The German military, Bundeswehr, has been increasing its school visits post Ukraine conflict.
Welcome back to our daily rundown of important news from around the world, with a focus on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, we're here to keep you informed. Let's dive right in!
13:35 - Russian Attack on Ukrainian Oil Refinery
Reports from the Moscow Defense Ministry claim that Russian forces have launched an attack on an oil refinery in Krementschuk, Poltava, Ukraine. The facility supplies Ukrainian troops in the Donbas region with fuel. However, Reuters was unable to independently confirm the report [(Source: Reuters)].
12:36 - Exchange of Remains from the Conflict
On Sunday, Ukraine received more than 1,200 bodies as part of an exchange with Russia. Russia stated that these were the remains of Ukrainian troops, while Ukraine had already received 1,200 bodies on previous days. The total number of bodies returned by Russia is now at over 27 Russian soldier bodies, while Moscow has claimed it will return 6,000 Ukrainian bodies [(Source: AFP)].
Urgent Updates from Saturday, June 14, 2025
Remains of 1,200 Fallen Soldiers Returned
Russia kept the weekend agreement regarding the exchange of bodies from the conflict. In an update on our news podcast, we discussed this development [Link to the audio].
Meanwhile, the EU extended simplified protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2027 and provided Kyiv with additional financial aid, amounting to a billion euros, from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
Putin and Trump's Call – Ukraine War on the Back Burner
During their latest conversation, the main focus of the call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump was the Middle East conflict rather than the Ukraine war. However, both leaders expressed their agreement on ending all ongoing conflicts, including the Ukraine war [(Source: various news outlets)].
New Presence of the Bundeswehr in Schools
Data from the Federal Ministry of Defense shows that the Bundeswehr has significantly increased its visits to German schools. In 2020, there were 2,717 such events nationwide, which jumped to 6,137 in 2021. This shows a large increase since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The visits take place at comprehensive schools, secondary schools, grammar schools, and vocational schools [(Source: German Federal Ministry of Defense)].
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, we'll keep you posted on all the breaking news and critical updates. Stay tuned!
Additional Insights:
- The rise in Bundeswehr visits to schools is part of a larger trend aimed at enhancing military recruitment and engagement with the general public, particularly among young people.
- The increased military involvement in schools reflects Germany's renewed commitment to European security following the Ukraine conflict.
- With the public's interests and perceptions shifting as a result of the war in Ukraine, more young Germans are now considering military careers.
- While the Bundeswehr's increased presence in schools has faced criticism, it is expected to remain a visible aspect of German society due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, Politics and general-news sources report an escalation as Russian forces launch an attack on a vital oil refinery in Krementschuk, providing fuel to Ukrainian troops in the Donbas region, although Reuters could not independently confirm the attack.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of Politics and general-news, there is a significant development as both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East conflict during their latest conversation, pushing the Ukraine war onto the back burner, although both leaders expressed agreement on ending all ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
