Russia as a justification for the request.
11:11: Lavrov Contradicts Peskov: Recognition of Occupied Territories a Prerequisite for Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov considers the recognition of the annexation of Crimea and other regions claimed by Moscow in Ukraine as a prerequisite for negotiations to end hostilities. In an interview with the Brazilian media outlet "O Globo," Lavrov stated:
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is prepared to "begin negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions," according to the state news agency TASS.
Politics: Without preconditions - Putin signals readiness for direct talks with Kyiv
10:31: Munz: Expert Fears Last Summer in Peace
According to US Secretary of State Rubio, a critical week lies ahead in the Ukraine war. NTV correspondent Rainer Mund in Moscow considers the implications of the Kremlin's response to Trump's statements and evaluates the possibility of Russia launching an attack on the Baltic states if it fails to achieve its objectives in Ukraine:
Politics: Kremlin reacts to Munz’s statement: Nuclear power plant will be a bargaining chip
09:59: Putin Praises Alleged "Heroic Deeds" of North Koreans
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin describes the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the battles against the Ukrainian army in the Russian border region of Kursk as a "heroic deed."
Politics: North Korea openly supports Russia, confirming frontline deployment
09:19: Military Expert Fears Lasting Peace Remote
A US plan for ending the fighting reportedly aligns closely with Russia's demands, including the occupied territories going to the aggressor and Ukraine not receiving NATO membership. Even if Kyiv agrees, military expert Nico Lange remains skeptical. Lange tells the "Munich Mercury":
Politics: Russia Far from its Goal? Military Expert Offers Little Hope for Lasting Peace
08:51: Putin Celebrates Recapture of Kursk, Ukraine Denies
The situation for Ukraine remains precarious. The occupied Russian territory in the Kursk region is near loss, and the bargaining chip for peace talks is on the brink of disappearing. US support remains scarce, reports NTV reporter Kavita Sharma from Zaporizhzhia.
Politics: Ukraine Still Holds Small Territory; Putin Celebrates Recapture of Kursk; Ukraine Denies
08:41: Ukraine: Past US Aid Not Part of Planned Commodity Deal
According to the government in Kyiv, the previous US support for Ukraine will not be part of the planned commodity agreement between the two countries. A statement from Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal explains:
08:00: Ukraine Attacks Russian Region of Bryansk
Ukrainian forces launch an attack on an important Russian electronics plant in the city of Bryansk, reports the "Kyiv Independent." The governor of the region claims a "massive attack" occurred. Ukrainian forces target a facility specializing in microelectronics for Russia's military-industrial complex, according to the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kowalenko.
07:14: Concerns over Possible NATO Attack: Worries About Russian Activities Near Finnish Border
Politics: Concerns Over New Infrastructure; Russia Could Prepare Attack Near Finland's Border
06:39: Nuclear Power Plant Zaporizhzhia Under US Control? Russia Rejects Idea
Politics: Zelenskyy Rules Out US Peace Plan; Demands No Territorial Concessions From Kyiv
06:12: US Democrat Schumer: Trump Damages Alliance with Europe
The minority leader in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer, criticizes President Donald Trump's handling of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Schumer warns that the Trump administration is damaging US alliances and showing weakness to its opponents. In a CNN interview, Schumer says:
05:44: Kyiv's General Staff Reports 123 Russian Attacks
Kyiv's General Staff reports 123 engagements at the front within 24 hours. The Russian army carried out 57 air attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements with 106 guided aerial bombs and 785 kamikaze drone attacks, and conducted over 3,700 artillery attacks, according to the report on Telegram. The heaviest enemy activity was reportedly in the direction of Pokrovsk, where the Russians launched 42 attacks.
04:56: US Concerned Over North Korea's Support for Moscow
The US expresses concerns about North Korea's direct involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. A spokesperson for the State Department says in an email:
03:52: Putin Congratulates Military Leadership on Victory in Kursk
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates his top commanders on their "victory" in the operation to expel Ukrainian forces from the region in western Russia, known as the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an article about frontline operations, insists that Ukrainian forces remain active in Kursk and neighboring Russian region of Belgorod.
02:43: "Should Stop Shooting and Sign the Contract": Trump Urges Putin
US President Donald Trump characterizes his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "good" and looks forward to seeing what happens. Responding to a question about whether Zelenskyy is willing to cede Crimea to Russia, Trump replies:
01:53: Global Military Spending Rises for Tenth Consecutive Year
For the tenth consecutive year, global military spending has increased, according to the report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. In 2024, around $2.72 trillion (approximately €2.38 trillion) was spent by all countries on the military. This represents an inflation-adjusted 9.4 percent increase over 2023 – the largest increase from one year to the next since the end of the Cold War. The institute attributes the bulk of this increase to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
00:50: North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia for the First Time
North Korea acknowledges its military deployment to Russia for the first time. The state-run North Korean news agency KCNA reports that North Korean troops have assisted Russia in retaking areas in the Russian region of Kursk occupied by Ukraine. The decision came from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to KCNA, North Korean soldiers took part in the "liberation operations" in Kursk, operations that were "successfully completed."
- Former German Foreign Minister Wadephul commended Annalena Baerbock's employment policy, particularly her integration of climate policy into foreign affairs, as a key aspect that should remain.
- Ukrainian drone pilots used targeted grenade attacks to rescue captured comrades from Russian soldiers in a daring rescue mission.
- Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin announced that over 95% of the drones in operation at the frontline are of Ukrainian origin.
- Acting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed doubts about the ceasefire in the attack on Ukraine announced by Vladimir Putin, citing concerns about previous false promises of ceasefires.
