U.S. Aid withdrawal could serve as a "detonator" or "explosive device," according to Zelensky
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Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, warns of severe consequences if the US reduces or ceases its support for Ukraine. "If they really cut aid, we will feel it," he asserted in an interview with Axel-Springer-Verlag. "Ukraine will feel it, but so will other states. It's a wave of risks for all states, especially for Europe." Zelensky further explained, "It's a bomb or a mine if Ukraine's aid is withdrawn," adding that it could "blow up security in any country." Although military aid from the US is currently flowing continuously, no new promises have been made.
Wadephul consults in Rome with European foreign ministers on support for Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Wadephul traveled to Italy on Thursday. He initially met with representatives of the Vatican and later participated in a meeting in the Weimar Plus format with foreign ministers from France, Poland, Italy, the UK, and Spain. The discussions centered on further support for Ukraine and the strengthening of European defense. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte were also expected in Rome.
Zelensky: Kremlin aims for a corridor to Romania
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of having more ambitions than publicly stated. "The Russian military plans target this region - Odessa - and then the borders with Moldova and Romania," he stated at a summit with Southeast European leaders in Odessa. Russia seeks to create chaos in the region to weaken Europe overall, according to Zelensky. Shortly after the start of the Russian war of aggression, high-ranking general Rustam Minnekayev from Moscow declared the control of the southern Ukraine and the land route to the secessionist region of Transnistria as war goals. The Kremlin has not officially commented on this.
Russia unfazed by possible lower oil price cap
Russia has reacted calmly to the EU's plans to set a lower price cap for its oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated, "Russia has been living under various restrictions, which we consider illegal, for quite some time now. And Russia has already gained some very useful experience in minimizing the effects of such decisions." The EU aims to lower the price cap for Russian oil from the current $60 per barrel to $45 per barrel, with the goal of reducing the income of the energy giant, which has been waging war against Ukraine for over three years.
Southeastern European States Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Leaders of several southeastern European states, meeting in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, issued a joint statement firmly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We condemn Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine," the document read. The newly elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan, his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu, and the heads of government of Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, and other Balkan states signed the joint statement. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine and its people with comprehensive and sustained support for as long as necessary and urged all nations to refrain from any form of material or other assistance to Russia's war efforts. The "complete withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment from all Ukrainian territory" was deemed a "central and non-negotiable condition for peace."
Journalist in Estonia Sentenced to Six Years for Working for Russian State Media
An Estonian court sentenced a journalist to six years in prison for violating international sanctions and treason. The court found that the defendant was guilty of violating international sanctions by working for the state-owned Russian media agency Rossiya Segodnya, led by Dmitry Kiselyov, who is on the EU sanctions list. She provided economic resources to a sanctioned person by contributing articles and photos to an online portal of the state media, the court said. She also allegedly established and maintained a relationship with a foreigner hostile to the Baltic EU and NATO country. The court revealed that this person was a reserve officer of the Russian FSB, with whom she was to publish various writings aimed at promoting Russia's foreign and security policy goals and influence activities in neighboring countries. She wrote a book that was essentially a propaganda piece aimed at discrediting Estonia. Estonia shares a border with Russia and has a significant Russian-speaking minority.
Merz on SPD Manifesto: Counting on Unity in Federal Government
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted cautiously to the demands of prominent SPD politicians for a shift in foreign policy, as outlined in their so-called manifesto. Merz did not directly comment on the manifesto but emphasized the government's basic stance: "We are completely united in the federal government in our assessment of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine and the consequences that must be drawn from it," he said. "I am counting on this unity to remain," Merz added.
St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv Damaged in Russian Attacks
The world-famous St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv has sustained damage in Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital. The cathedral, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and was built in the 11th century, was lightly damaged during the attacks overnight on Tuesday. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a part of the facade "cracked off" due to the shockwave of an explosion. The Orthodox cathedral's management is unsure whether the shockwave that caused the damage came from a Russian drone or Ukrainian air defense. Overnight on Tuesday, Russia attacked Ukraine with 315 drones and seven missiles, resulting in three deaths in Kyiv and southern Odessa.
Munz: "SPD Paper Well Received in the Kremlin"
Ntv reporter Rainer Munz reported that in a "manifesto," prominent SPD politicians demand talks with Russia, among other things. However, the Kremlin is only willing to engage in dialogue under specific conditions, according to Munz.
Russian Oppositionist Shlosberg Sentenced to House Arrest
A Russian court ordered opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to house arrest for six months for insulting the military. Judge Filippova followed the prosecution's request. Russia has labeled Shlosberg as a "foreign agent," a term with negative connotations from the Soviet era that makes life difficult for those labeled. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. The 61-year-old politician was arrested on Tuesday. He is accused of discrediting the Russian army and describing the attack on Ukraine as a "bloody game of chess."
German Government Sharpely Condemns Arrest of Opposition Politician
The German government strongly condemned the arrest of Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg. "We note that Russia is deliberately creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation, especially for critical voices," stated a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. "Every voice that stands up for a more democratic and free Russia is being silenced." They are closely following this development "with great concern," the spokesperson added.
Kremlin Does Not Expect Quick Normalization of Relations with the US
Despite a series of phone calls between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin does not expect a swift normalization of relations with the US. "There are many obstacles in bilateral relations, and it is unlikely that we can hope for quick results," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow. "This difficult work will continue." Since Trump took office, Washington and Moscow have moved closer together. Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart several times, and Putin met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff repeatedly in Russia.
Stegner on SPD's Peace Manifesto: "What's so problematic about talking about peace?"
SPD politician Ralf Stegner defended the so-called manifesto on foreign policy that he co-authored against criticism. "What's so problematic about talking about peace?" Stegner asked in Stern. The paper calls for a change in Germany's foreign policy and proposes dialogue with Russia. Critics argue that such a stance is naive and does not take into account the brutal reality of the war in Ukraine and Russia's aggressive behavior.
Roth on SPD's Peace Manifesto: "This is not a debate contribution, this is historical revisionism"
Former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel put forward a different viewpoint. He called the manifesto "historical revisionism," stating that the peace it calls for "is a myth." Gabriel warned that the SPD must not engage in such revisions of history, especially when it comes to understanding and reacting to Putin's aggression against Ukraine.
Relevant Enrichment Data:
- The US has provided over $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the conflict in 2014.
- The current administration is planning to reduce military aid to Ukraine in 2026.
- Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu has threatened to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine if it continues to cooperate with the US and NATO.
- Ukraine appealed to the US for increased military aid after a series of Russian military buildups along the Ukrainian border in late 2023.
- NATO has increased its presence in Eastern Europe in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, warns that cuts in US aid could lead to severe consequences for Ukraine and other states, likening it to a "wave of risks" and a potential "bomb or mine."
- In Rome, German Foreign Minister Wadephul consults with European foreign ministers on additional support for Ukraine, particularly in terms of strengthening European defense.
