Ukraine War Live Updates +++ 06:56 German Stance: More Back Defense Spending Boost
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Germans have reached their 5% milestone.
More Germans support raising defense spending to up to five percent of GDP than those who oppose it. This is according to a survey by YouGov, commissioned by "Süddeutsche Zeitung Dossier." The survey reveals that 45 percent are in favor of Germany increasing its defense spending to up to five percent of GDP, while 37 percent are against it. The rest are undecided.
Suporters of Union, SPD, and Greens parties are in majority favor, while AfD and Left Party voters are in the majority against this defense spending increase. At the upcoming NATO summit, the possibility of member countries increasing their defense spending to up to five percent - of which 3.5 percent for military spending and 1.5 percent for militarily usable infrastructure - will be discussed.
Putin Expects 20,000 Guests for World Speech
Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver a speech today at the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, focusing on his view of the global political and economic situation. This speech, along with a panel discussion with international attendees, is usually the highlight of the forum. In attendance will be 20,000 guests from 140 countries, providing an opportunity for Putin to present a favorable image of Russia amidst the international isolation sought by the West.
Odessa Under Drone Attack, 13 Injured
The Kremlin is attacking civilian targets in Odessa. According to Ukrainian emergency services, 13 people were injured and six more were evacuated following drone attacks on seven residential buildings and other structures overnight. A high-rise building caught fire on multiple floors, and a smaller residential building partially collapsed. Rescue workers fear further casualties under the debris. The head of the independent Odessa Oblast Election Commission, Oleh Kiper, reported the attacks on Telegram.
Zelenskyy Denies Putin's Legitimacy, Offers Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disputes statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who questioned Zelenskyy's legitimacy as head of state in St. Petersburg. In a video message, Zelenskyy says, "I am ready to meet in any format with those who, ..., have corresponding authority, including Putin, even if he has exceeded his constitutional mandate by at least three terms."
Brussels Invites Ukraine to Join EU Roaming Area in 2026
The European Commission proposes that Ukraine join the European Union's mobile roaming area from 1 January 2026. This would enable Ukrainian users to make calls, send SMS, or use mobile data across the 27 EU countries without additional costs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the statement.
German Politicians Call for Dialogue with Putin
Following Putin's offer of talks, politicians from the Left and AfD parties are urging German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to establish contact with the Kremlin leader. They believe that such a dialogue could be a starting point in ending this ongoing conflict.
Deputy Chancellor Discusses Creating Conditions for Military Service
Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil rules out a return to conscription in Germany but wants to create the conditions for mandatory service. The coalition agreement relies on voluntarism, "but we must already create the conditions for mandatory service," Klingbeil told the Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft.
Auto Industry Offers Help with European Rearmament
The German automotive industry is offering assistance with Europe's multi-billion-euro rearmament effort. Hildegard Müller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), states, "Our industry will help where we can - but this is not an alternative business model."
Ukrainian Woman Killed in Israeli Rocket Attack
A 31-year-old Ukrainian woman was killed in an Iranian rocket attack on a residential building in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv. The woman, along with her eight-year-old daughter and grandmother, were killed last Sunday.
Zelenskyy Calls for Joint Action Against Axis of Russia, Iran, and North Korea
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for collective international action against the alliance of Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Zelenskyy claims that Russia is attempting to salvage Iran's nuclear program and advocates tighter sanctions to prevent aggressive states from aligning.
Ukrainian President Appoints New Army Commander
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as the new commander of ground troops, replacing the former commander who took responsibility for the death of 12 soldiers.
UN Security Council to Address Ukraine War
The UN Security Council will address the Ukraine War on Friday, convening a meeting at the request of Ukraine to respond to "Russia's latest wave of terror and brutal attacks on Ukraine."
Source: ntv.de, hul/mau/mpa/dpa/rts/AFP
Topics:
- Defense Spending
- German Politics
- NATO Summit
- Drone Attacks on Odessa
- Zelenskyy vs Putin Legitimacy
- EU Roaming for Ukraine
- Dialogue with Putin
- Military Service Conditions
- Auto Industry Support
- Iranian Rocket Attack on Israel
- Joint Action Against Axis
- New Ukrainian Army Commander
- UN Security Council Meeting
Insights:
- A majority of Germans now support raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, with variations in support expected among political parties.
- This shift aligns with government policy to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next five to seven years.
- This trend reflects growing security concerns and bipartisan support for increasing defense budgets, despite differences remaining in the degree and speed of the increase.
- The German government plans to invest significantly in modernizing the military, including air defense, armored vehicles, cyber capabilities, and international NATO cooperation.
- The increase in defense spending targets 3.5% for military spending and 1.5% for militarily usable infrastructure.
- The debate over the proposed increase in Germany's defense spending, up to five percent of GDP, is now a hot topic in various community and employment policies, with support coming from members of Union, SPD, and Greens parties, while AfD and Left Party voters are against it.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine War, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is advocating for joint action against the alliance of Russia, Iran, and North Korea, citing concerns about Russia's attempts to salvage Iran's nuclear program and prevent aggressive states from aligning.
