Germany assures Zelenskyy of unwavering solidarity at 22:12 (Merz)
Here's the latest on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine:
22:12 Merz Assures Zelensky of Germany's Solidarity
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed Germany's solidarity towards Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia must consent to a ceasefire, as reported by German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius. Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also recognized the diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump. Merz underscored the unity with France, Britain, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine and applying pressure on Russia.
21:40 Wirecard Scandal: Marsalek Discussed Arms Deals with Spies
According to British court documents, Jan Marsalek, the fugitive former manager of Wirecard, is accused of talking with Russian spies about various transactions, including the procurement of drones for the Ukraine conflict, blood diamond trading, and providing mercenaries in Africa. Marsalek conversed with Orlin Roussev, head of a spy ring in Britain, about weapons deliveries to Cameroon. Reportedly, Roussev stated that both arms and weapons could be ordered. Marsalek allegedly responded, "We can organize pretty much anything they need, except nuclear weapons... even nuclear weapons if they pay."
21:03 Special Tribunal for Ukraine to be Approved on Friday
Ukraine and its European allies are set to approve the establishment of a special tribunal on May 6, 2025, to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine in the Russian invasion. This special tribunal aims to hold political and military leaders accountable for their roles in the invasion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague will still be responsible for prosecuting war crimes in the Ukraine conflict.
20:25 Putin and Zelensky Congratulate Pope
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election. Putin expressed his confidence in continuing dialogue and interaction with the Vatican based on shared Christian values. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the Holy See's consistent stance in upholding international law, condemning the military aggression of Russia against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.
19:55 Zelensky Speaks with Merz
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election, voicing his expectation for Germany to continue playing a key role in supporting Ukraine. Zelensky noted the great potential for a German-Ukrainian partnership, adding that they have agreed to work on many important matters without providing further details.
19:30 EU Foreign Ministers to Visit Ukraine
European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that EU foreign ministers will travel to Ukraine on May 7, 2025. This visit aims to provide €1 billion in financial assistance for the Ukrainian defense industry and is a significant sign of support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a large military parade is taking place in Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany.
19:01 EU Provides Additional Financial Assistance to Ukraine
The European Commission has disbursed another €1 billion under the Extraordinary Macro-financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, with Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasizing the EU's continued support for Ukraine.
18:16 Ukraine Seeks 30-Day Ceasefire for Peace Talks
Ukrainian officials are pushing for a 30-day ceasefire following talks with Western security advisers, asserting that a complete and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step towards achieving peace. They view the three-day ceasefire declared by Russia around Victory Day as a manipulation to ensure security for the military parade in Moscow.
17:42 Ukrainian Drones Cause Chaos at Russian Airports
Preparations for the Victory Day parade in Russia are disrupted by fears of Ukrainian drones at its airports.
17:01 Zelensky Highlights Ukraine's Role in WWII Remembrance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to the role of his nation in liberating Europe from Nazism on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He emphasized the need to fight evil with united forces in light of the Russian invasion of his country.
16:29 Ukrainian Troops Report Limited Response to Russian Attacks
Several Ukrainian soldiers at the front have reported receiving orders to only open fire in response to Russian attacks. This has led to a decrease in artillery attacks and military activity in some areas.
15:58 Pro-Russian "Night Wolves" Pay Respects in Brandenburg
Members of the Russian motorcycle group "Night Wolves" visited two Soviet memorials in Brandenburg, where they laid wreaths in Schönwalde and Baruth before heading towards Berlin.
15:21 Russia: Ukraine Attempts to Break Through Border
Russia claims Ukraine has attempted to break through the border into the Russian region of Kursk. Both Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
14:20 Ukraine: Russia Violates Ceasefire "Along Entire Front"
Ukraine accuses the Russian army of hundreds of violations of the unconditional ceasefire declared by Moscow, recording 734 ceasefire violations and 63 attack operations by the Russian army from midnight to midday.
13:51 Raw Materials Agreement Ratified by Ukraine
The Ukrainian parliament has ratified the raw materials agreement with the USA. This opens the door for the USA to gain preferential access to Ukrainian raw materials in the high-tech and defense industries.
13:13 EU Tank Deal Possible, Despite Switzerland's Neutrality
Switzerland is reportedly considering selling Leopard 1 tanks to Germany, despite concerns about violating the country's neutrality and previous attempts to block such sales in 2023. If the deal goes through, the tanks will not be sent directly to Ukraine but may serve as a parts depot.
12:48 Putin and Xi Discuss Cooperation Deepening
Russia and China are seeking to deepen their cooperation by updating an investment agreement. Both leaders stressed the importance of global cooperation and maintaining the multilateral trading system.
12:14 Moscow's Mobile Network Shutdown in Anticipation of Parade
Russia's mobile network has reportedly been shut down in preparation for the Victory Day parade on May 9, due to fears of attacks and drone strikes.
11:38 Ukrainian Brigade Claims 'Berlin' Captured in Kharkiv
The Ukrainian Chyhryn Brigade claims to have liberated a forest area in the Kharkiv region, which was previously referred to by the Russians as 'Berlin.' The brigade expects to release a video this tomorrow showcasing the operation.
10:59 Ukraine Allegedly Adhering to Ceasefire
Opposition MP Oleksiy Honcharenko claims Ukraine has joined the ceasefire, despite contradictory statements and the lack of official confirmation from Kyiv. There have been no reports of mutual drone attacks since midnight local time, following the alleged ceasefire.
10:15 Lithuania Leaves Mine Ban Treaty
Lithuania has decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, citing the military threat from Russia and the need for defense capabilities. Latvia also left the treaty, while Poland, Estonia, and Finland have announced their intention to do so.
09:34 Europe Needs Defense Capabilities "within Four to Five Years"
Given the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities within the next four to five years, according to French political scientist Carlo Masala.
Source: ntv.de, dpa, X, jpe, ino, rts, AFP
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- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has yielded a discussion between Jan Marsalek, the fugitive former manager of Wirecard, and Russian spies about potential arms deals, including drones for the Ukraine conflict.
- In a move to hold political and military leaders accountable for their roles in the invasion, Ukraine and its European allies have set the establishment of a special tribunal for May 6, 2025.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a demonstration of solidarity towards Ukraine, has emphasized the necessity of Russia's consent for a ceasefire and unity with France, Britain, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine.
- In a show of diplomatic efforts, US President Donald Trump's role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been recognized by both German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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