Ukraine War Live Updates: New Federal Government Halts Weapons Delivery Transparency to Deny Enemy Advantage
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U.S. Administration Ends Disclosure of Weapons Shipments to Ukraine
In a recent shift, the new German-led federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has elected to no longer publicly disclose detailed information regarding military aid sent to Ukraine starting from June 2022. Chancellor Merz, speaking to ntv in Kyiv, clarified this decision, stating, "Under my leadership, the debate on weapons deliveries, calibers, weapons systems, and so on, will be taken out of the public eye."
Merz emphasized that this move is crucial for limiting Russia's military advantages in the ongoing conflict and avoiding any public debate that may potentially play into the hands of the aggressor. In essence, the plan is to maintain a degree of secrecy in order to avoid providing Russia with crucial information that may potentially aid them militarily.
Notably, this approach is a strategic change from the previous administration under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who publicly revealed detailed lists of the weapons delivered to Ukraine in response to public pressure. However, the new government deems the need to revert to a more clandestine approach, mirroring the early stages of the conflict when such details were not openly disclosed.
The ongoing efforts to limit information dissemination align with wider wartime strategies in an attempt to minimize any informational advantages for the opposing party. As the situation develops, this decision is likely to face discussions and debates regarding transparency in military aid, public accountability, and the implications of a more secretive approach.
Politics Strategic Ambiguity is the Goal - Government Will Remain Silent More Often on Weapons Deliveries to Kyiv
18:09 Turkey Agrees to Monitor Ceasefire
Turkey has agreed to take on a monitoring role in the potential future ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, according to sources within the Turkish Foreign Ministry. This announcement was made during a phone call between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the heads of state or government of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland. Apart from Turkey's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, this agreement signals Turkey's partner-like 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 within the logistics department of the National Guard following reports of an extensive anti-corruption investigation. The ministry is collaborating "unrestrictedly" with law enforcement agencies and has launched an internal investigation. No further details have been released in the official statement.
16:56 Zelensky: Russia Only Faked Ceasefire
Just before the unilaterally declared Russian ceasefire was set to conclude, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced widespread violations of the truce. Attacks on front lines were reported to continue despite the ceasefire. Russian President Putin had claimed a ceasefire during the Victory Day parade on Friday as a feint. "If Moscow doesn't want to kill, they can stop," Zelensky stated.
16:35 Kremlin Criticizes Confrontational Stance of Europeans
The Kremlin criticized the confrontational stance of Europeans following a call for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting on Monday. "There are contradictory statements from Europe, which are generally more oriented towards confrontation than efforts to revive our relations in one way or another," Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov stated in Moscow.
15:55 Medvedev: “You Can Shove Your Peace Plans Up Your Ass”
Moscow reacted harshly to Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, beginning on Monday. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, wrote on X, "You can shove your peace plans up your ass," in response to the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, which included Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ukrainian President Zelensky announced sanctions if Russia does not agree to the ceasefire during negotiations with Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.
Politics Kremlin Reacts to Medvedev: “Shove Your Peace Plans Up Your Ass”
15:33 Merz Open to Phone Call with Putin
Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed openness to a phone call with Vladimir Putin, but stressed that the conversation must occur in coordination with European partners and the US. Putin must realize that he cannot win the Ukraine war through military force, Merz said during an interview with ntv.
15:12 Merz Expresses Hope for End to War
Chancellor Friedrich Merz maintains cautious optimism regarding the potential for an end to the Russian attack on Ukraine. "This war must stop," he said. "And I believe there is now a small chance. But there is this chance." Putin must acknowledge that continuing the war is futile, Merz stated.
15:00 Macron: US to Monitor Ukraine Ceasefire with European Support
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that the US will primarily monitor the 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, with European support. He made this statement during a press conference in Kyiv with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the heads of government of Britain and Poland, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk.
14:39 Merz vows Closer Coordination on Arms Deliveries
During his visit to Kyiv, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged continued military support for Ukraine, with increased focus on close coordination with European partners and the US. Regarding the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz stated, "We are supporting Ukraine militarily to the extent that we can and are responsible for. And we are doing it to end this war." In the future, discussions about specific arms deliveries will no longer be conducted publicly, Merz explained.
Politics Merz in Kyiv on Ceasefire Proposal: Trump “is going the way—also with further sanctions”
14:32 Moscow Reacts Calmly to New Sanctions Threat
Russia has reacted calmly to the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, including new sanctions threats from the West. Russia has already adapted to the ongoing sanctions, stressing that they will not be intimidated by such threats.
13:55 Merz and Macron Increase Pressure on Kremlin
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Macron have threatened Russia with far-reaching consequences if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war. They advocate for this ceasefire as an opportunity for peace negotiations.
13:24 Ukraine Offers Kremlin 30-Day Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Zelensky and the visiting heads of government from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland have had a "productive" phone call with US President Donald Trump. Ukraine is ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting on Monday.
Politics 13:10 Ukrainian NGOs Report Almost 20,000 Child Abductions to Russia
At least 19,456 children have been abducted from Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian human rights groups reported this based on evidence, estimating that the actual number is significantly higher.
12:58 Strack-Zimmermann Calls for Taurus for Ukraine
The chairwoman of the Defense Committee in the European Parliament, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, has advocated for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. She believes Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, should take a more proactive role in Europe, including expediting the delivery of advanced weapons systems like Taurus, alongside humanitarian and economic aid.
12:43 Ukrainian Forces Show Photos of Devastation in Kupiansk
Soldiers of the 34th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion have shared images from the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv Oblast, where a Russian offensive began a year ago. The city has been almost completely devastated since then, according to the soldiers. Urban combat in the ruins is almost impossible, they describe, with frequent enemy movements underground.
Poltics 12:21 EU Also Ready for Tough Sanctions
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that the European Union is prepared to implement further tough sanctions against Russia if it violates a previously agreed ceasefire with Ukraine. She supports the proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
12:04 Macron: Pressure on Moscow to be Increased if Necessary
French President Emmanuel Macron has also threatened consequences if Moscow does not agree to a longer ceasefire in the Ukraine war. "A just and lasting peace begins with a complete and unconditional ceasefire," Macron stated.
11:39 Royal Navy Intercepts Russian Submarine in English Channel
A Russian submarine belonging to the Moscow fleet crossed the English Channel on its way back from the Mediterranean to Russia. A British helicopter observed the underwater vessel from the air, and the British warship "HMS Tyne" intercepted the Russian "Krasnodar" off the French coast.
Politics Russian submarine filmed by helicopter appears in English Channel
11:24 News Agency Expects Iran to Supply Russia with Carrier Rockets
Iran is expected to deliver carrier rockets for Russia's ballistic short-range Fath-360 missiles in the near future, according to Reuters sources. However, there is no evidence of this delivery.
10:48 Merz Threatens Russia with Harsher Sanctions if No to Ceasefire
Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened Russia with severe consequences if it refuses a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and subsequent peace talks. He stated that there would be a significant tightening of sanctions, and additional massive support would be offered to Ukraine—politically, financially, and militarily.
Politics With Macron, Starmer, Tusk in Kyiv - Merz makes demands on Moscow
10:09 Jäger: “One word from Putin and it’s over”
Political scientist Thomas Jäger, speaking on ntv, noted that while the new European heads of state are advocating for a temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine war, Ukraine would not trust Russia an inch.
09:55 Ukraine Reports at Least Four Dead in Russian Attacks on Civilian Targets
At least four individuals have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities since yesterday, with an enemy drone hitting a resident of Kherson yesterday and three people being killed in Russian attacks on the Sumy area.
09:20 Merz, Macron, and Starmer Lay Wreaths on Maidan in Kyiv
During their visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid wreaths on Maidan Square in Kyiv for fallen Ukrainian soldiers and victims of the Russian invasion.
Turkey has agreed to monitor a potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has suspended six high-ranking officials from the National Guard’s logistics department following reports of an anti-corruption investigation. As the war continues, discussions about peace negotiations and pressure on all parties involved persist. Stay updated on the evolving situation in Ukraine.
Read more about previous developments here.
- The new German-led federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to avoid providing Russia with crucial military information by hiding the details of military aid sent to Ukraine starting from June 2022, as this could potentially aid the enemy.
- The decision to limit public disclosure of military aid details aligns with wider wartime strategies, as secrecy can help minimize informational advantages for the opposing party.
- The ongoing efforts to limit information dissemination are likely to face discussions and debates regarding transparency in military aid, public accountability, and the implications of a more secretive approach as the situation develops.
- Turkey's commitment to monitoring a potential future ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine signals a partnership-like relationship with both Ukraine and Russia, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations in the broader context of international politics and war-and-conflicts.
