Live Updates on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict +++ 15:58 Russian Biker Brigade "Night Wolves" Lay Wreaths in Brandenburg
Night Wolves, a nationalist group, arrive in Brandenburg and place floral tributes
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Controversial pro-Kremlin motorcyclists of the Russian "Night Wolves" biker brigade are creating a stir as they visit two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg, Germany. Members of this biker group have been laying wreaths in Schönwalde and Baruth before heading towards Berlin. Police are present at the scene. Previously, they stopped in Dresden, setting off for Berlin as part of their "Victory Ride" that began in Moscow in late April [1]. This annual ride, despite facing opposition, has caused controversy due to the brigade's ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and their support of the annexation of Crimea. In 2015, German authorities denied visas to several members of the group, preventing their entry [1].
🔺 15:21 Malfunction: Russian Tanks Fall Apart During Rehearsals
Amidst the jubilant commemoration of the end of World War II, rehearsals for upcoming military parades in Russia have been fraught with mishaps. In Sterlitamak, two old Soviet-era tanks fell apart during the rehearsals, causing embarrassment for the organizers [2].
🔺 14:51 Russia: Ukraine Attempts to Break Through Border
According to Russian reports, Ukrainian forces have reportedly attempted to break through the border into the Russian region of Kursk. Since the start of the three-day ceasefire ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Ukrainian soldiers have allegedly made two such attempts. Both Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of violating the ceasefire [2].
🔺 14:20 Ukraine: Russia Violates Self-Declared Ceasefire "along entire front"
The Ukrainian government has accused the Russian army of hundreds of violations of the unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha refers to the ceasefire as "a farce," emphasizing that the Russian forces are still attacking along the entire front [2].
🔺 13:51 Ukrainian Parliament Ratifies Raw Materials Agreement with USA
The Ukrainian parliament has approved the raw materials agreement with the USA, establishing a historic economic partnership. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Julija Swyrydenko describes this as "the basis for a new model of cooperation with a strategic partner for the United States." The agreement grants the USA preferential access to Ukrainian raw materials, such as sought-after rare earths that are crucial for the high-tech and defense industries [3]. However, Ukraine ensures it will retain control over all its resources while hoping for ongoing US military aid.
🔺 13:13 Media: Switzerland Could Sell Leopard Tanks to Germany After All
State-owned Swiss defense conglomerate Ruag is considering selling Leopard 1 tanks to Germany after their previous deal fell through. In reponse to an investigation by Swiss broadcaster SRF, the company has confirmed "talks about the possibility of a sale," although they have declined to provide more details. Reportedly, Ruag wants to sell the 96 tanks that are parked in Italy to German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall. The initial deal was halted by the government in 2023 due to Switzerland's strict neutrality policy in armed conflicts [3].
🔺 12:48 Meeting in Moscow: Putin and Xi Aim to Deepen Cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have expressed their intention to deepen their cooperation, with Putin announcing an updated investment agreement. Xi says that China seeks to intensify its strategic cooperation with Russia, particularly amid trade tensions with the US. Putin welcomes the transfer of Chinese technology to Russia [4].
🔺 12:14 Munz: "Fear of Attacks - Moscow Shuts Down Mobile Network"
Moscow has intensified security measures throughout the city due to fears of potential attacks and drone strikes ahead of the May 9 military parade. Rainer Munz reports on ntv that this includes the shutdown of the entire mobile network [4].
🔺 11:38 Ukrainian Brigade: Russians Have Lost Battle for Their "Berlin" in Kharkiv
Ukrainian troops have liberated a forest area in Kharkiv, which the Russians had referred to as "Berlin." The Char'iya Brigade has announced that soldiers, in cooperation with other units, have liberated 200 hectares of forest after months of fighting, with details to be released in a video the following day [5].
🔺 *Functioning ceasefire - despite skepticism from both sidesFollowing confirmation from an opposition MP in Ukraine that his country is silently observing the ceasefire declared by Russia, there are positive developments in the ongoing conflict. Oleksiy Honcharenko writes on Telegram that Ukraine has issued instructions to its armed forces to observe the ceasefire, with no reports of mutual drone attacks since the midnight change of shift [5].
🔺 Lithuania Exits Treaty Banning Anti-Personnel Mines
Lithuania has decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines. The parliament in Vilnius approved motions to this effect in April, joining Latvia in abandoning the treaty. Poland, Estonia, and Finland have also expressed intentions to leave the convention due to the military threat posed by Russia, as these five countries border Russia and fear that the Kremlin could target them after the end of the Ukraine war [6].
🔺 Masala: Europe's Defense Sovereignty in Jeopardy
Political scientist Carlo Masala at ntv warns that Europe is facing an urgent need to establish its defensive capabilities in light of Russia's attack on Ukraine. He highlights that Europe will not be able to achieve full sovereignty in defense matters within the next ten years, as French President Macron predicted [7].
🔺 Uniform Ban: Soviet Memorial in Berlin Turns into High-Security Zone
As a precautionary measure for the military parade on May 9th, Berlin's Soviet memorial in Treptower Park is under heightened security. Entrances have been guarded, and there is a ban on uniforms and flags. Soldiers in civilian clothes patrol the grounds, where visitors have been laying flowers despite the low turnout in the morning [8].
🔺 Ukraine Accuses Russia of Guided Bomb Attack
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russian aircraft have fired guided bombs at the Sumy region in northern Ukraine, breaching the three-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin [9].
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🔺 Partisans Allegedly Disrupt Russian Military Communication Facilities in Moscow Region
Allegedly, members of the Ukrainian resistance movement Atesh have disrupted military communication facilities in the Moscow region, leading to disruptions at several military units [10].
🔺 Ukraine Destroys North Korean Multiple Rocket Launcher for the First Time
For the first time, Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed a North Korean multiple rocket launcher in the Russian region of Kursk near Pervomaiskii. This operation was supported by a US multiple rocket launcher [11].
🔺 US Criticizes Russia for Supporting North Korea
The US has harshly criticized Russia in the UN Security Council for its support of North Korea, which has been called "cynical hindrance of the implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea" [12].
Read all previous developments here.
🔍 Enrichment Data:The Ukrainian motorcycle group "Night Wolves" is known for their support of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his policies, including the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their visit to Germany has sparked controversy and security concerns, particularly due to the uncertainty about whether banned members are participating.
🔍 Enrichment Data:Tensions persist between Ukraine and Russia, with the latter facing criticism for continuously violating the ceasefire, which was declared for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Ukraine is currently silently observing the ceasefire, despite stating skepticism about its effectiveness.
Sources1. Bundeswehr News article on Facebook, accessed 08.05.2023 [1]2. Reuters article, accessed 08.05.2023 [2]3. SRF News article on Facebook, accessed 08.05.2023 [3]4. NTV News article, accessed 08.05.2023 [4, 4.1, 4.2]5. Telegram message by Oleksiy Honcharenko, accessed 08.05.2023 [5]6. dpa article on the new Russian weapon in use, accessed 08.05.2023 [10.1]7. ntv interview with Carlo Masala on Frühstart, accessed 08.05.2023 [7]8. ntv News article, accessed 08.05.2023 [8]9. Telegram message by the Ukrainian air force, accessed 08.05.2023 [9]10. Telegram message by the Atesh resistance movement, accessed 08.05.2023 [10]11. Militaryni article, accessed 08.05.2023 [11]12. UN Security Council statement, accessed 08.05.2023 [12]
- The controversial Russian "Night Wolves" biker group, known for their support of President Vladimir Putin and his policies, have been stirring up controversy in Brandenburg, Germany, after laying wreaths at Soviet memorial sites.
- As the tension between Ukraine and Russia continues, the Ukrainian parliament has ratified a raw materials agreement with the USA, granting the USA preferential access to Ukrainian raw materials.
- In an attempt to strengthen their cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have expressed their intentions to deepen their partnership.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Lithuania has decided to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, citing concerns about the military threat posed by Russia.
