Ukraine War Live Ticker ++ 00:04 Pistorius Slams SPD "Peace Manifesto" as Reality Distortion
The creators of the SPD's manifesto are deliberately disregarding the facts of the current situation.
German Defense Minister Christine Pistorius strongly criticizes the "manifesto" of prominent SPD politicians as willfully misrepresenting reality. In the ARD "Tagesthemen" she says, "I fail to understand how one could so willfully confuse cause and effect," referring to the SPD document advocating a foreign policy shift. She adds, "Such positions are not understandable to the people of Ukraine."
Since her visit to Kyiv, Pistorius has been adamant that Russia is not interested in negotiations. She reiterates that Putin has sabotaged every attempt at talks, and instead, Russia continues its relentless attacks on civilian facilities in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil distances himself from Russia-friendly positions in the "manifesto", emphasizing that Germany continues to stand by Ukraine.
Politics
"We Don't Need a U-turn" - SPD Leader Distances Himself from Russia Manifesto
23:11 Russia establishes drone troops as a separate military branch
Russia intends to establish drone troops as a separate branch of the military. According to President Putin, drones play an increasingly crucial role in combat, with half of enemy targets now attributed to drone attacks. In June 2024, Ukraine formed its own drone troop brigades in response. These brigades utilize various drone types and collaborate with industry to further develop drone technology.
22:15 NATO expands satellite surveillance of Ukraine and the eastern flank
NATO is introducing a new satellite surveillance system to monitor military activities in Ukraine and along the alliance's eastern borders. Codenamed "Smart Indication and Warning Broad Area Detection" (SINBAD), the system will have AI-assisted analysis capabilities, allowing the detection of changes and warning allies of potential threats. Admiral Pierre Vandier, the highest-ranking NATO commander, emphasizes that the new system will allow NATO to monitor extensive areas. With Russia still causing uncertainty about its intentions and the possibility of a further offensive in Ukraine, NATO aims to enhance its monitoring capabilities to deter any such aggression.
21:50 Zelensky Comments on Sending His Son to War
The son of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is only 12 years old, too young for military service. In an interview with Bild newspaper, Zelensky is asked about sending his son Kyrylo to war if he reaches military age in six years. Zelensky notes, "I'm here. My family is in Ukraine. My children are in Ukraine. When there's an air alert, we go to the shelters. We live under the same conditions as everyone else." He adds, "There's no special treatment or protection for my children. It's no different than with other people. We all live in Ukraine. We all fight for Ukraine."
20:59 Zelensky Comments on Military Successes in Sumy Region
According to President Zelensky, Ukrainian forces have successfully blocked the Russian offensive in the northeastern Sumy region. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi provides this report to Zelensky. The Ukrainian president praises the soldiers' efforts and expresses gratitude to every soldier, officer, and non-commissioned officer involved. However, independent reports suggest that Russian advances are still being made in the region.
20:12 Weber on Pistorius' Remarks: "Debate on the Taurus Will Become Obsolete"
During her visit to Kyiv, Defense Minister Pistorius clarifies that Germany is not considering the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Military expert Joachim Wadephul explains why Ukraine may not need this weapon in the near future as drones and other tech innovations could render it obsolete.
19:51 Trump "Very Disappointed" with Both Russia and Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump expresses frustration that negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv have stagnated. Over 6,000 people die per week in the Ukraine war, with many civilians killed by rocket attacks. Despite Trump's efforts, all attempts at achieving a ceasefire have failed.
19:12 NATO chief criticizes Moscow's stance in Istanbul talks
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte criticizes Russia's approach in efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Rutte calls out the Russians for using historians to argue for Russia's position, describing it as unhelpful. He nevertheless emphasizes NATO's commitment to continued diplomacy.
18:36 Wadephul: "We must not fall back into appeasement"
At a meeting in the Weimar Plus format, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul insists that there should be no appeasement policy towards Russia. Despite Putin's unwillingness to negotiate, Wadephul emphasizes that further sanctions should be implemented against Russia, particularly in the energy and financial sectors.
18:00 Furious counterattacks on Ukraine: "Russia's 3rd arm of atomic forces is damaged"
In response to Operation Spiderweb's success, Russia lashes out with heavy air attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv. Retired Colonel Wolfgang Richter explains that these attacks target critical infrastructure essential to Russia's survival.
17:45 German government hopes for Trump's involvement at G7 summit
The G7 group's meeting in Canada tests unity, with a focus on maintaining Western positions and integrating the unpredictable U.S. President Donald Trump into common initiatives, such as Ukraine policy or trade issues.
16:39 Klingbeil rejects demand for Russia rapprochement: Moscow responsible for suffering
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil firmly opposes the internal SPD demand for a turn towards Russia. Russia is causing unimaginable suffering in Ukraine and is responsible for people dying daily, Klingbeil says. He reaffirms Germany's support for Ukraine and emphasizes that military support will continue.
16:30 Pistorius: Berlin not considering delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv
Germany is not contemplating the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He reiterates this in response to questions about the possibility of supplying Ukraine with this weapon, which could target deep Russian territory from Ukraine.
Politics
Pistorius says "No" Berlin not considering Taurus delivery to Kyiv
16:15 Wadephul: No reason for phone call with Lavrov
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul sees no reason for an urgent phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov despite the ongoing SPD debate over direct diplomatic talks with Russia. Wadephul stresses that Russia shows no willingness to negotiate but continues to pursue a military solution in Ukraine. He emphasizes that Germany stands firm with Ukraine and reiterates that any talks would be conducted with European partners.
15:57 Pistorius Offers Ukraine Additional 1.9 Billion Euros in Military Aid
During her visit to Kyiv, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pledges an additional 1.9 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine. She explains that these funds will be used for long-range rockets and other military resources to support Ukraine's defense.
Politics
AfD Sees Confirmation Wagenknecht Wants to Cooperate with SPD Manifest Signatories
15:11 Europeans Aim to Intensify Pressure on Kremlin
European countries plan to intensify sanctions against Russia, targeting energy and banking sectors to weaken Russia in its war against Ukraine. The goal is to make Russian state assets frozen in European jurisdictions until Russia ends its aggression and pays for damages caused.
14:55 Italy: We Need at Least Ten Years to Meet Future NATO Target
Italy announces that it needs at least ten years to meet the future NATO target for defense spending. Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizes that his country requires this much time to reach the goal of spending five percent of its GDP on security, which NATO is currently discussing.
Ukraine and Russia Exchange Prisoners Again
Ukraine and Russia exchange sick and severely wounded soldiers. Both sides report that all released soldiers require medical treatment. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirms that a group of soldiers has returned from Ukraine and crossed the border into neighboring Belarus.
Politics
All Need Treatment - Kremlin and Kiev Free War Prisoners
14:02 Open-Source Project: Russians Capture Settlement in Kharkiv Region
A Russian open-source project claims that Russian troops have captured a settlement in the Kharkiv Oblast, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Kupiansk. According to these sources, the Russians have also advanced in two other locations near this settlement.
13:43 Interfax: Russia Shot Down 260 Ukrainian Drones
Russia claims to have shot down 260 Ukrainian drones in one day, with 62 neutralized outside the combat zone. No initial information about the total number of drones used by Ukraine was provided.
13:13 EU Countries Agree on Tariffs for Russian Fertilizers and Food
The EU imposes additional tariffs of 6.5% on fertilizers and food from Russia and Belarus. This decision aims to make it more difficult for Russia to fund its war against Ukraine. Food items affected include sugar, vinegar, flour, animal feed, and nitrogen and urea-based fertilizers. Despite the ongoing war, agricultural products from Russia are still being imported into the EU. The EU seeks to reduce its dependency on Russian fertilizers, which accounts for approximately 25% of the targeted imports in 2023.
12:50 Ukraine: Security Service Prevented 15-Year-Old from Being Used in Bombing
Ukrainian investigators claim to have prevented a bomb attack in the city of Iwano-Frankivsk. A Russian intelligence agency allegedly attempted to recruit a 15-year-old schoolgirl through social media and offered her money to assemble an explosive device in an apartment and hide it in a park in a thermos flask. The Russian intelligence agency planned to remotely detonate the bomb to kill civilians and the girl. However, the girl reported this to the domestic security service, enabling authorities to prevent the attack. Due to the nature of the claim, its authenticity cannot be independently verified.
12:20 Zelensky on Russian Losses: Moscow Ready to Pay the Price
"Putin and his ilk are willing to pay this price for their delusional geopolitical fantasies," says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to the allegedly over one million Russian soldiers killed or injured since the war began. This unverified figure was previously cited by the General Staff in Kyiv. Zelensky highlights that despite these losses, Russia still ignores calls for a ceasefire.
11:47 SPD Leader Rejects U-Turn in Ukraine Policy
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil distances himself from a policy paper by several SPD politicians calling for a realignment of defense policy and talks with Russia. He has different opinions on various statements in the "manifesto," emphasizing that Germany does not need to reverse its position on supporting Ukraine.
11:25 Ukrainians Report Drone Launches, but Also Strikes
Ukrainian forces reported 63 Russian drones during the latest night's attacks, with 49 being shot down or deflected by electronic warfare. There were drone strikes at seven locations, with drone debris also falling. Residential and school buildings were targeted, causing damage and injuries.
10:50 Stegner: "Strategy to Force Russia Militarily to Negotiating Table Has Failed"
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner continues to support the calls for a shift in German foreign policy towards Russia. He maintains that the strategy to force Russia to negotiate militarily has failed.
10:35 Kyiv Claims Over One Million Russian Soldiers Killed or Wounded
Allegations from the Ukrainian General Staff suggest that Russia has lost over one million soldiers since the start of the war. The unverified figure includes both killed and wounded soldiers, and was first released by the General Staff on Russia's national holiday. In April, NATO estimated Russian losses at around 900,000. This figure includes both killed and wounded soldiers. Independent media outlets, based on research into death registries and obituaries, have estimated that over 108,000 Russian soldiers have died.
10:15 Rubio Congratulates Russia on National Day
On the occasion of Russia's national day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sends a message of congratulations and urges peace efforts. "On behalf of the American people, I wish to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," Rubio writes in a statement. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people in their pursuit of a better future." He also reaffirms the US's desire for "constructive cooperation with the Russian Federation to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine." "We hope that peace will lead to more advantageous relations between our countries," Rubio says. June 12, 1990, marks the date when the parliament of the Soviet republic of Russia declared state sovereignty, effectively independence from the collapsing Soviet Union.
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- The SPD defense manifesto, imposed with a 'manifesto' label, has been criticized by German Defense Minister Christine Pistorius for its willful misrepresentation of employment policies, as it confuses cause and effect in foreign policy matters, particularly regarding Ukraine.
- In the heated discussions around a potential U-turn in Germany's foreign policy, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil reaffirms the need for continued employment policies, such as military support, towards Ukraine amid rising tensions and ongoing warfare, distancing himself from Russia-friendly positions in the manifesto.
