Live Updates +++ 23:11 - Russia Forms Special Drone Troops as Separate Military Branch
Russia is developing a drone squad of its own.
In a bold move to modernize its military, Russia is creating a new branch of drones, marking a significant shift in its warfare capabilities. President Putin, addressing army and government representatives, claimed, "We see how the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles is rapidly growing in combat." He emphasized that approximately half of the damaged or destroyed enemy targets are now attributed to drone pilots. This development arrives on the heels of Ukraine establishing a similar drone troop branch in June 2024 as a response to the increasing importance of unmanned weapon systems. Branches utilize various flying drones and collaborate with industry for further development.
22:15 - NATO Expands Satellite Surveillance Along Ukraine's Eastern Front
NATO is introducing a cutting-edge satellite surveillance system to monitor military activities in Ukraine and along its eastern borders. Dubbed "Smart Indication and Warning Broad Area Detection" (SINBAD), this initiative allows NATO allies to scan vast areas. By employing AI-assisted analyses, detectable changes will be identified, and potential threats will be flagged to participating nations. With tensions escalating, Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's supreme commander, noted that determining whether the Russians will stop in Ukraine or advance further has become a significant concern for European allies.
21:50 - Zelensky on Sending His Son to War
The son of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is 12 years old and hence ineligible for military service. In an interview with "Bild" newspaper, Zelensky was asked hypothetically whether, if his son Kyrylo reached the age of 18 in six years, he would send him to fight for Ukraine. In response, Zelensky said, "I am here. My family is in Ukraine. My children are in Ukraine. If there is an air alert, then we go to the shelters. We live under the same conditions as everyone else." He added that his children were treated no differently than anyone else in Ukraine and emphasized that they, along with all Ukrainians, were fighting for their nation.
20:59 - Clash in Sumy Region, Ukraine
President Zelensky declared that Ukrainian forces were successfully preventing the Russian offensive in the northeastern Sumy region. Despite this statement, maps created by Ukrainian military bloggers suggest that Russian troops continue to advance. There was no independent confirmation to corroborate Zelensky’s claims.
20:12 - No Taurus Cruise Missile Delivery from Germany, Says Defense Minister
During his visit to Kyiv, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius denied that Germany was considering delivering the Taurus system to Ukraine. Although the Ukrainian military has long requested this weapon with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, its potential to target deep within Russian territory from Ukrainian soil has ignited debate.
Politics - Weber on Pistorius' Statement: "Debate over the Taurus will become obsolete"
Military expert Joachim Weber provided insight into why Ukraine might not need the Taurus weapon in the near future, deeming discussions regarding its delivery moot.
19:51 - Trump Disappointed with Russia and Ukraine
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with both Russia and Ukraine as negotiations between the two nations remain unproductive. In his view, a compromise could have been reached by now, and thousands of lives are being lost weekly in the Ukraine conflict, many of which are civilians struck by rockets. Despite his initiatives, all efforts to achieve a ceasefire have failed.
Politics - Trump: "Very disappointed with Russia and Ukraine"
US President Donald Trump's expressed frustration as negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv remain at a standstill. "I'm very disappointed with Russia, but I'm also disappointed with Ukraine," said Trump. However, he ultimately reiterated that the solution to the Ukraine war lies through dialogue and continued diplomatic efforts.
19:12 - NATO Chief Criticizes Russia's Approach at Istanbul Talks
In response to the lacking progress in recent rounds of talks aimed at implementing a ceasefire in the Ukraine war, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte criticized Russia's approach to negotiations. Rutte stated, "The Russians are now sending this historian to the talks in Istanbul twice, wanting to start with history from a thousand years ago and then more or less blaming Ukraine." "This isn't helpful," Rutte concluded.
18:36 - No Appeasement Policy towards Russia, Says Wadephul
During a meeting in the Weimar Plus format in Rome, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul insisted that there should be no "Appeasement" policy towards Russia. Putin, he claimed, is not willing to negotiate, instead pursuing a military solution in Ukraine. Wadephul stressed that it is crucial to intensify pressure on Russia via further sanctions, particularly in the energy and financial sectors. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha echoed this sentiment, stating that an "Appeasement" policy towards Russia does not work. He called for increased diplomatic pressure to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.
18:00 - Intensified Attacks on Ukraine: "Russia's 3rd Arm of Nuclear Forces is Knocked Out"
In response to the successful Operation Web earlier, Russia conducted heavy bombing campaigns on Kharkiv and Kyiv. Colonel (ret.) Wolfgang Richter posited that these air attacks targeted infrastructure essential to Russia's survival.
Politics - 50 years since the G7's founding, the group faces a test in maintaining unity
As the leaders of the G7 major industrialized countries assemble for a summit in Canada, they face the challenge of preserving unity amid uncertainty from the unpredictable US President Donald Trump. The summit serves as a test to the group's resolve to remain committed to common Western positions in matters such as Ukraine policy and trade issues.
17:14 - Zelensky Rejects Greetings from US to Russia on National Holiday
Ukraine expressed disappointment after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent greetings to Russia on the occasion of the Russian national holiday without directly mentioning Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reacted by stating that it was "particularly unpleasant" to receive such greetings from some countries towards the Russian aggressor. He reiterated that there should be no rewards for the aggressor country.
16:39 - Germany Not Considering Delivery of Taurus Cruise Missiles to Kyiv, Says SPD Leader
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has dismissed calls for a shift in relations with Russia. He declared that Russia was causing immense suffering in Ukraine, with people dying daily, and that President Putin could end the war at any moment. Germany would continue to side with Ukraine and provide military support, with no changes in course under Klingbeil's leadership. Thus far, a paper leaked within the SPD, advocating for a new security and foreign policy, including cooperation with Russia, has sparked internal and external controversy.
Politics - SPD Leader Dismisses Calls for Reapproachment towards Russia
German SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has maintained his stance that Russia is responsible for Ukraine's suffering, and it is vital that Germany continues to support Ukraine. He rejected calls for a U-turn in relations with Russia.
16:30 - Pistorius Promises Additional 1.9 Billion Euros in Military Aid to Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pledged an additional 1.9 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv. These funds would be allocated towards various objectives, including long-range missiles, among other items.
Politics - Germany Will Provide Further Military Aid to Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has affirmed that Germany is willing to offer additional military aid to Ukraine, with a total of around nine billion euros to be provided this year.
15:57 - Wagenknecht Proposes Cooperation with Signatories to SPD's Peace Manifesto
Left Party chairman Sahra Wagenknecht has proposed close cooperation with the Left faction of the SPD and the signatories of the peace manifesto. The goal is to mobilize all supporters of the manifesto and invite them to participate in a large demonstration. The manifesto advocates for a departure from the armament policy and direct diplomatic talks with Russia.
Politics - Left Party Chairman Advocates for Cooperation with Signatories of Peace Manifesto
Sahra Wagenknecht, chair of the Left Party, has proposed strong collaboration with the SPD's Left faction and the signatories of the peaceful foreign policy manifesto. The aim is to unite supporters of the manifesto by organizing a major demonstration.
15:11 - European Union Set to Pressure the Kremlin More
The foreign ministers of major European states have announced their readiness to intensify pressure on Russia through additional sanctions in the energy and banking sectors. The objectives are to weaken Russia in its war against Ukraine and compensate for losses caused by Russian aggression.
14:55 - Italy Needs More Time to Meet Future NATO Defense Spending Goal
Italy has expressed that it needs at least ten years to reach the future NATO defense spending target of five percent of GDP. Currently, the NATO is discussing this goal; the two percent target is in effect now. While expressing optimism that an agreement on the new target can be reached soon, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani indicated that it would take considerable time to reach this goal.
14:30 - Ukraine and Russia Exchange Sick and Wounded Prisoners of War
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged sick and severely wounded soldiers. There were reports of heavy casualties among the Ukrainian forces released by Russia.
Politics - Ukrainian and Russian Troops Exchange Prisoners of War
In a prisoner exchange, Ukraine and Russia released sick and heavily wounded soldiers from each side.
13:43 - Russia Claims to Have Shot Down 260 Ukrainian Drones
According to a Russian media report by news agency Interfax, Russia shot down 260 Ukrainian drones the previous day, with 62 neutralized outside the combat zone. No details were available on the initial number of drones used by Ukraine.
13:13 - EU Imposes Tariffs on Russian Fertilizers and Food
The EU will impose additional tariffs of 6.5% on fertilizers and food from Russia and Belarus. This action intends to make it more challenging for Russia to fund its war against Ukraine. Food items impacted by the tariffs include sugar, vinegar, flour, animal feed, and nitrogen and urea-based fertilizers. Despite the war, agricultural products from Russia continue to be imported into the EU.
12:50 - Ukraine Foils Bomb Plot by Russian Intelligence Agency
Ukrainian investigators claim to have prevented a bomb plot in the city of Iwano-Frankivsk. The Russian intelligence agency is suspected of recruiting a 15-year-old girl via social media, offering her money to build a bomb in an apartment and place it in a park in a thermos flask. The objective was to detonate the bomb remotely to kill civilians and the girl herself. However, the girl contacted the SBU - Ukraine's domestic security service - via a chatbot, allowing authorities to foil the plot.
12:20 - Zelenskyy on Russian Losses: Moscow Ready to Pay the Price
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the reported more than one million Russian soldiers killed or injured since the start of the war, said, "This is the price that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his like are willing to pay for their sick geopolitical fantasies." He also called for increased sanctions to weaken Russia further.
11:47 - SPD Leader Rejects U-Turn in Ukraine Policy
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has distanced himself from a peace policy paper calling for a shift in defense policy and talks with Russia. He emphasized that Germany must maintain its strong support for Ukraine, stating, "We do not need a U-turn in our support for Ukraine."
11:25 - Ukrainian Air Forces Count 63 Russian Drones
Ukrainian air forces reported detecting 63 Russian drones, with 49 being shot down or deflected by electronic warfare. Drone strikes were recorded at seven locations, with drone debris also being found near playgrounds.
10:50 - Stegner: "Strategy to Force Russia to Negotiate Militarily has Failed"
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner defended the proposal for a shift in German foreign policy toward Russia. Despite ongoing criticism, he maintained that establishing dialogue with Russia is essential to ending conflicts, including the one in Ukraine.
10:35 - Report: Ukraine Reports Over One Million Russian Soldiers Killed or Injured
According to unverified reports from the Ukrainian general staff, Russia has reportedly lost 1,000,340 soldiers since the start of the war, including those killed and injured. This figure has not been independently confirmed.
10:15 - Rubio Congratulates Russians on National Day
On the occasion of Russia's National Day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a message of greetings and urged peace efforts, stating, "The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people in their pursuit of a better future." He also reaffirmed the US desire for "constructive cooperation with the Russian Federation to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine."
09:50 - Reports: Ukraine Attacks Moscow Weapon Electronics Factory
The Ukrainian military claims to have attacked a factory in the Moscow region that produces electronics for high-tech weapons and military equipment. It's early in the morning in Russia, so there have been no official comments as of now.
09:25 - SPD Wants Talks with Russia, Prominent Members Disagree
Prominent SPD politicians, such as Miersch and Stegner, have called for talks with Russia. However, leading members of the Bundestag faction have distanced themselves from this initiative. The Ukrainian publication of the peace proposal has been viewed positively in Ukraine but also with skepticism.
08:55 - ISW: Reduction in US Aid Will Not Achieve Lasting Peace
The Washington-based think tank "Institute for the Study of War" argues that a reduction in US military aid to Ukraine would neither lead to lasting peace in Ukraine nor force Russian President Vladimir Putin to reconsider his victory theory. Instead, this action may provide Russia with advantages on the battlefield and strengthen Putin's conviction that Russia can defeat Ukraine.
08:17 - Weichert on Reaction in Ukraine: "SPD Proposal Meets Headshaking Instead of Outrage"
In Ukraine, the SPD's proposal for talks with Russia is generally viewed positively but also with skepticism, according to ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert.
06:40 - Green Party Chairwoman Criticizes "SPD Manifesto"
The chairwoman of the Greens, Franziska Brantner, criticized the latest "manifesto" by prominent SPD politicians calling for a shift in foreign policy and direct diplomatic talks with Russia. She stated, "It's highly disconcerting that leading SPD politicians are demanding a U-turn in foreign policy and dealing with Russia."
06:06 - Pistorius Arrives in Kyiv for Talks on Further Military Aid for Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to discuss further military aid for the country, which is facing an offensive by Russia. During his visit, Pistorius intends to discuss potential avenues for industrial cooperation and other forms of support.
04:42 - Attack on Kharkiv, 12 Injured
Kharkiv experienced another drone attack overnight, resulting in twelve casualties (including four children) among the eleven explosions. Residential areas, educational institutions, kindergartens, and infrastructure were hit during the daytime attack, causing destruction and damage.
02:48 - Walter-Borjans Defends "Peace Manifesto"
Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans defended the "Peace Manifesto" he signed by stating that efforts to establish dialogue with Russia were intended for the sake of peace. He expressed that the ultimate goal of the manifesto is to avoid further unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine and elsewhere.
01:02 - Russia On alert After Mystery 'Second Sun' Appears Over Siberia
A mysterious "second sun" sighting in Siberia has gone viral, raising concerns among local residents and attracting the attention of global media. The sighting has been traced back to a high-altitude balloon carrying a surveillance payload. The balloon doesn't pose any danger to the general public. Russian authorities claim to have found the balloon debris near Yakutsk and believe it belongs to the United States. This development highlights the ongoing competition between world powers and the rising tensions in the Arctic region.
Source: ntv.de, ino/hul/gut/dpa/rts/AFP
Keywords:- Ukraine- War- Drone troops- Russia- NATO- Surveillance- Kharkiv- Zelenskyy- Putin- Airstrikes- Conflict
Enrichment Data:- Secret meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Minsk reported: some sources claim Zelenskyy saw an opportunity to establish a ceasefire during talks, while other reports state little progress was made in the negotiations (not mentioned in the main article) [Source: Reuters]- Reports suggest that Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian forces in regions near Kharkiv and Donetsk have caused heavy casualties and disrupted supply lines (not discussed in the main article) [Source: The Guardian]- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is often compared to World War III due to the involvement of multiple nations and the potential for wider escalation (not discussed in the main article) [Source: Business Insider]
One could speculate that political discussions on community and employment policies in federal government may address the possible redirection of funds originally allocated for military modernization efforts, such as the development of drone troop branches, towards employment opportunities and the improvement of community welfare.
In the realm of general news, the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine have led European allies to implement politically charged measures, such as satellite surveillance and increased sanctions on key industries, in an attempt to influence Russia's actions and potential military success in Ukraine.
