Revised Live Ticker: Ukrainian Conflict Developments and EU Proposals
Klingbeil Proposes Energy and Banking Sanctions Against Russia
Get the latest updates on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and EU proposals to address the situation:
16:51 Sanctioning Russia's Vulnerabilities:
German Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, speaking at the EU's Finance Ministers Meeting in Luxembourg, emphasizes the EU's ongoing preparations for the 18th sanctions package against Russia. He suggests targeting Russia's energy and banking sectors as potential leverage points, highlighting that Russia has shown no indication of being willing to engage in serious peace negotiations with Ukraine.
16:10 Investing Frozen Assets:
The EU Commission is actively considering transferring the near €200 billion of frozen Russian state assets to a high-yield investment fund. This move would generate higher returns for Ukraine, providing a valuable financial lifeline amid potential cuts in funding from the US. The assets, currently held in places like the Belgian financial institution Euroclear, would remain frozen, with only the proceeds from these investments supporting Ukraine. However, discussions among EU finance ministers about future funding strategies for Ukraine are ongoing, with informal talks scheduled for June 19, 2025.
15:40 Solidarity for Ukraine's EU Accession:
Denmark's Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, plans to accelerate Ukraine's accession to the European Union during Denmark's EU Council presidency from July 1 to December 31. Bjerre intends to apply as much pressure as possible on Hungary, which has previously hindered a swift accession process for Ukraine.
15:07 Continued Attacks in Dnipropetrovsk:
Ukrainian reports indicate that a 59-year-old man was killed, and four others injured in Dnipropetrovsk due to Russian drone and artillery attacks overnight. Amid these unfortunate events, the governor of the region shares photos of damaged buildings following the attacks.
14:29 New Prisoner Exchange:
Ukraine and Russia have completed another prisoner exchange. Both sides remain silent on the number of released prisoners, while Ukrainian President Selenskyj shares photos of jubilant Ukrainian soldiers returning home and waving Ukrainian flags. Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense publishes photos of released Russian soldiers.
14:00 Desertion Strategies:
As a growing number of Russian soldiers are deserting, some are resolving to face criminal charges as a means of avoiding being sent back to the war in Ukraine. Intentionally going AWOL and facing real prison sentences ensures they won't be returned to the conflict front. More than 49,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly deserted since the start of the war.
13:09 Rejection of the Peace Proposal:
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expresses frustration and disappointment over Russia's continued military aggression against Ukraine, 100 days after Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, peace negotiations, and an end to the killing. Sybiha calls for international pressure on Moscow to end the war.
12:43 Finland's Decision to Exit the Ottawa Convention:
Following Baltic NATO states, Finland is leaving the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines due to the perceived threat from eastern neighbor, Russia. Parliament votes overwhelmingly to withdraw, with the effect becoming official six months after Finland submits the requisite UN notification.
12:11 Rutte's Restructuring:
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of NATO, aiming to reduce the number of international departments from eight to six by consolidating the Public Diplomacy division and the Executive Management division's tasks into other departments. The move is expected to cut dozens of positions at the Brussels headquarters.
11:26 Argentina Exposes Russian Propaganda Network:
Argentina uncovers a Russian intelligence operation attempting to spread Kremlin-friendly disinformation and influence public opinion. The ring, known as La Compania, espoused Russian geopolitical interests and intended to create a group loyal to Russia. Its key figures, Russian citizens Lev Konstantinovich Andriashev and his wife Irina Yakovenko, were accused of receiving financial support for the operation.
10:52 Talks with Putin:
German SPD politician Dirk Wiese remains open to talks with President Vladimir Putin but questions whether Russia is genuinely willing to engage in negotiations. Wiese suggests Putin's press conferences are purely staged events.
Sources: ntv.de, als/hul/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
Tags: Ukraine Conflict, Ukraine, Military, Military Operations, Russia, NATO, Cyberwar, Attack on Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, Wars and Conflicts, War Crimes, Enrichment: EU Proposals and Frozen Russian Assets
Community policy discussions in the EU focus on potential investments of frozen Russian assets to generate returns for Ukraine, providing financial support during potential funding cuts from the US. This development is part of the broader political landscape, where EU countries are taking a firm stance against Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Despite this, ongoing politics and war-and-conflicts in Ukraine continue to dominate general news, with negotiations for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution remaining elusive.
