Crisis in Ukraine: Over 1 Million Russian Soldiers Casualties Rapidly Rising
Over 1000 Russian troops suffer casualties in Ukraine: Deaths and injuries reported
In recent developments, Russia has seen over a million of its soldiers killed or injured since the invasion of Ukraine, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff. In the last 24 hours alone, another 1,080 soldiers sustained injuries or fatalities. This staggering figure surpassed the mark of one million casualties over a week ago.
❗️European Military Infrastructure in Lithuania Finance Update❗️The European Investment Bank is set to contribute towards funding the essential infrastructure required for a German military brigade stationed in Lithuania, pledging an impressive €540 million. This loan, approved by the EIB's Board of Directors, will support the construction of a military base in Rūdninkai, located along the border with Belarus. The base, spanning approximately 170 hectares, will be equipped with training centers, medical facilities, housing, warehouses, helipads, and more, accommodating up to 4,000 personnel. Construction is planned to start in 2026, with the base becoming operational by early 2028.
Two years since the decision to deploy German soldiers in Lithuania, the brigade was put into action about a month ago, as a response to the escalating threat to NATO from Russia. The brigade aims to be fully operational by 2027.
🚫 Reopening of German Embassy in North Korea: No Plans Afoot at PresentDespite an invitation from North Korea to reopen the closed German embassy, the German Foreign Office has no immediate intentions of accepting the offer due to North Korea's support for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Pyongyang has been supplying Russia with weapons and dispatching North Korean soldiers to participate in the war.
🗣️ Ukrainian Ambassador Accuses German Companies of Aiding Russian War CrimesUkrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev has criticized German companies continuing to operate and pay taxes in Russia, claiming they are inadvertently supporting Russia's destructive strategy against Ukraine. "Anyone who does business with Russia, anyone who buys gas, is aiding and abetting murder," Makeiev shared with "Neue Deister Zeitung."
🗣️ Minister of Justice on Russia Paper: "Must Not Dismiss Dissenters"Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig has defended the controversial Russia paper of the SPD left, emphasizing freedom of speech and the necessity to respect dissenting views within the party. Hubig maintains that the government supports the unwavering stance against Russian aggression but acknowledges the existence of differing perspectives within the party, particularly for those with roots in the peace movement.
🌀 Zelensky: Developing Interceptor Drones to Defend Against Russian AttacksPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine is working on developing interceptor drones to fend off increasing Russian attacks, including those utilizing Iranian-made Shahed drones.
💪 CDU/CSU Leader Jens Spahn Calls for 'Iron Dome over Europe'CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn has advocated for the development of an air defense system analogous to Israel's Iron Dome, protecting Europe against both missile attacks and other airborne threats. Spahn emphasized Europe's responsibility to fortify its air defenses, including space-based protection.
🗣️ Trump: New NATO Spending Target Should Not Apply to USUS President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the potential application of the new NATO military spending target to the United States, maintaining that the US should not be held to the same standards as other NATO members.
🗣️ Zelensky: "Russian Economy Already in Decline"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that the Russian economy is already in recession, questioning Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to peace amid constant threats against Ukraine. Despite Putin's optimistic speeches, Zelensky argues that increased international pressure on Russia is not currently inflicting enough harm.
💪 Ukraine Plans All-Female Drone Defense SquadUkraine's military has reportedly begun organizing a drone defense unit composed entirely of women, with the squad scheduled to be part of the 427th Separate Regiment for Unmanned Systems "Rarog."
🗣️ Zelensky Calls Russian Intentions in Sumy "Completely Mad"In his nightly address, President Zelensky referred to Russian military plans for the contested region of Sumy in Ukraine as "completely mad." Despite Russian claims of establishing a buffer zone in Sumy, Zelensky affirmed Ukrainian efforts to both repel Russian advances and eliminate the threat posed by occupying forces.
In light of the escalating conflict, the Community policy regarding business operations with countries engaged in war-and-conflicts, such as Russia, may need to be reviewed and strengthened, considering Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev's accusations against German companies aiding Russian war crimes.
As European countries continue to bolster their military infrastructure to counter Russian aggression, the politics surrounding NATO and its member's commitments, including the new NATO military spending target, remain a subject of discussion, as evidenced by US President Donald Trump's concerns.
