Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 00:38 Putin squashes three-day truce
Three-day ceasefire announced by Putin
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The three-day ceasefire Russia declared in Ukraine bit the dust at midnight (local time, 23:00 CEST) on Sunday. After a unilateral order from President Vladimir Putin, the three-day truce in Ukraine kicked off at midnight Thursday. Ukraine insists on a 30-day ceasefire. A US proposal echoes this demand.
:23:18 Macron: "Soldiers in Ukraine are crucial"
France is consulting with its partners to back Ukraine in its spar with Russia with soldiers. "Soldiers in Ukraine are crucial," French President Emmanuel Macron told "Le Parisien." The chiefs of staff of Britain, France, and Ukraine have already exchanged views. "Progress is becoming clearer," Macron stated, without divulging details.
:22:11 Zelensky snubs US proposal for demilitarized zone: "The idea is dead"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has knocked back the idea of carving out a demilitarized zone in the Ukraine war during a press conference with Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk in Kyiv. This contradicts statements made by US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, according to online newspaper "European Pravda." The notion of a demilitarized zone as a possible solution to Russia's aggression in Ukraine was first floated by Kellogg. On Fox News Sunday, the special representative of US President Donald Trump said that Kyiv had proposed creating a jointly controlled demilitarized zone with Russia. Kellogg described the proposal as a buffer zone where both sides would withdraw 15 kilometers, creating a 30-kilometer-wide area monitored by third-party observers. However, Zelensky indicates that Ukraine is not proposing the creation of a demilitarized zone. "The question of a demilitarized zone, troop withdrawal, I've heard about it in the media and not just the media, from many different people, from many intelligence services. Officially, Ukraine has not heard anything like that. But... everyone is looking for ways to experiment on us," Zelensky reportedly said. According to the Ukrainian president, the establishment of a demilitarized zone would jeopardize Kyiv's control over important Ukrainian cities: "If we agree on a buffer zone and withdraw 15 kilometers from cities like Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy, there will seemingly be peace, but the war will continue there because artillery will fly over them." As such, it's premature to discuss this currently. "And the idea is dead," Zelensky added.
:21:43 Zelensky, Macron, and Starmer honor fallen soldiers at the "Wall of Remembrance" in Kyiv
During their visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, laid flowers at the Memorial Wall for fallen defenders of Ukraine in Mychajliwska Square. Macron and Starmer praised the bravery and valor of Ukrainians who lost their lives defending their homeland, according to the state-run Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.
:21:19 Mützenich defends Russia contacts of SPD politicians as "necessary"
Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich defended the controversial Russia ties of senior Social Democrats. Such chats, such as those recently held by SPD politician Rolf Stegner in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, are "exactly what's always been required in the past," Mützenich told Deutschlandfunk. They could help prepare for possible future formal talks. The ARD political magazine "Kontraste" and weekly newspaper "Zeit" had earlier reported on the meeting in mid-April in Baku. The topic was the future of the "Petersburg Dialogue," a discussion forum launched in 2001 by ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following this, demands were made from the Union and Greens to expel Stegner from the Parliamentary Control Committee of the Bundestag for the control of intelligence services (PKGr). Stegner, however, defended himself by stating that he considers "every contact with Russia beneficial." SPD politician Michael Roth, however, described the meeting as a "wrong meeting at the wrong time in the wrong place." Mützenich rejected the demand to exclude Stegner from the PKGr, describing him as an "honest politician" capable of separating different tasks. He also emphasized the significance of discovering "which paths exist to achieve an absence of military violence." Mützenich himself had been criticized numerous times as parliamentary group leader for his stances on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, advocating a more measured stance on military support for Ukraine.
Politics
:Secret Talks in Baku: SPD and CDU Politicians Meet with Putin Allies
:20:51 Left Party Leader van Aken applauds Ukraine visit by Merz, Starmer, and Macron - and offers a suggestion
The chairman of the Left Party, Jan van Aken, praised the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine. "I think it's good that Friedrich Merz went to Kyiv," he told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "And it's also good that he's pushing for a 30-day ceasefire with Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron. Perhaps Europe can still prevent the US from shoving a dictated peace down Ukraine's throat." Van Aken added: "The three should head straight to Beijing. That's where the key to getting Putin to the negotiating table lies."
:20:10 Merz visits Kyiv: "Greatest diplomatic initiative" in Ukraine War
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the "great unity" of Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war while visiting Kyiv. "This is the greatest diplomatic initiative we've seen in recent months, if not years, to end the war in Ukraine," Merz said in excerpts from the ZDF "heute journal" broadcast in advance. At the same time, Merz made it clear that Germany and its partners are looking for an unconditional ceasefire. "There are no negotiations, there's an offer. And that offer is a ceasefire. And a ceasefire means a ceasefire on both sides," he said in the ZDF. The Ukraine is likewise not making demands.
:19:23 Russian State Media: Kremlin to consider 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposalThe Kremlin supposedly will weigh the demand for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Russian state media, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, reports that the Kremlin will "consider" the proposal presented by Kyiv's Western allies. Peskov, during his conversation with the US television network CNN, characterized the development as "new" but also warned that it would be "pointless" to pressure Moscow. Earlier, Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, had stated on X in English that they could "stuff their peace plans" (see entry at 15:33).
:19:11 Russia keeps options open after ceasefire demand Russia is keeping its options open following the demand by Western states and the US for a 30-day ceasefire. The Russian leadership will weigh the issue but will also maintain its position, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, as reported by the state news agency Tass.
:18:44 German Government to Stop Publicizing Weapons Deliveries to Ukraine German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the new German government will halt publishing information on military aid to Ukraine, which started in June 2022. "Under my leadership, the debate on weapons deliveries, calibers, weapons systems, and such will be taken out of the public eye," Merz told ntv in Kyiv. Merz is following up on reports from Friday. He emphasized that the commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian attack remains unchanged. He declined to comment on whether the new government would deliver Taurus missiles.
Politics
:Strategic Ambiguity is Government's Aim - Government to Remain Silent More Often on Weapons Deliveries to Kyiv
:18:09 Turkey Reportedly Offers to Monitor Ceasefire Turkey has reportedly offered to monitor a potential ceasefire in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, according to a source from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made this known in a telephone conversation with the heads of state or government of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland, the source stated. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity in the conversation with the politicians of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing." Turkey, a NATO member, maintains partner relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
:17:30 Ukraine Suspends High-Ranking National Guard Officials The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has suspended six high-ranking officials from the logistics department of the National Guard. An internal investigation has been launched following allegations of wide-ranging corruption across the department, according to the digital newspaper "The New Voice of Ukraine," citing the ministry. The ministry is collaborating "unrestrictedly" with law enforcement agencies, it said. Further details were not provided in the official statement. Previously, rumors had surfaced on Ukrainian social media and local media that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) had conducted raids against several members of the National Guard. According to news portal ZN.UA, investigators suspect the officials of accepting around 190 million hryvnia (approximately four million euros) in bribes and embezzling nearly 200 million hryvnia (around 4.3 million euros) in state funds.
:16:56 Zelensky: Russia faked ceasefire Just before Russia's unilaterally declared ceasefire expired, Ukrainian President Zelensky once again complained of widespread violations of the truce. "Attacks on the front line continue," the head of state said during a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, consisting of allied nations. Russia has not stopped assaulting Ukrainian positions and border communities from the air. Russian President Putin only pretended to observe a ceasefire for the Victory Day parade on Friday, he said, proving that "if Moscow doesn't want to kill, they can stop." In the meantime, the Russian Ministry of Defense insists that it is reacting only to Ukrainian attacks.
:16:35 Kremlin Slams Poisonous Stance of Europeans After the demand for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, the Kremlin accused Europeans of a poisonous stance. "There are contradictory statements from Europe, which are generally more oriented towards confrontation than towards attempts to revive our relations in one way or another," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told the press in Moscow. The spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin did not directly address the Europeans' demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine kicking off Monday.
:15:55 Medvedev: "Shove your peace plans up your ass" In Moscow, the Ukrainian demand for a 30-day ceasefire starting this Monday has been met with scorn. "Shove your peace plans up your ass," wrote Dmitri Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, in English on X. The former Kremlin chief expressed himself in vulgar language about the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
:Ukrainian President Zelensky Announces Sanctions if Russia Doesn't Agree to Ceasefire by Monday
President Zelensky has announced sanctions if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire by Monday, following discussions with German leader Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. "Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk should be talking about peace in Kyiv. Instead, they're issuing threats against Russia," said Medvedev. He questioned whether it was wise to put Russia in a position of choosing between a ceasefire for the "hordes" or new sanctions?
:Politics Divergent Statements from Moscow Medvedev: "Shoving Peace Plans Up Their Asses" 15:33 Merz Open to Phone Call with Putin Chancellor Friedrich Merz is open to a phone call with Putin. "That's an option, of course." He would only do so in coordination with European partners and the US. "Everyone will know – beforehand and afterwards." Merz told ntv that Putin must understand that he cannot win the Ukraine war militarily. "We're getting closer to that point."
:15:12 Merz Sees 'Small Chance' for End of Ukraine War Chancellor Friedrich Merz is cautiously optimistic that an end to the Russian attack on Ukraine can be achieved. "This war must stop. And I believe there's now a small chance. But there is this chance," he said in an ARD "Tagesthemen" interview from Kyiv. Putin must realize that continuing the war is a losing proposition. A further sanctions package is already being prepared in the EU.
:15:00 Macron: USA to Oversee Ukraine Ceasefire with European Support The 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, demanded by Europeans, will mainly be supervised by the USA, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. This task will be "essentially" taken on by the United States. "All Europeans" will also add, Macron said during a press conference in Kyiv with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the heads of government of Britain and Poland, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk. He also threatened Russia with "massive sanctions" from Europe and the USA if they breach the ceasefire.
:14:39 Merz Emphasizes Close Coordination on Arms Deliveries During his visit to Kyiv, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged continued military support to Ukraine, underscoring close coordination with European partners and the USA. Regarding the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz informed ntv: "We're providing military support to Ukraine as much as we can and as far as we can responsibly. And we're doing this to end this war." In the future, talks on specific arms shipments will no longer be discussed publicly. Merz explained: "Under my leadership, the debate on arms shipments, calibers, weapons systems, and such will be kept out of the public eye." At the same time, he acknowledged the legitimate information interest of the population. Decisions on the type and scope of military aid will continue to be made in the cabinet and in close coordination with international partners, Merz added.
:Politics
:Merz in Kyiv Pushes for Ceasefire as Trump Threatens Sanctions
:14:32 Moscow Calmly Responds to New Sanctions Threat Russia has kept its cool in response to the West's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, including new sanctions threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state TV in Moscow that Russia would not be intimidated and is already accustomed to the disciplinary measures. "Trying to scare us with sanctions is futile." Peskov added: "Preparing for what we'll do when these sanctions are imposed, and how we'll minimize their impact, is ongoing."
:13:55 Merz and Macron Increase Pressure on Kremlin Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Macron have threatened Russia with severe consequences if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war. During a visit to Kyiv, Merz, Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk advocate for a ceasefire to open up opportunities for peace talks. Merz vows a significant tightening of sanctions if Russia declines.
:13:24 Ukraine Offers 30 Days of Ceasefire to Kremlin Ukrainian President Selenskyj and the visiting heads of government from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland have had "productive" discussions with US President Donald Trump, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha on X, underscoring that Ukraine is prepared for a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea lasting at least 30 days, starting Monday.
:Politics
:After Call with Trump, Ukraine Offers Putin 30 Days of Ceasefire13:10 Ukrainian NGOs Report Nearly 20,000 Child Abductions to Russia At least 19,456 children have been abducted from Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, reports Ukrainian human rights groups, based on evidence. They estimate the actual figure to be much higher. Captured Kremlin documents show that Russia had already planned the abductions before the full-blown war started in 2022. The operation is deeply ingrained to deprive Ukraine of its next generation and make them part of the next generation of Russians.
:12:58 Strack-Zimmermann Calls for Taurus Missiles for Ukraine In the debate about future support for Ukraine, calls for the shipment of Taurus cruise missiles are intensifying. The chairwoman of the defense committee in the European Parliament, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, informed the "Rheinische Post" that she expects the new federal chancellor "to take on the leadership responsibility in Europe that his predecessor has long failed to do." This includes the rapid and responsible supply of military equipment, "including modern weapons systems like Taurus – in addition to humanitarian and economic aid."
:12:43 Ukrainian Forces Showcase Devastation of Vovchansk Soldiers from the 34th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion have published photos from the city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv Oblast, where a Russian offensive commenced a year ago. Since then, the city has been virtually obliterated, according to the forces. The urban combat in the ruins is almost impossible, shares the soldiers. There are tunnels under the rubble where both defenders and invaders are moving about. "If we notice enemy movement, the infantry comes out and fires on them," explain the soldiers. "That's the entire tactic."
:12:21 EU Ready for Harsh Sanctions if Russia Breaks Ceasefire The European Union is ready to impose further severe sanctions on Russia if it breaches a ceasefire agreed to with Ukraine, declared EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She supports the proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
:12:04 Macron Threatens to Increase Pressure on Moscow if Necessary French President Emmanuel Macron also threatened consequences during his visit to Kyiv, stating that if Moscow refuses a longer ceasefire in the Ukraine war, "we will increase the pressure, together as Europeans, and in close coordination with the United States." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously issued similar warnings.
:11:39 Royal Navy Intercepts Russian Submarine in English Channel On its way back from the Mediterranean to Russia, a Russian submarine crossed the English Channel. A British helicopter observed the submerged vessel from the air, and the British warship "HMS Tyne" intercepted the Russian "Krasnodar" off the French coast. They posted a video of this yesterday.
:Politics*
- Although the proposed 30-day ceasefire has been disregarded by Russia, Ukraine and its Western allies are still pressing for a truce, with a demand for a 30-day ceasefire starting again on Monday.
- During their visits to Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have made it clear that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to achieve peace in Ukraine.
- The Western powers are considering involving the US in the supervision of any potential ceasefire, with French President Macron stating that the US will play an "essential" role in this regard.
- The politicians of the "Coalition of the Willing" (France, Germany, UK, and Poland) have also discussed potential economic sanctions against Russia if it breaches the ceasefire.
