Politicians Stegner, Pofalla, and Platzeck confer with Russian ambassadors in Baku
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Ukraine-Russia Conflict Live Updates +++ 10:55 | German-Russian Meetings in Baku?
Stay informed about the latest happenings in the Ukraine conflict with our up-to-the-minute live updates.
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According to various media reports, there have been multiple encounters between German and Russian delegations in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku. As per the ARD magazine Kontraste and Die Zeit, these encounters took place in varying compositions. Reports suggest at least three such meetings, with attendees including SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner, former Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck of the SPD, and former Federal Chancellery Chief Ronald Pofalla of the CDU. According to recent reports, a gathering of German politicians and lobbyists met with Kremlin envoys in Baku in mid-April. The meeting, which may have taken place in a restaurant, was followed by another day's retreat. Topics of discussion allegedly included the revival of the Petersburg Dialogue format, which was initiated in 2001 by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin and continued under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Martin Hoffmann, long-time managing director of the Petersburg Dialogue, has since explained that the meeting had a private character and did not take place on behalf of or with financing by public institutions. Stegner concurs with this stance, refraining from public comments on personal matters. He stated, "I was not on assignment, and I did not claim any funds from anyone."
10:10 | Jäger: Putin's Position "Often Underestimated" in the USA
After the initial conversation between the new Chancellor and US President, slightly positive sentiments have surfaced. However, little progress has been made, asserts political scientist Thomas Jäger. Moscow shows that the attempt to drive a wedge between China and Russia has been a failed endeavor from the start.
Politics Jäger Talks Trump, Merz, Xi, and Moscow: Underestimating Putin's Position in the USA 09:48 | Putin: "All" of Russia Stands Behind Ukraine Offensive
Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores in his speech at the military parade commemorating the end of World War II that the entire Russian population supports the offensive in Ukraine. "The whole country, society, and the people support the participants of this special military operation," states Putin. "Russia stood, and remains an indestructible barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism," he continues, emphasizing that the "Day of Victory" is celebrated increasingly lavishly and serves propagandistically to confirm his rule and Russia's great power aspirations.
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The Petersburg Dialogue is a platform fostering dialogue and cooperation between Germany and Russia across various sectors, such as politics, economy, culture, and education.
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The Petersburg Dialogue, which was implemented in 2001 by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, served as an essential platform for people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries. The forum, which covered various sectors like politics, economy, culture, and education, aimed to increase dialogue and cooperation.
09:37 | Deadly Drone and Artillery Attacks in Saporishshya
In the Saporishshya region during the self-declared ceasefire, Russia reportedly attacked eight settlements, according to Ukrainian reports. The governor of the region reported a total of 220 attacks near the front line, with 150 drones and 70 artillery shells targeting villages in the region over the last 24 hours. A 63-year-old woman was reportedly killed in a drone attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin had declared a three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II. Ukraine underlined the ceasefire as a propaganda stunt and requested a 30-day extension. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported a drone attack on the regional administration building in Belgorod, with no casualties.
09:09 | Military Parade Begins in Moscow
The traditional military parade commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II 80 years ago has begun in Moscow. Thousands of soldiers and heavy military equipment are showcased on Red Square, with numerous international guests in attendance, primarily from Asia and Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the military parade as the most important guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin this year. While Western representatives are largely absent, it is expected that Putin will once again justify the invasion of Ukraine using his speech. The only head of government from an EU and NATO country present is Slovakia's Robert Fico, along with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
08:57 | WWII Victory Celebrated Across Russia
Russia celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II 80 years ago with military parades in several cities across the country. One such parade takes place in the port city of Vladivostok on the Japanese Sea in the country's east. Approximately 30 parades take place throughout Russia.
08:30 | Ukrainian Attacks Reported Despite Unilateral Ceasefire
Despite the unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow, new reports of Ukrainian attacks surface. Two people were reportedly injured in Cherson and Dnipropetrovsk due to drone attacks, according to local authorities.
07:56 | ISW: Moscow's WWII Comparisons Aim to Unify Domestic Society
According to the U.S.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow is making comparisons between World War II and the Ukraine conflict to create conditions for a longer war in Ukraine and future aggression against NATO within Russian society. The ISW cited a Thursday essay by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who argues that Russia's war in Ukraine will go down in history as a heroic deed on par with the Soviet Army and people's victory in World War II. Belousov claims that the Ukraine conflict is a continuation of the "glorious traditions" of Soviet courage and heroism, as well as the Soviet people's enthusiasm for military service and support for the war effort. According to Belousov, Russia's victory in Ukraine is "inevitable," and internal unity in Russia is as necessary for this as the "moral and spiritual unity" of the Soviet Union was for its victory in World War II.
07:01 | Ukraine Accuses Russia of Hundreds of Violations of Unilateral Ceasefire
The Ukrainian military accuses Russia of violating the ceasefire on countless occasions after the first day alone, with a total of 154 clashes. The report includes 15 Russian air strikes, one missile strike, 830 drone strikes, and 2685 attacks on Ukrainian troops' positions and settlements. Meanwhile, Russian authorities claim that the Russian army is strictly adhering to the ceasefire and is only responding to Ukrainian attacks. Russia declared a three-day ceasefire to mark the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. However, Ukraine has not agreed to follow the ceasefire and is advocating for a 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for possible peace talks.
06:26 | Poland: Turkey or China Could Succeed as US Mediator in Ukraine
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski believes Turkey or China could replace the United States as a mediator in the Ukraine war if the US mediation efforts fail. Sikorski stated his hope that the US mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine would succeed. "But if this path fails, there are other candidates," he mentioned, naming Turkey, which maintains communication channels, and China, which "possesses more bargaining power than anyone else to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and soften his demands." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently threatened to withdraw from mediating the Ukraine war.
Politics Is the War in Ukraine Coming to an End? Signs Point to US Withdrawal as Mediator 04:41 | Wadephul on Ukraine Aid: We Will Do What's Necessary
Germany will remain one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, according to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. "That will continue to be the case, and we will make that clear in the coming days," Wadephul said in an ARD "Tagesthemen" interview. The newly appointed foreign minister recently arrived for his first visit to Ukraine, where he attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv. He noted that he would learn more about Ukraine's needs once there. "We will do what is necessary, and we will continue to do so until Russia understands that this war must end, that negotiations are necessary, and that consistent observance of the ceasefire is essential."
03:10 | Russia Feels Better Understood by the US
A compliment from Moscow for the US: Russian diplomat and former Russian ambassador to the US, Yuri Ushakov, expressed that the United States is gradually developing an understanding of Russia's positions. "It seems evident that there is an understanding of what we are pursuing as a result of this situation," stated Ushakov on Russian state television. "To some extent, our demands, our thinking, and our proposals are being taken into account. Not all of them. But the process is underway," he concluded. Relations between Moscow and Washington have improved, thanks to US President Donald Trump's softening of the previous administration's position towards Russia, particularly regarding Ukraine.
01:55 | UK Sanctions 100 Oil Tankers of "Ghost Fleet"
The UK will impose sanctions on up to 100 oil tankers of the so-called Russian "ghost fleet." According to the office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, this constitutes the largest package of measures taken by the UK against the "ghost fleet." The affected ships, which are suspected of transporting over $24 billion worth of cargo since the beginning of last year, are allegedly involved in damaging critical infrastructures. Starmer will announce the measures at a summit meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) security alliance in Oslo. The group of ten Northern European states, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden, was established under British leadership in 2014 and serves as a complement to broader NATO military alliance cooperation.
00:53 | Ukraine Parliament Approves Resource Agreement with the US
The Ukrainian parliament has ratified the agreement with the USA to establish a joint reconstruction fund. 338 deputies voted in favor of the relevant law, 226 votes were required. With this fund, the USA gains access to mineral resources, and Ukraine retains ownership of the mineral resources.
Politics A Complicated Partner: Trump and the Resource Deal for Ukraine 23:27 | Trump Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire
U.S. President Trump has called on Russia and Ukraine to observe a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, both taking responsibility for its observance. "If the ceasefire isn't followed, the US and its partners will impose additional sanctions." Almost simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in his evening address that Ukraine is ready to comply with such a ceasefire immediately. The US proposed a 30-day weapons pause in March.
22:54 | Wadephul Arrives in Ukraine for First Visit
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit. The CDU politician will participate in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, western Ukraine, tomorrow. His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrij Sybiha, is also expected to attend. Earlier today, Wadephul traveled from the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw to Berlin for a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Bundestag.
22:12 | Merz Assures Zelensky of Germany's Support for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj of Germany's solidarity. Both agreed that Russia must commit to a ceasefire. They also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of US President Donald Trump. Merz highlighted Germany's united front with France, the UK, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine while exerting pressure on Russia.
21:40 | Wirecard Manager Marsalek Implicated in Arms Deals and Mercenary Recruitment
According to British court documents, the fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek is reportedly involved in discussions regarding arms deals, blood diamonds, and mercenary recruitment with the head of a Russian spy ring operating in the UK, Orlin Roussev. Regarding wheat deliveries to Cameroon, Roussev reportedly declared that weapons could also be requested. "We can organize almost anything they need, except for nuclear weapons... even nuclear weapons, if they pay," Marsalek allegedly stated.
21:03 | Special Tribunal for Ukraine's "Aggression" Planned
Ukraine alongside its European allies are preparing to give their approval for the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine in the Russian invasion. The formal approval will take place during a visit by EU foreign ministers to the Ukrainian city of Lviv. The objective of the anticipated special tribunal is to prosecute the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine and hold political and military leaders from Russia accountable. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague remains responsible for prosecuting war crimes in the Ukraine war.
20:25 | Putin and Zelensky Congratulate Pope
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have both conveyed congratulations to the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV. Zelensky emphasized the consistent stance of the Holy See in upholding international law, condemning the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and defending the rights of innocent civilians. Putin conveyed his optimism that constructive dialogue and interaction between Russia and the Vatican will continue, based on shared Christian values.
19:55 | Zelensky Speaks with Merz
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conversationally congratulated Germany's newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz by phone. "We rely on Germany to continue standing by Ukraine - both for the protection of our people and the rebuilding of our country following the war," Zelensky stated on X, referring to the war against Russia. He underlined the "great potential" for a German-Ukrainian partnership and highlighted the numerous crucial matters that have already been discussed and agreed upon. Merz has pledged further support for Ukraine. "That was important to hear, I am grateful for that," Zelensky added.
19:30 | EU Foreign Ministers Heading to Ukraine
According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, there will be a gathering of European foreign ministers in Ukraine tomorrow. "Tomorrow, we are traveling to Ukraine, and we will provide one billion euros for the Ukrainian defense industry," she disclosed after the informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Warsaw, Poland. It represents "another very important signal" for Ukraine. In Russia, a large military parade is taking place on Red Square in Moscow on Friday to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in 1945. This weapons display is also seen as a significant show of force by Moscow.
19:01 | EU Provides Further One-Billion-Euro Loan to Ukraine
The European Commission has disbursed the fourth tranche of its extraordinary macro-financial assistance loan (MFA) to Ukraine. "The EU continues to support Ukraine politically, financially, economically, and militarily," stated EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis in a statement. "Today, we are releasing another billion euros as part of the extraordinary G7 initiative worth up to 45 billion euros."
Read previous events here.
Source: ntv.de, ino/hul/dpa/rts/AFP
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Operations
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
- There have been multiple encounters between German and Russian delegations in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, including SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner, former Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck, and former Federal Chancellery Chief Ronald Pofalla.
- According to Martin Hoffmann, the long-time managing director of the Petersburg Dialogue, the meeting that took place in Baku did not take place on behalf of or with financing by public institutions.
- The Petersburg Dialogue, initiated in 2001 by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, served as an essential platform for people-to-people diplomacy between Germany and Russia.
- A gathering of German politicians and lobbyists met with Kremlin envoys in Baku in mid-April, with topics of discussion allegedly including the revival of the Petersburg Dialogue format.
