Ukraine War Live Ticker: Trumps 30-day Ceasefire Demand Amid Intense Fights
Follow the developments in Ukraine as tensions escalate and diplomatic efforts take a new turn.
Trump demands a 30-day truce
23:27 Trump's 30-day Unconditional Ceasefire Demand
US President Donald Trump is pushing for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The call comes as both countries face intense military conflict. Trump made the demand known on his personal social media platform, Truth Social. "Enough is enough! I call on Russia and Ukraine to immediately cease all hostilities and agree to a 30-day ceasefire," Trump declared. Both parties would be responsible for upholding the ceasefire, he added. If the truce is not respected, the US and its allies pledge to impose further sanctions on the countries involved.
22:54 visit of New German Foreign Minister Wadephul
Newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has just arrived in Ukraine, marking his first official visit since taking office. Wadephul will participate in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, a western Ukrainian city, tomorrow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha is also expected to attend the meeting. Prior to his trip to Ukraine, Wadephul traveled to Berlin from the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw, where he attended a commemoration ceremony at the Bundestag marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
22:12 Merz assures Zelensky of Germany's solidarity
In a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine and agreed that Russia must agree to a ceasefire. Both leaders acknowledged the mediation efforts by US President Donald Trump. Merz also stressed the unity of Germany, France, Britain, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia.
21:40 Marsalek linked to arms deals with Russian spies
Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek, who has been on the run since the collapse of the payment company, is said to have discussed weapons deals and other illicit activities with Russian spies, according to British court documents. Marsalek exchanged information with Orlin Roussev, the head of a spy ring operating in the UK, about obtaining drones for the war in Ukraine, trading blood diamonds, and providing mercenaries in Africa. According to the court documents, Marsalek reportedly said, "We can order almost anything they need, except for nuclear weapons (...) even nuclear weapons if they pay."
21:03 Green light for Special Tribunal on Ukraine Aggression
Ukraine and its allies are set to give the green light this Friday for the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine in the Russian invasion. The tribunal aims to prosecute political and military leaders from Russia for their roles in the war and bring them to justice. The International Criminal Court in The Hague will continue to be responsible for prosecuting war crimes committed during the conflict.
19:55 Zelensky and Merz's telephone conversation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has held a telephone conversation with the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. The two leaders discussed continued German support for Ukraine, as well as coordination on post-war reconstruction efforts. They emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia.
19:30 EU Foreign Ministers Heading to Ukraine Together
EU foreign ministers are planned to visit Ukraine on Friday to provide €1 billion in defense funding. The move is seen as a strong show of support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Moreover, the military display in Moscow to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II is also being viewed as a significant show of power by Russia.
19:01 Additional €1 billion loan from the EU
The European Commission has disbursed the fourth tranche of its exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan for Ukraine, providing an additional €1 billion in financial aid. The EU continues to offer political, financial, economic, and military support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
18:16 Ukraine insists on comprehensive 30-day ceasefire
Ukraine is pressing for a 30-day ceasefire in order to start peace talks, following consultations with Western security advisors. Andrij Jermak, Chief of Staff to the Ukrainian President, emphasized that a complete and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward achieving a just and lasting peace. He asserts that a 30-day ceasefire would be a test of Russia's sincerity and urge for diplomatic negotiations.
17:42 Chaos at Russian Airports
Preparations for the Russian Victory Day parade are causing chaos at airports across the country, as fears of Ukrainian drone attacks continue to grow ahead of the propaganda event.
16:29 Ukrainian soldiers: shoot only in response
Several Ukrainian soldiers stationed at the front lines report receiving orders to only open fire in response to Russian attacks. This marks a possible de-escalation tactic aimed at reducing casualties. Although there has been a decrease in artillery attacks and other activities by Russian forces in some areas, reports of positional battles continue across the front lines.
15:58 Nationalist "Night Wolves" in Germany
The controversial pro-Russian motorcycle group, the "Night Wolves," has reached Brandenburg, Germany, where they have paid tribute at Soviet memorial sites. The gathering is being closely watched by police as the group is known for its extreme nationalism and support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
15:21 Russia, Ukraine trade blame over ceasefire violations
In the wake of a ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the truce. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha accuses Russian forces of hundreds of ceasefire violations, while Moscow counters that Ukraine has also failed to adhere to the truce.
14:20 Ukraine ratifies raw materials agreement with USA
The Ukrainian parliament has ratified a raw materials agreement with the USA. The deal grants the USA preferential access to rare earth minerals sought after in the high-tech industry. Although there has been some opposition from Ukrainian MPs, the agreement passed through parliament without any negative votes.
13:51 Possible sale of Leopard tanks by Switzerland
Switzerland may consider selling Leopard 1 tanks to Germany, after a previous deal fell through, according to a report by Swiss broadcaster SRF.++){.info} Ruag, the state-owned Swiss defense conglomerate, confirmed talks about the possibility of a sale but declined to provide more details. Despite Switzerland's strict neutrality policy, German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall may potentially purchase the tanks as a parts warehouse, with the stipulation that they not be directly sent to Ukraine.
12:48 Putin and Xi aim for deepened cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met in Moscow to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between their countries. Putin emphasized the need for updates to the investment agreement and expressed Russia's desire to enhance strategic ties with China. Xi Jinping said China aimed to strengthen its strategic partnership with Russia, particularly in support of the global multilateral trade system and industrial and supply chains.
12:14 Moscow to restrict mobile network use
In preparation for the upcoming military parade on May 9 to commemorate the end of World War II, Moscow is stepping up security measures. One such measure is the temporary shutdown of the city's mobile network to prevent potential attacks or drone intrusions during the parade.
11:38 Ukrainian brigade claims victory in the Kharkiv region
Ukrainian soldiers have reportedly liberated a forest area in the Kharkiv region that Russian forces have been struggling to control. The operation, led by the Ukrainian Charitable Foundation Brigade, has marked a significant victory in the ongoing conflict.
10:59 Ukraine silently adheres to the ceasefire
According to an opposition MP, Ukraine has quietly implemented the three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, despite conflicting public statements regarding its commitment. Access to details is limited, as there are no official confirmations from the Ukrainian leadership.
10:15 Lithuania withdraws from Mine Ban Treaty
Lithuania has withdrawn from the Mine Ban Treaty, citing the military threat posed by Russia. The move joins similar decisions by Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Finland, all of which border Russia and share concerns about potential Russian aggression following the Ukraine war.
09:34 Masala: Europe needs to act quickly
According to German political scientist Carlo Masala, Europe needs to act swiftly to develop its own defense capabilities due to the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the potential long-term consequences for the continent. Masala expressed concern over the expected time frame for Europe to achieve full independence in defense matters, saying it would be unrealistic to wait ten years for meaningful change.
09:03 Memorial in Berlin guarded by police
Berlin's Soviet Memorial has been placed under heavy security, with police manning the site to prevent potential misuse of the memorial for propaganda purposes. Access has been restricted, while plainclothes officers monitor the area to ensure a peaceful commemoration of the end of World War II.
08:40 Ukrainian forces accuse Russia of bomb attacks
Russia is accused by Ukrainian forces of violating the ceasefire by using guided bombs in the northwestern region of Ukraine, just hours after the truce came into effect. The allegations were made on the Ukrainian Air Force's official Telegram channel.
08:04 Partisans claim disruption of military communication in Moscow region
The Ukrainian resistance movement, Atesh, claims they have successfully disrupted communication in Russian military facilities in the Moscow region. The group says an agent successfully carried out a sabotage operation by destroying communication equipment, causing potential disruption to military operations during the Victory Day celebrations.
07:14 Destruction of North Korean multiple rocket launcher
For the first time, Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed a North Korean multiple rocket launcher, known as the KN-09, in the Russian region of Kursk, near the village of Pervomaiskii. The operation was executed by Ukrainian soldiers using a US-produced multiple rocket launcher.
06:32 US criticizes Russia for hindering North Korea sanctions
The US has sharply criticized Russia in the UN Security Council for its role in hindering the implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea. The US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, accused Russia of "cynically hindering the implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea in order to avoid criticism of its own violations." North Korea is one of Russia's main allies in the war against Ukraine.
05:56 EU prepares new sanctions package
The EU is working on a 17th sanctions package against Russia, including plans to tighten measures against Russia's shadow fleet for transporting oil and oil products, as well as dozens of companies that evade existing sanctions or support the Russian defense industry. The measure targets not only Russian but also Turkish and Chinese companies.
04:12 Wadephul: Europe will defend Ukraine "with all means"
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during his inaugural visit to Poland, has confirmed that Europe will support Ukraine "with all means." This statement was made on the sidelines of a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Warsaw. Wadephul also cautioned that parties in Moscow must recognize the consequences of their actions and prepare for potential repercussions.
03:18 Russia claims Ukraine violates ceasefire
Russia has accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire announced by Putin, with frequent reports of drone attacks, oil depot bombings, and other military targets in Ukraine. Moscow claims these actions demonstrate Ukraine's continued pursuit of hostilities despite the declared truce.
23:40 Official start of the ceasefire in Ukraine
At 00:00 Moscow time (23:00 CET on the 8th of May), Russia's three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, announced for the days of World War II commemoration, officially took effect. Unlike previous nights, there was no air raid alert in Ukraine due to incoming Russian drones or rockets.
23:10 Power Shutdown at Zaporizhzhia NPP
A power circuit at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was shut down again due to shelling. The plant is currently receiving power from only one power line, putting its external power supply at risk. In the event of a complete power outage, there could be a serious threat to radiation safety.
22:17 Russia condemns Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow
Russia has condemned the Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow ahead of its celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany as "terrorist acts." Russia is taking steps to secure the safety of dignitaries attending the commemorative events, including President Xi Jinping of China, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and several other high-ranking foreign officials.
21:46 Trump: Peace negotiations need to happen
US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of negotiations to end the Ukraine war. Asked about Vice President JD Vance's skepticism of Russia's demands for an end to the war, Trump said, "We're getting to a point where some decisions have to be made. I'm not happy about it." The dismissive tone and lack of specifics suggest little progress in resolving the ongoing conflict.
21:15 Zelensky's Chief of Staff is ready for negotiations
Andrii Jermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has stated that they are ready for peace talks with Russia, but only after a full ceasefire. Jermak emphasized that Ukraine's key concerns include compliance with constitutional and international law, the UN Charter, and the need for Russia to withdraw from occupied territories. Despite this readiness to negotiate, reaching a lasting peace in the conflict remains a significant challenge.
The sources included in this write-up are:
- ntv.de/panorama
- Business Insider Germany
- Der Spiegel
- Spiegel Online
- Tagesspiegel
- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)
- Deutsche Welle (DW)
- Welt Online
- Reuters
- Associated Press (AP)
- Agence France-Presse (AFP)
- DPA
- Die Presse
- Österreich
- Falter
- Profil
- Formats
- Ma'=>'main', 'assets' => [ ], 'parents' => [], 'children' => [], 'weight' => 0, 'anchor' => '',);
The information presented in this write-up includes:
- US President Trump's call for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
- The arrival of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Ukraine and his participation in an EU foreign ministers meeting in Lviv
- The phone conversation between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on solidarity and the necessity of diplomatic efforts
- The alleged discussion of arms deals and other illicit activities between Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek and Russian spies
- The upcoming establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine in the Russian invasion
- The telephone conversation between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Merz, focusing on continued German support for Ukraine and cooperation to resolve the conflict peacefully
- EU foreign ministers preparing to travel to Ukraine to provide €1 billion in defense funding
- The disbursal of the fourth tranche of the exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan for Ukraine in the amount of €1 billion
- Ukraine insisting on a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire to facilitate peace talks
- The impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airports ahead of the Victory Day parade
- Ukrainian soldiers reporting orders to only open fire in response to Russian attacks
- The visit of the controversial pro-Russian motorcycle group, the "Night Wolves," to Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg, Germany
- Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for ceasefire violations
- Ukraine ratifying the raw materials agreement with the USA, granting preferential access to rare earth minerals
- The potential sale of Leopard tanks by Switzerland to Germany
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping aiming for deepened cooperation between their countries
- Moscow taking steps to restrict the use of mobile networks during the Victory Day celebrations
- Ukrainian forces claiming to have liberated a forest area in the Kharkiv region, marking a significant victory in the ongoing conflict
- Ukraine reportedly silently adhering to the three-day ceasefire despite conflicting public statements
- Lithuania withdrawing from the Mine Ban Treaty, citing the military threat posed by Russia
- Political scientist Carlo Masala expressing concern about the time frame for Europe to achieve full independence in defense matters, with Russia threatening Western security
- Poland's proposal to keep the German Patriot system longer to protect Rzeszow airport
- A power circuit shutting down at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine due to shelling, increasing the risk of a radiation safety threat
- Russia's condemnation of the Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow ahead of the Victory Day celebrations
- US President Donald Trump expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of negotiations to end the Ukraine war
- Ukrainian Chief of Staff Andrii Jermak stating that Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia but only after a full ceasefire
This write-up offers insights on current events related to the Ukraine conflict, with a focus on diplomatic efforts, geopolitical developments, and selected reactions from key players.
- The US President Donald Trump is calling for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, as stated on his personal platform, Truth Social.
- The newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is in Ukraine for his first official visit, participating in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, Ukraine.
- In a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine and agreed that Russia must agree to a ceasefire.
- There are allegations that Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek, on the run since the collapse of the payment company, discussed weapons deals and other illicit activities with Russian spies.
