Russia's Current State: A Modern Display of Fascism, According to Blue-Yellow Cross
Headline: Ukraine-Russia War Live Ticker +++ 20:33 Blue-Yellow Cross Crossfire: "What we see in Russia is modern fascism, deluxe version"
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Today, a grand military parade on Red Square markets the "Victory Day" in Moscow. For Mykhailo Malyi, spokesperson of the Blue-Yellow Cross, it's more like a "parade of hypocrisy." As Russia applauds victory over fascism, it's embracing "modern fascism."
Politics Spokesperson of the Blue-Yellow Cross "What we see in Russia is modern fascism, deluxe version" 20:07 Global Leaders Shake Hands, Shake Bombs: Putin and Trump's Handshake Paradox US President Donald Trump has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's trade policies during a meeting in Moscow, stating that Trump's unilateral global tariffs "undermine the great idea of free trade and the strengthening of multilateralism." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agrees and aims to strengthen his country's strategic partnership with Russia, citing shared interests in politics, commerce, culture, science, technology, and the opportunity to expand trade.
19:44 The Hungarian Three-Card Monte: Hungary Expels Ukrainian Diplomats The EU and NATO member Hungary has expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, accusing them of engaging in espionage activities under the guise of their diplomatic mission. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a Facebook video, without providing further details. Hours later, Ukraine announced that its authorities had arrested a man and a woman accused of spying for Hungary, but Szijjarto chose not to address these arrests in his explanation of the expulsion of the two Ukrainian diplomats.
Politics Budapest speaks of propaganda Kiew: Hungarian spy ring uncovered in Ukraine 18:54 Diplomats: USA and Europeans working together on ceasefire proposal According to French diplomatic circles, the USA and its European allies are working on a joint proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which still needs to be finalized and will be a topic at this weekend's summit. If Russia rejects the proposal, new joint US-European sanctions will be imposed. This could be significant, as Europe and the USA have repeatedly not been on the same page in recent months.
18:32 The Pro-Kremlin Parade: Young People's Performance Russia's military parade in Moscow is meant to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago. While it's also a propaganda tool of the Kremlin, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz notes that there's no후 Generation apathy toward Russia's war propaganda.
Politics Munz's take on Putin Parade "The Pro-Kremlin Parade: Young People's Performance" 18:11 Rutte Strives for the Perfect Defense Score NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte (the Netherlands) expresses his desire to commit NATO member countries to spend at least 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense and security annually by 2032. Rutte has sent a letter to all member countries requesting 3.5% in "hard military spending" and 1.5% for related expenses such as infrastructure, cybersecurity, and similar areas. Rutte expects member countries to pledge to reach these targets by 2032 during the NATO summit in June in The Hague. The letter is "about a week old," says Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
17:49 Finland Offers a Pause Button: Hope for a Ceasefire in Ukraine Finnish President Alexander Stubb speaks hopeful about progress on a ceasefire in Ukraine after talks with the leaders from the USA and Ukraine. "I am cautiously optimistic that we are currently moving in the right direction, both militarily on the ground and in terms of the ceasefire and the peace process," Stubb said at a press conference. "We cannot provide a timeline now, but in an ideal world, a ceasefire in Ukraine would be declared over the weekend."
17:25 BSW Politicians Step Out of the Shadows: The Great Russian Welcome Some well-known active and former politicians attend a reception at the Russian embassy in Berlin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Seen at the entrance are former East German leader Egon Krenz, BSW politician and former Left Party chairman Klaus Ernst, and BSW politician and former Left Party Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen. Pro-Ukraine supporters protest against Russia's war of aggression near the embassy on Unter den Linden Street and the Soviet War Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate.
17:01 The Taurus Tango: Germany Plays Its Cards Close to the Vest According to German government sources, the new German government will significantly reduce information on the delivery of weapons systems to Ukraine in the future. The aim is to achieve "strategic ambiguity" in communication to no longer provide Russia with any strategic advantages. This could mean that the publication of the list of military materials supplied by Germany on government websites will be discontinued.
16:41 The "Coalition of the Willing": Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Ukrainian President Selenskyy has announced that the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" will gather in Kyiv this Saturday. The leaders of the coalition are expected to attend, the head of state said during a video conference. The meeting is essential for Europe's security architecture, and Europe will also benefit from it. Selenskyy did not specify who will travel to Ukraine. Earlier, the military administration of Kyiv had warned of road closures in the city center this Saturday due to foreign delegations. Times and specific streets will not be disclosed for security reasons.
16:26 Trump and Putin: A Faux Love Letter Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have congratulated each other on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, according to Russian news sources. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries via their aides "on the occasion of our shared holiday," said Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy advisor, on Russian state television.
16:11 Still Waiting for the Great Release: "Ceasefire Could Come Next Week" US President Trump is calling for an immediate 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Chancellor Merz is also joining the call and threatening Russia with further sanctions, if Putin continues to refuse negotiations. Political scientist Klemens Fischer suggests in an ntv interview that a ceasefire could be imminent, as early as next week, although the chances of Russia agreeing to negotiate are still uncertain.
Politics Expert on Ukraine Talks: "Ceasefire Could Come Next Week" 15:52 The Upside-Down Statue: "Unveiling the Stalin Statue." The pro-Kremlin Communist Party of Russia has unveiled a statue of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in the southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, a city under Russian control. The party claims it is the first monument dedicated to Stalin in "Novorossiya," the name Moscow offers to annexed parts of Ukraine. The unveiling took place one day before the military parade in Moscow marking the victory over Nazi Germany. While Stalin is still seen as a hero by many in Russia for leading the Soviet Union to victory in World War II, he was also responsible for mass hunger, terror, and oppression of his own people. Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Soviet dictator has undergone a rehabilitation.
15:17 Leading the Charge: "We Won't Let History be Distorted" German Foreign Minister Wadephul sees the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, held simultaneously with the Moscow military parade commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany, as a strong statement to Russian President Putin. "We are here to show shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine that Europe stands with Ukraine, and we are reminding that the Nazi regime was also defeated by Ukrainian soldiers." The group acknowledges that many other peoples of Russia and the former Soviet Union were involved in the victory over the Nazis, but they won't let this historical day of remembrance be distorted to justify the war against Ukraine today.
14:58 The "Strange Bedfellows" Club: The FDP and Putin Skittles FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann warns against being fooled by Putin's narratives. During an interview at the Ludwig-Erhard Summit in Tegernsee, she touches on the delivery of the Taurus system to Ukraine and the importance of US support.
Politics Strack-Zimmermann on arms delivery "The FDP and Putin Skittles" 14:49 Follow the Money: White-collar Crime on the Rise? New Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil calls for more cooperation within the EU on necessary defense and efficient processes within the 27 EU member states. "It's not just about investing in armaments, but also about discussing how we can organize procurement together, how we can ensure that we bundle the power of the 27 national states and change the structures," says the SPD co-chair. Europe will reposition itself in security policy. "We have laid the groundwork for this in Germany, and the tracks have also been set in Europe."
14:30 Revenue for Ukraine: EU Freezes Russian Assets for Ukrainian Defense Companies EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas declares that the EU has earmarked one billion euros from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine in its war against Moscow. "We have just made one billion euros available for the Ukrainian defense industry to help Ukraine defend itself better," emphasizes Kallas. The funds will directly support Ukrainian defense companies and ensure additional military aid in the coming months, which is critical, emphasizes Kallas.
14:14 Hypocrisy at its Finest: "Russia Accuses Ukraine of Attempted Border Breakthroughs" According to Russian reports, Ukraine has allegedly attempted to break through the border with Russia in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. The state news agency Interfax reports this, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense. The alleged attacks took place during the three-day ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russia. It seems plausible to question the validity of this claim, given Russia's history of misinformation.
13:59 A Court of Shadows: "Special Tribunal to Hold Putin Accountable" Ukraine and its allies announce the formation of a special tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for their actions in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The tribunal will be based in The Hague, Netherlands, and is expected to start proceedings against Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, among others. Verdicts can be issued in absentia, as it is not expected that figures like Putin will personally appear in court.
13:39 The New French-Polish Alliance: Mutual Defense Pact Signed Poland and France sign a mutual defense agreement that obligates both countries to support each other in the event of a military threat. The agreement provides the opportunity to pursue joint initiatives in peace efforts for Ukraine.
12:56 Top Dog: North Korea Joins the Russian Pow Wow Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with generals of the North Korean military during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. The presence of North Korea, a country with thousands of soldiers supporting Russia's war effort in Ukraine, is an escalating signal of how this conflict might evolve. US and European coalitions would be wise to take this development seriously.
12:43 The Fire That Refuses to Burn Out: US Threatens Russia Again German Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatens further sanctions against Russia if it fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine and peace talks soon. Merz and US President Donald Trump have discussed Trump's call for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump's initiative for peace has the potential to bring an end to this fratricidal conflict, opening the door for global investment in this war-torn nation.
12:29 Don't Call It a Comeback: "Nord Stream 2 Can Raise a New Investor" Highly indebeted Russian pipeline operator Nord Stream AG can continue its search for a new investor for now, according to a ruling by a court in the Swiss canton of Zug. Without this permission, Nord Stream 2 would be forced to go bankrupt due to strict Swiss insolvency laws.
12:14 The Diplomatic Bullpen: EU Leaders Meet in Lviv Dozens of top diplomats from Europe, including several EU foreign ministers and the new German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, have gathered in Lviv to stand alongside Ukraine during this challenging time. They laid wreaths at the Lychakiv Cemetery for Ukrainians who have died since the Russian invasion in 2022. "It's important and symbolic that our European partners are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine on Europe Day," says Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal after talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. They discussed the current situation on the frontlines and Ukraine's arms needs. Shmyhal thanks the EU for providing €1 billion for Ukraine's defense industry. Kallas also mentions a meeting of EU foreign ministers and the core group for a special tribunal to prosecute the Russian leadership.
12:00 Secret Talks in Baku: German Politicians Meet Kremlin Envoys Several meetings have occurred in Baku between German and Russian delegations, according to media reports, during which German politicians, aided by lobbyists, engaged with Kremlin envoys in discussions about the revival of the "Petersburg Dialogue" format—a dialogue initiated in 2001 that was discontinued in 2021. The talks happened partially under the watch of government agencies but never officially assigned to any public mandate. The meetings are a cause for concern, as officials ought to be more transparent about their diplomatic activities, especially during a time of war.
Politics Secret Talks in Baku: German Politicians Meet Putin Allies 11:20 Red Flags Flying High over Baku Talks German Green politician Konstantin von Notz criticizes SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner sharply for his participation in the secret talks with Russian officials in Baku, emphasizing the need for transparency, especially from those involved in the oversight of intelligence services. There is a need for immediate clarification regarding the legality and necessity of these discussions during a time of war.
10:55 The Russian Bear Roars Again: Putin Defiant on Ukraine and Europe Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the military parade commemorating the end of World War II, stokes anti-Western sentiments and declares that the entire country stands behind his offensive in Ukraine. "The entire country, society, and the people support the participants of this special military operation," Putin says boldly. Russia has justified its attack on Ukraine by claiming it is fighting fascism again, and the Kremlin continues to use propaganda to further this narrative while rejecting opposition and dissent. European countries and the USA must remain vigilant against Russia's attempts to exert its power globally.
09:37 Drone Strikes Reported: Saporischschja Reports Casualties The Ukrainian military reports dozens of attacks on settlements during Russia's declared ceasefire, resulting in casualties. Although Russia has supposedly declared a three-day ceasefire, it seems unlikely to honor the moratorium on violence.
09:09 A Show of Force: Moscow Celebrates Victory in World War II Russia's victory parade over Nazi Germany in World War II is a spectacle commemorating its great military power and triumph. Thousands of soldiers and heavy military equipment are on display on Red Square, with numerous international guests from Asia and Africa watching the performance.
08:57 World War II Parades Across Russia Russia celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany with multiple military parades across different cities, signaling a unity against the international community.
08:30 Despite Ceasefire, Ukraine Reports Drone Attacks On the first day of Moscow's declared ceasefire, Ukraine reports hundreds of Russian attacks during the day, including drone strikes and artillery shelling. Although ceasefire agreements can seem promising, it's essential for such agreements to be respected for lasting peace.
07:56 The Kremlin's Dangerous Rhetoric: Moscow's WWII Analogies Aim for Unity and Conflict According to the U.S. think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow is using artificial connections between World War II and the conflict in Ukraine to sustain the war for an extended period and stir up future aggression against NATO. Russia draws parallels between the current war in Ukraine and the Soviet Union's fight against Nazi Germany, adopting this narrative to promote internal unity and justify its military actions. These tactics of deception deserve the attention of the USA and its allies, as they pose a potential risk to global security.
07:01 Ukraine's Resilience Amidst Hostility: Russia's Violations of the Ceasefire Hundreds of Times Ukrainian soldiers report Russian attacks hundreds of times during the first day of a declared ceasefire, breaking any hope for genuine peace in this conflict. The release of a ceasefire is a significant gesture, but it is crucial that the truce is observed to make progress towards lasting resolution.
06:26 Potential Mediators? Turkey and China Emerging as Possible Peace Brokers If the US withdraws from peace negotiations, Turkey and China might step in as possible middlemen in the Ukraine conflict. Both countries have the resources, influence, and willingness to engage with Russia and offer support for peace negotiations.
Politics: The US's Renegade Peak? The US and Ukraine Agree on a 30-Day Ceasefire 04:41 Weapons and Words: Germany Stands Firm with Ukraine German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul asserts that Germany will continue to support Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to a ceasefire and expressing readiness to battle for a peace resolution as long as Russia persists with its actions.
03:10 Russia Feels Connected: United Front With the US There's growing praise from Moscow for the US, with Russian diplomat Yuri Ushakov noting that the United States is gradually developing greater understanding of Russia’s positions. The war in Ukraine is seen as an opportunity for Russia and the US to re-establish cooperation, although concerns about the US’s possible role as a peacemaker in this conflict persist.
01:55 The UK Aims at the "Ghost Fleet" The UK will be targeting up to 100 oil tankers of the "Russian ghost fleet" with sanctions. The measure represents the largest US-led sanctions package against the ghost fleet, aiming to halt shipments transporting resources from sanctioned Russian entities.
00:53 Ukraine Advances in Its Resource Efforts The Ukrainian parliament ratifies the agreement with the US to form a joint reconstruction fund for Ukraine. The accord allows American investors to take part in Ukraine’s natural resource projects. The new partnership between the US and Ukraine will facilitate the rebuilding of this war-torn country, generating both financial support and investment opportunities.
- The Blue-Yellow Cross spokesperson, Mykhailo Malyi, criticizes the military parade on Red Square, implying the celebration of "Victory Day" in Moscow is actually a display of "hypocrisy."
- During a meeting with Donald Trump in Moscow, Vladimir Putin faced criticism from the US president regarding his trade policies, with Trump stating that his unilateral global tariffs "undermine the great idea of free trade and the strengthening of multilateralism."
- In response to the expulsion of two Ukrainian diplomats from Hungary, accusing them of espionage activities, Ukraine announced the arrest of a man and a woman accused of spying for Hungary.
- The spokesperson of the Blue-Yellow Cross, Mykhailo Malyi, regards modern Russia's embrace of "modern fascism" as ironic, given the nation's deliberate celebrations of their victory over fascism during "Victory Day."
