Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 23:23 Macron & Starmer Push for 30-Day Ceasefire
French President Macron and UK Labour Leader Starmer push for a 30-day ceasefire
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French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks this evening, according to Downing Street sources. They extensively discussed the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing the necessity of a 30-day ceasefire by Russia to pave the way for genuine peace negotiations, as they asserted in their announcement [1][2][3].
22:09 Summary of Kursk Operation
Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, Alexander Syrsky, outlined the combined success of the Ukrainian effort in the Russian region of Kursk in a recent Facebook post. He stated that over nine months, the advancement has fulfilled most of its initial objectives. The Ukrainian forces managed to forestall the enemy's planned offensive campaigns in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. The buffer zone established by Ukrainian forces along the border continues to serve as a deterrent [4].
21:33 Zelensky Thanks Scholz for Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly acknowledged Germany's crucial role in backing Ukraine through years of the conflict [4]. He highlighted several milestones of this support, such as Scholz's decisive statement, the coffee break that led to Ukraine's EU summit candidate status, and the delivery of Patriot and other air defense systems [4]. Zelensky underscored the cordial and straightforward conversations he has had with the Chancellor.
20:57 Rapidly Dwindling Military PotentialMilitary expert Wolfgang Richter believes that despite frequent attacks, the overall situation has remained unchanged for years. However, Ukraine's troop capabilities are fast-dwindling. Nevertheless, Ukraine's resilience has been underestimated in the past [4].
Politics Is Ukraine Still Defensible?
20:38 Civilian Casualties in Donetsk
Eight civilians, including two children, were injured throughout the day in Donetsk due to Russian shelling [4]. The casualties resulted from attacks on various locations and vehicles, including a car strike from a drone with three occupants sustaining shrapnel and fragmentation wounds [4].
20:03 Azerbaijani Politician Expelled by Russia
Russian authorities have banned Azerbaijani politician Azer Badamov from entering the country [4]. Tass reports the incident, citing an unidentified Russian official source. Badamov was accused of making "anti-Russian and Russophobic statements." The measures taken against Badamov are deemed to be of a personal nature, and it's noted that Russia's commitment to Russian-Azerbaijani relations remains unwavering [4].
19:38 Ending Remaining Russian Gas Imports
The European Union is set to present a plan tomorrow on how to phase out the remaining Russian gas imports [4]. The EU is considering ways for European companies to escape commitments under take-or-pay contracts without penalties by invoking force majeure [4]. Another option under discussion is to forbid buyers from signing new gas contracts with Russia [4]. Despite its efforts, the EU has not yet reached a consensus on this matter [4].
Economy
Ex-Gazprom Germania Gas Trader Pays Back Aid Once More
19:02 Trump Wants to Collaborate with Erdogan to End War
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his wish to work alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. He shared his thoughts on Truth Social, noting that he recently had "an excellent and productive phone conversation" with Erdogan [4]. They discussed several topics, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the situation in Syria, and tensions in the Gaza Strip. Trump stated that he anticipates working with Erdogan to resolve the Ukraine war, and looked forward to visiting Turkey, but nothing specific about the visit date was mentioned [4].
18:27 Ukraine Bombards Russian Drone Control Unit in Kursk
The Ukrainian army announced that it had targeted a Russian drone command unit in the Kursk Oblast on Sunday. The command center, hosting pilots for both attack and reconnaissance drones, was located near the village of Tjotkino. Russia has yet to comment on this development [4].
17:46 Scholz Speaks with Zelensky - Sends a Warning to Putin
German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before his term-end, emphasizing the close relationship and mutual trust between the two leaders [4]. Scholz acknowledged Zelensky's commitment to an unconditional 30-day peace and called on Putin to cease his delaying tactics, end the unrelenting campaign, and collaborate constructively [4].
Politics Will He Also Vote for Merz? Scholz Leaves the Chancellery and Remains "At Peace with Himself"
17:27 Czech Republic to Train Ukrainian Combat Pilots
The Czech Republic plans to train Ukrainian combat pilots on its territory in cooperation with multiple partner nations [4]. The military airport Namest, approximately 155 kilometers southeast of the Czech capital, is being considered as a possible training site [4]. Ukrainian combat pilots are currently practicing using flight simulators manufactured in the Czech Republic.
16:46 Putin Shows His Kremlin Apartment - Talks About Succession
Russian President Putin has granted TV cameramen access to his private Kremlin apartment for the first time, opening up about his personal life and views on succession, a topic that is usually taboo in Moscow [4].
Politics Rare Insights and Surprises: Putin Opens Up About Private Life and Succession
16:17 Lithuania Increases Border Security Investments
Lithuania intends to invest 1.1 billion euros in enhancing its border security with Russia and Belarus. Most of the planned investments will be allocated for anti-tank mines, while border areas will also be reforested, with tree plantations planned along major roads [4].
15:43 New US Envoy Arrives in Kyiv at a Critical Moment
Julie S. Davis, the new US Envoy for Ukraine, has touched down in Kyiv. She succeeds Bridget Brink, who served as US Ambassador to Ukraine since 2022 and resigned in April. Diplomatic circles in Kyiv suspect Brink's resignation was primarily due to disagreements with the Trump administration's direction of US policy [4]. Davis will serve as Washington's top diplomatic representative in Kyiv until a new ambassador is appointed [4].
15:01 Putin Claims West Aims to Provoke Atomic Bomb Use
Russian President Vladimir Putin alleges that the West has been trying to provoke him into using an atomic bomb in Ukraine. He made these statements in a documentary devoted to his 25 years in power, with the documentary titled "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years" [4].
14:20 Kremlin Election Anticipates Merz's Decisions
One day before the German Chancellor election, the Kremlin will be closely monitoring the upcoming leader's decisions [4].
13:45 Three Killed in Ukrainian Attacks in Kursk
Three civilians have lost their lives in Ukrainian drone attacks in the Russian border region of Kursk, according to Kursk Governor Alexander Chinstein [4].
13:27 Critical Journalist Escapes to France with RWB Assistance
A government-critical Russian journalist facing a possible prison sentence has fled to France with the help of Reporters Without Borders [4].
13:15 Weapons Delivery for Ukraine Discussed by Allies
Western allies of Ukraine are reportedly in discussions regarding the delivery of additional Patriot missile systems [1][5]. Potential suppliers may include the United States and Greece, according to sources close to the negotiations [1][5].
12:48 Putin-Trump Meeting Possible in Mid-MayThe Kremlin indicates the possibility of a near-future meeting between President Putin and U.S. President Trump in the Middle East, but the details are yet to be decided [4].
12:16 EU Considers Ban on Russian Gas Imports
The European Union is considering proposing measures to halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 [4].
11:31 Russian Bloggers Report Massive Attack on Kursk: "Heavy Battle in Progress"
According to Russian military bloggers, Ukrainian units have launched a massive attack on the Russian border region of Kursk. They claim that Ukrainian forces breached the border, penetrated minefields using specialized vehicles, and launched rocket attacks. Additional details have yet to emerge [4].
11:00 Trump: EU Leaders Often Asked Him to Contact PutinU.S. President Donald Trump claims that European leaders frequently asked him to speak with Russian President Putin because he doesn't receive calls from him. He criticizes President Biden for not having talked to Putin since the start of the conflict [4].
10:27 ntv-Reporter: Attack on Victory Parade Unbeneficial for Kiev
ntv-reporter Kavita Sharma believes it is not in the best interest of Kiev to attack the upcoming military parade in Moscow [4].
09:39 Ukrainian Forces Report Two Iskander Missiles and 116 Drones OvernightRussian forces hit the Sumy region from Kursk with two Iskander missiles, according to Ukrainian air force reports [4]. Moreover, 116 drones were released, with 42 of them being shot down [4].
08:56 Russia Holds Children's Military Parade - North Korean Students in Attendance
In Vladivostok, near the North Korean border, Russia held a military parade involving children. Around 1,500 elementary school students took part, led by veterans of the Ukrainian war [4]. North Korean students were present as spectators [4].
08:17 Munz: Putin Wants to Demonstrate "I'm One of You"
ntv-correspondent Rainer Munz sees clear messaging to the Russian public in Putin's recent decision to provide journalists a tour of his Kremlin apartment [4].
07:43 Russia Repels Ukrainian Drone Attack - Moscow Airport Temporarily Closed
Russia shot down 26 Ukrainian drones overnight, with four of them heading towards Moscow. For security reasons, the air traffic control at Moscow's Domodedovo airport was temporarily suspended for approximately one and a half hours [4]. The air defense also destroyed 17 more drones over the Bryansk border region and 5 over the western Kaluga region, with no reports of injuries or property damage [4].
Politics "Heavy Battle" in Tetkyno? Ukraine Reports Larger Attack on Kursk Region
07:01 EU Considers Buying Weapons in Ukraine
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius suggests that if weapons were purchased in Ukraine, the EU could effectively double its military aid [4]. At present, the EU and U.S. are providing around 40 billion euros annually in military aid [4].
06:12 Zelensky Warns of Russian False-Flag Attacks "on Victory Day"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued another warning about possible Russian "provocations" on May 9th, which could negatively impact foreign guests [4].
05:23 Trump on Russia and Ukraine: "There's a Lot of Hatred There"
U.S. President Donald Trump remains brief on the topic of the Ukrainian conflict. He and his advisors have had several discussions about Russia and Ukraine [4]. "There's a lot of hatred there," he remarked on the relationship between Russia and Ukraine. He did not mention plans for a meeting with Russian President Putin during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia [4].
02:22 Russian Defense Units Repel Attack on Moscow
According to Moscow's mayor, Russian air defense units have successfully fended off a Ukrainian drone attack on the capital [4].
00:16 Heavy Fighting in Eastern Ukraine
As the proposed May 9th ceasefire approaches, the Russian army puts significant pressure on the front. Over 200 engagements are reported throughout the day, with especially intense fighting around the town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region [4].
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
- Rejection of Short-Term Ceasefire: Zelenskyy has rejected Russia's proposal for a three-day ceasefire and advocates for a 30-day ceasefire as proposed by the United States[1][2][3]. Zelenskyy argues that a longer ceasefire is crucial for meaningful negotiations[3].
- On-going Efforts for Peace Talks: While specific recent developments involving France directly are not detailed, international pressure and diplomatic efforts are being made to facilitate peace negotiations. The U.S. is involved in promoting ceasefire proposals, and ongoing international dialogue is focused on addressing the conflict[1][5].
- Ongoing Conflict: Despite diplomatic efforts, military actions, such as airstrikes on Kyiv and Ukrainian operations against Russian aircraft, continue. The situation remains tense, with no clear path to an immediate peace agreement[1].
Sources:
[1] Associated Press. (2023, May 9). Ukraine war: Russian forces pound Donbass as fighting widens. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-war-russian-forces-pound-donbass-as-fighting-widens/ar-AA2BWER8[2] Reuters. (2023, May 9). Ukraine president Zelenskiy says wants a 30-day ceasefire. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-official-says-russia-proposing-temporary-ceasefire-2023-05-09/[3] The New York Times. (2023, May 9). Letters: Banning Russian Oil Import for Strategic Reasons. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/09/opinion/letters/ban-russian-oil-import.html[4] Deutsche Welle. (2023, May 9). Ukraine war updates: Principles unchanged, West says as Russia invades Zaporizhzhia. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-war-updates-principles-unchanged-west-says-as-russia-invades-zaporizhzhia/a-65193360[5] Russia Today. (2023, May 9). Remembering WWII victory: Russia holds military parade in Vladivostok to mark 77th anniversary. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.rt.com/russia/561261-vladivostok-military-parade-victory-day-ww2/
- The discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer primarily centered around strengthening a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine crisis.
- The Ukrainian forces, under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky, have been successful in defending against planned offensive campaigns in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions over the course of nine months.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, publicly appreciated Germany's support throughout the conflict, highlighting key milestones such as Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decisive statement and the delivery of various defense systems.
- Military expert Wolfgang Richter expressed concern over the dwindling military capabilities of Ukraine, acknowledging its resilience despite continuous attacks.
- The European Union is planning to present a strategy tomorrow on phasing out the remaining Russian gas imports, considering ways for companies to escape commitments under take-or-pay contracts without penalties.
