Germany vows steadfast support to Zelenskyy, as Merz underscores Union's commitment

Updated Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 22:12 Merz Assures Selenskyj of Germany's Solidarity

Germany vows steadfast support to Zelenskyy, as Merz underscores Union's commitment

Here's what you need to know:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged his solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
• Both leaders agreed that Russia must agree to a ceasefire, following mediation efforts from US President Donald Trump.
• Merz pointed to the united front with France, Britain, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia.

Insights:

• The proposed Special Tribunal aimed at prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine is expected to start operating as early as 2026, with Europe expected to formally endorse its creation[1].
• The tribunal will focus on prosecuting Russia's political and military leaders for the crime of aggression, including President Vladimir Putin[1][5]. However, Putin will not be tried in absentia as long as he remains president of Russia.
• Ukraine is actively documenting war crimes and building a legal case against Russian perpetrators[5].

Social Media:

Join the conversation on Twitter: #UkraineWar | #GermanSolidarity | #EndToTheWar

Further Reading:

• The Struggle for a New Special Tribunal Targeting Russian Aggression in Ukraine
• The International Criminal Court and the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
• Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine

References:[1] Amnesty International (2025). The Crime of Aggression against Ukraine: A Path towards Accountability. [Online]. Available: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur62/0552/2025/en/

[5] Council of Europe (2025). The Proposed Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine: An Analysis. [Online]. Available: https://www.coe.int/en/web/secretariat-general/-/proposed-special-tribunal-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine-an-analysis

Off-the-Record Insights

Russian Spy Chats:

• Recent court documents reveal that Jan Marsalek, a fugitive Wirecard manager, allegedly discussed arms deals and other transactions with Russian spies[2].
• The discussions reportedly included the procurement of drones for the war in Ukraine, the trade in blood diamonds, and providing mercenaries in Africa[2].
• According to the documents, Roussev, the head of a spy ring operating in the UK, suggested that weapons could be ordered alongside wheat deliveries to Cameroon[2]. Marsalek is said to have responded, "We can organize almost anything they need, except nuclear weapons (...) even nuclear weapons if they pay."

Deepening Cooperation between Russia and China:

• Russia and China are working on a series of agreements to deepen their cooperation[3]. An investment agreement will be updated during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow[3].
• Amid trade disputes with the USA, Xi said China wants to work with Russia to maintain the global multilateral trade system and industrial and supply chains.

Sources:[2] BBC News (2024). Jan Marsalek: Ex-Wirecard Chief Accused of Talks with Russian Spies. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62182341

[3] Reuters (2025). Russia, China Deepen Cooperation Amid Trade Disputes with U.S. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/russia-china-deepen-cooperation-amid-trade-disputes-us-2025-05-08/

1. The upcoming Special Tribunal, aimed at prosecuting acts of aggression against Ukraine, may officialize its existence as early as 2026, with Europe planning to endorse its creation.
2. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Germany's solidarity in the ongoing call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of Russia's compliance with mediation efforts from US President Donald Trump.
3. In the realm of international politics, ongoing discussions between Russia and China focus on deepening their cooperation, with an updated investment agreement anticipated during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow.
4. The ongoing Ukraine conflict continues to influence employment policies within the affected communities, with the possibility of sanctions and trade restrictions impacting overall economic stability and currency values.

Read also:

• Still no breakthrough on the 2024 budget in sight - FDP in no hurry
• Paris attacker shows no remorse after killing a German tourist
• SPD parliamentary group: No more adoption of the 2024 budget this year
• EU agrees on new energy requirements for buildings - no refurbishment obligation