Live Updates on Ukraine War Tussle +++ 14:04 Starmer: Moscow to Cope with Ukraine's Defense Expenses
Russia is reportedly funding Ukraine's military defense, as stated by Starmer at 14:04.
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London is all set to arm Ukraine's air defense, dishing out hundreds of missiles. According to a scoop from The Politico, this aid involves a new package of 350 ASRAAM air defense missiles, funded with 70 million pounds from the interest on seized Russian assets. Upon arriving at the NATO summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer comments, "Moscow, not Kyiv, should foot the bill for Putin's brutal and unlawful war in Ukraine, so it's only fair that we use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to beef up Ukraine's aerial defense." The ASRAAM missiles can be deployed from F-16 fighter aircraft.
13:29 Medvedev Takes a Swipe at the EU - Trots Lump it as Direct Threat
Dmitri Medvedev, Russia's Security Council deputy chairman, fires a salvo at the European Union, calling it "a direct threat" to his motherland. While he suggests the EU has become its "direct enemy," he still expects cooperation with individual EU nations to continue. Medvedev also issues a warning against Ukraine joining the EU.
Politics: Medvedev Drops Trump's F-Bomb - EU Greens Want Ukraine Aid from Russian Funds
13:02 Putin's Rope-A-Dope Game - EU Greens Witness Frustrated Funds
The Greens in the German Bundestag are urging the German government to rally G7 countries to secure Ukraine's access to the frozen Russian state assets, legally. The Greens believe that a change in Putin's behavior is unlikely, with Russia persistently pursuing its objectives and showing no signs of budging from the war. Instead, the Ruskies are playing a tactical game, buying time militarily and politically, aiming to wear down Ukraine.
12:36 USA Chills on More Sanctions Against Russia - Rubio
US Senator Marco Rubio declares the States will keep mum on additional sanctions against Russia, at least for now. Rubio mentions that perusing this path might diminish the US's capacity to share words with Russia in pursuit of a truce. President Donald Trump knows the "ideal time and place" for extra economic measures against Russia, Rubio emphasizes. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the EU are clamoring for more pressure on Russia.
12:05 Ukrainian Defense Makes a Stand Against Russian Invasion
In the south of Ukraine, Russian aggressors continue their advance, with the front lines approaching the administrative border of the Dnipropetrovsk region at least three points. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces confirms that Russian forces are trying to infiltrate the region. He reveals that the bulges are located southwest of Pokrovsk, at the junction of the combat zones in Donbas and the Saporishshya front. Ukrainian troops have been bravely fending off massive Russian attacks in this region for weeks. The specter of encirclement rears its head near the village of Bahatyr.
11:36 Merz Awaits "Historic" NATO Summit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz anticipates a "historic NATO summit," asserting that today's event will result in a joint decision to upgrade NATO's capabilities for the better. Merz stresses that the threat landscape has changed significantly, with Russia emerging as a major concern.
11:14 Trump Throws His Support Behind NATO
US President Donald Trump billets himself firmly behind the transatlantic military alliance during the NATO summit in The Hague. Asked about Article 5 of the NATO treaty guaranteeing mutual defense, Trump declares that the US is fully committed. NATO will be "sweet," he adds. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commends Trump for persuading NATO nations to beef up their defense budgets, dubbing the president a "man of strength and peace." Trump himself declares a grand "victory" for everyone in the room.
10:46 Trump: A Challenge to Talk Sense to Zelensky
US President Donald Trump confirms he will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later today about the Ukrainian situation. Trump, however, admits it's difficult to hold meaningful conversations with Zelensky. Trump also acknowledges that he recently had a cordial tete-a-tete with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
10:24 The Putin-Trump Axis Remains Strong
NATO is in The Hague to decide on a defense upgrade. Everyone's eyes are glued to US President Trump. In Moscow, the Kremlin is content with the summit's progress, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz.
Politics: Russia's Perspective on NATO Summit
10:00 Possible Reintroduction of Drafts in the Legislative Term?
Defense Committee chairman in the German Bundestag, Thomas Röwekamp, welcomes the plan by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) to embed the option of a partial return to the draft alongside voluntary service in the military service law. Röwekamp doesn't expect voluntary recruitment to suffice, so "compulsory elements" could be on the table in the future. This hints at the possibility of conscription being revived during this legislative term.
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09:38 "Eternal Remembrance of the Victims of the Russian Assassins" - Dnipro Mourns Its Dead
The loss of life from Russian aggression in Dnipro has risen to 18. Almost 300 casualties were reported, with over 100 victims still in the hospital. Governor Serhii Lysak declares, "The entire Dnipropetrovsk region is in mourning. It's a pain that resonates in every heart. That never fades... Eternal remembrance of the victims of the Russian murderers." The authorities state that, in Dnipro, buildings including administrative buildings, schools, hospitals, shops, and kindergartens were destroyed. Two more civilians lost their lives in nearby Samar. According to the Ukrainian National Police, the Dnipro and Samar attacks by rockets occurred on May 9th at 11:10 AM.
09:09 Pistorius: Keeps USA Engaged
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sees the USA as a critical ally during the Ukrainian conflict. "We are aiming to keep them involved," Pistorius reveals during an interview on ZDF. Whether this goal will be accomplished remains to be seen. US President Donald Trump has earlier threatened to abandon his mediation efforts.
08:41 Russian Troops Increasingly Use Motorcycles
Russian fighters are increasingly taking to motorcycles along the Ukrainian front line, as stated by the Institute for the Study of War. A brigade member reports that Russian motorcycle troops are no longer attacking along main roads, but mainly across open fields, attempting to overcome Ukrainian barriers along the front lines. The ISW is concerned that Russian forces will frequently employ motorcycles and other faster, unarmored vehicles in future conflicts, including those against NATO nations.
08:10 Bloggers: Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Drone Factory
Russian authorities record damage to properties from Ukrainian drone attacks overnight. A grain silo, a school, residential houses, and a sports complex in the Rostov region east of Ukraine suffered damage. The governor of the Russian region of Taganrog, Yuri Slyusar, also mentioned that buildings in the city were hit, where the Atlant-Aero drone factory is situated. Bloggers claim that Atlant-Aero was the target of the attack. The governor of the Russian region of Voronezh, north of Ukraine, Alexander Gusev, informs on Telegram that over 40 drones were shot down over urban areas and near the border.
07:39 Russia Expands Missile Factory, Evading Sanctions
Russia is enlarging one of its most important missile manufacturing facilities, skirting international sanctions, as reported by a Ukrainian media outlet. According to the news outlet "Kyiv Independent," the Votkinsk plant has welcomed thousands of new workers and constructed new buildings equipped with modern machinery. The aim is to boost missile production dramatically. The plant already manufactures Iskander-M ballistic missiles with a range up to 500 kilometers, which Russia uses to hit Ukrainian cities like Kyiv. The plant is also rumored to produce intercontinental missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. According to the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR, Russia is not only replacing the missiles it has lost in the current Ukrainian conflict with Ukraine but is also building up reserves for a longer conflict: "They're preparing for a long war," a high-ranking HUR official told "Kyiv Independent." "According to our data, Russia is constructing a stockpile of various types of missiles.” The intelligence service reports that Russia has stored around 600 ballistic Iskander-M missiles and another 300 Iskander-K cruise missiles. At the current rate of attack, this stock would serve for approximately two years, it is suggested.
07:10 NATO Considers Its Largest Reinforcement Since the Cold War's End
The leaders of NATO's 32 countries are due to gather in The Hague to decide on the largest reinforcement since the end of the Cold War. By 2035, defense spending is scheduled to rise to five percent of GDP. Currently, the goal is two percent. At least 3.5 percent of GDP should, henceforth, be spent on conventional military expenditure. Furthermore, investments in counter-terrorism or military infrastructure suitable for operation will be considered.
Politics "Pragmatic Measures" Explained: What NATO's Decisions Mean for German Military Forces
06:39 Russia Ramping Up Missile Factory: "They're Ready for a Longer War"
Fire, fire return! Russia is scaling up its primary missile factory, avoiding international sanctions, according to a Ukrainian media report. As "Kyiv Independent" puts it, the Votkinsk plant has brought on thousands of new workers and established new buildings with advanced technology. The objective is to substantially increase missile production. The plant currently derives Iskander-M ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 kilometers, which Russia uses to target Ukrainian cities. It is also said to produce intercontinental missiles carrying nuclear warheads. Ukraine's military intelligence service HUR states that Russia is not only replenishing the missiles lost in the current war with Ukraine but also stockpiling munitions for a longer conflict: "They're preparing for a long war," a high-ranking HUR official told "Kyiv Independent." "According to our data, Russia is constructing a stockpile of various types of missiles." The intelligence service reports that Russia has stored around 600 ballistic Iskander-M missiles and another 300 Iskander-K cruise missiles. At the current rate of attack, this stock would serve for approximately two years, it is suggested.
Politics Russia Expands Manufacturing Sites, Ukrainian Intelligence: "They're Gearing Up for a Longer War"
06:10 Italy Assists with Mine Clearance in Ukraine
Italy has pledged 1.5 million euros in aid to Ukraine for mine clearance, according to a Ukrainian media outlet. Italian Ambassador Carlo Formosa states, "Mine clearance is not just a technical operation but a humanitarian undertaking that involves cooperation, innovation, and hope." This project doesn't only address the current crisis but seeks to support Ukraine's reconstruction as well. Its goals include returning land to farmers, playgrounds to children, and safe roads to families.
05:42 Lithuania Guarantees Munitions Supply
Lithuania has signed an agreement with American defense giant Northrop Grumman and Norwegian defense company Nammo to ensure munitions manufacturing persists amid the Russian-Ukrainian war. Lithuanian Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius highlights the contributions from Lithuania's allies, which will greatly aid the defense industry and security for not only Lithuania but the entire region, including Ukraine.
04:44 Zelenskyy Addresses Council of Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will speak to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg today, focusing on the establishment of a special tribunal for war crimes. Zelenskyy will meet with the Committee of Ministers, which is finalizing the legal infrastructure required for the tribunal's establishment. The Council of Europe is committed to protecting democracy and human rights in Europe. The special court was announced on May 9 by Ukraine and its European partners.
03:43 Crimean Fighters Trace Russian Air Defense Regiment
Insurgents from the Ates movement claim to have uncovered a Russian air defense missile regiment in the Russian-occupied city of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. A Telegram post from Ates reveals that this military unit belongs to the 31st Air Defense Division of the Russian Aerospace Forces and is equipped with S-400 air defense missile systems. The partisans suggest that the unit is currently jittery due to recent effective Ukrainian drone attacks. The post mentions that investigations have been handed over to the Ukrainian defense forces.
02:58 Moscow Shields Stalin Monument from Protest
Moscow authorities have allegedly inhibited protests by the liberal Russian opposition party Yabloko against a Stalin monument at a metro station, invoking COVID-19 guidelines. Yabloko had planned a series of vigils against the newly installed relief titled "Gratitude to the People's Leader and War Lord," but was denied permission, publishing an image of the denial. Authorities have referred to a Decree by Moscow mayor from June 8, 2020, which extended the ban on mass events due to the coronavirus pandemic. Yabloko intends to appeal and is collecting signatures for the monument's removal.
Politics "A Member of the Criminal Fraud": From Revolutionary to Criminal"
01:58 SPD Secretary-General Approves Military Service Provisions for Parliamentary Approval
The SPD secretary-general, Tim Klüssendorf, expresses a desire for any rules on structured military service for young men to be put before parliament. He opposes "the introduction of compulsory elements being an automatic process." Initial efforts should focus on persuading young men to join the military through voluntarism, as agreed in the coalition agreement. Klüssendorf stresses, "It's about employing measures that make military service so appealing that many young people choose it. That takes time, and all possibilities must be exhausted. If voluntarism is insufficient, we need to intervene."
00:26 Britain Readies to Acquire Nuclear-Capable Combat Jets
The British government announces its intentions to purchase nuclear-capable US fighter jets. These 12 F-35A jets would enable Royal Air Force planes to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the end of the Cold War. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer explains, "In these times of uncertainty, we can no longer assume peace." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte applauds the planned purchase. "This is another robust British contribution to NATO." The UK is stepping up its defense spending and modernizing its military forces, including the submarine fleet, due to growing inimicity from Russia.
Politics
Victor Starmer: Britons Prep Nuclear Jets in Controversial Move
Ukraine and Copenhagen Agree on Arms Production in Denmark
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen to launch Ukrainian arms production in Denmark, according to Umerov's Facebook post. The agreement intends to facilitate the deployment of Ukrainian arms companies in Denmark and integrate the defense industries of both countries through the "Build with Ukraine" project. Denmark has already pledged $47 million for the project.
22:04 Merz, Macron, and Starmer Advocate for Russia Sanctions
Germany, France, and the UK encourage more pressure on Russia during the start of the NATO summit, according to German government circles. While Macron and Starmer call for extra sanctions against Russia, Trump remains unconvinced.
21:20 Zelenskyy Exposés Russian Drone Activity: Nearly 30,000 Shahed Drones Fired Since 2022
Since the start of the large-scale invasion in Ukraine, Russia has launched 28,743 Shahed drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He reveals these statistics during a speech to the Dutch parliament. "In June alone, 2,736 Shaheds were launched," Zelensky adds, "Without Iranian support, Russia couldn't have launched these drones. And we in Ukraine couldn't have intercepted most of these drones without your solidarity – and the support of our partners."
To keep up with all previous updates, visit https://www.ntv.de/ntv/ukraine-konflikt,1576688.
Sources: ntv.de, gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
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- Military Deployments
- Russia
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- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
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Overall:
Russia's air defense capabilities along the Ukrainian border continue to be under pressure from ongoing drone and missile attacks. Although Russia is increasing production of new missile types like the Oreshnik ICBM to shore up its defenses, the current operation reveals some limitations in their air defense performance. Ukraine has been successfully deploying advanced ballistic missiles like the Sapsan, which is proving difficult for Russian air defense systems to intercept. The Russian military is also experimenting with new tactics, such as relying more on motorcycles for mobility during ground operations. This suggests Russia is keen to diversify its strategies, but the outcome remains uncertain. The UK's pledge to arm Ukraine's air defense and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Denmark over arms production indicate both countries' continued commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defenses in the face of Russian aggression.
- The Greens in the German Bundestag are urging the use of frozen Russian state assets to aid Ukraine's defense, as politics such as the deployment of ASRAAM air defense missiles from the proceeds could potentially help Ukraine's aerial defense.
- The escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia have reached a point where the political landscape of Europe is significantly changing, with NATO nations rallying to support Ukraine's defense and a potential reintroduction of drafts in the legislative term being considered.
