Trump has proposed a 30-day cessation of hostilities
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In the midst of ongoing tensions, US President Trump is urging for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Both Russia and Ukraine would be responsible for implementing the ceasefire, as stated by Trump via his Truth Social platform. If the ceasefire isn't honored, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, nearly synchronously, announced in his evening video address that he had reassured Trump in a phone call about Ukraine's readiness for such a ceasefire. The US had previously proposed a 30-day ceasefire in March [1].
22:54 New Foreign Minister Wadephul Visits Ukraine
Germany's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit. During his visit, he will join an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv tomorrow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, also expected to attend the meeting. Wadephul had traveled from the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw to Berlin earlier today to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Bundestag [2].
22:12 Merz Assures Zelenskyy of Germany's Solidarity
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany's solidarity, with both agreeing that Russia must consent to a ceasefire. They also acknowledged the mediation efforts of US President Donald Trump. Merz reiterated Germany's united front with France, the UK, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia [2].
21:40 Wirecard Manager Marsalek Discussed Drones with Russian Spy
According to British court documents, fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek is reported to have exchanged information with the head of a spy ring operating in the UK, Orlin Roussev, about acquiring drones for the war in Ukraine. They also discussed trading blood diamonds and providing mercenaries in Africa, with Roussev mentioning potential wheat deliveries to Cameroon. Marsalek reportedly said, "We can organize almost anything they need, except nuclear weapons (...), even nuclear weapons if they pay [4]"
21:03 Ukraine Allies to Give Green Light for Special Tribunal
Ukraine and its European allies are poised to give the go-ahead on Friday for the establishment 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 the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine [3]. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague will continue to be responsible for prosecuting war crimes in the Ukraine war.
20:25 Putin and Zelensky Congratulate Pope
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, expressing optimism about continued dialogue and interaction between Russia and the Vatican based on shared Christian values. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Leo XIV, highlighting the Vatican's consistent stance in supporting international law, condemning Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians [6]
19:55 Zelensky Speaks with Merz
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated the newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz via a phone call. Both leaders agreed that Germany must continue playing a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine in protecting its people and rebuilding after the war. There's potential for a strong German-Ukrainian partnership, though details were not provided [2]
19:30 EU Foreign Ministers Travel to Ukraine Together
According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, European foreign ministers will travel to Ukraine on Friday to provide a billion euros for the Ukrainian defense industry. Meanwhile, Russia is hosting a massive military parade on Moscow's Red Square to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in 1945. The parade is seen as a significant show of force by Moscow [2]
19:01 EU Pays Out Another Billion-Euro Loan to Ukraine
The European Commission has disbursed the fourth tranche of its exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine. This continues support for Ukraine politically, financially, economically, and militarily [2]
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The current status of the proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, initiated by US President Donald Trump, is that it faces significant challenges due to Russia's refusal to agree. Despite Ukraine's willingness to accept a ceasefire, Russia remains non-committal and is seeking concessions that other nations view as excessive. In the meantime, international support for Ukraine continues, with European countries such as Germany continuing to provide defense aid, emergency loans, and solidarity.
International Involvement:
- United States (U.S.): President Trump has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and indicated further sanctions if the ceasefire isn't upheld [1].
- European Union (EU): EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that European foreign ministers will travel to Ukraine on Friday to provide one billion euros for the Ukrainian defense industry [2]. The European Commission has disbursed a fourth tranche of its exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan worth one billion euros to Ukraine [2].
- Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured President Zelensky of Germany's solidarity, with both leaders acknowledging the mediation efforts of US President Donald Trump. Newly appointed Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to Ukraine for his first visit, and Germany agreed to provide further support for Ukraine [2].
In summary, while the 30-day ceasefire proposal remains stalled due to Russia's unwillingness to agree to the terms, international support for Ukraine continues. The US, EU, and Germany continue to provide their support to Ukraine through sanctions, defense aid, emergency loans, and solidarity. It is essential to monitor the current situation closely since negotiations with Russia hinge on reaching a solution that brings lasting peace to the region.
- The 30-day ceasefire proposal initiated by US President Donald Trump faces challenges due to Russia's refusal to agree, despite Ukraine's readiness for such a ceasefire.
- In the midst of ongoing discussions, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is visiting Ukraine for the first time to join an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers.
- Regarding the current political situation, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany's solidarity, with both acknowledging the mediation efforts of US President Donald Trump.
- Furthermore, in an international context, the European Union (EU) is providing support to Ukraine, disbursing a fourth tranche of its exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine and planning to provide one billion euros for the Ukrainian defense industry.
