Ukraine War Live Updates: May 15, 2023
USA Approves Delivery of Munitions to Ukraine
U.S. grants approval for Germany to dispatch 125 long-range missiles and 100 Patriot units.
Yankee Doodle Dandy! The US has given Germany the green light to deliver 125 long-range artillery rockets and 100 Patriot air defense rockets to Ukraine. The US Congressional official confirmed the news to the New York Times, stressing that these orders cannot leave the states without Uncle Sam's approval, no matter who owns 'em [1].
Putin Proposes Direct Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul
Vlad the Impaler is throwin' down. The ol' testicle clutcher, President Vladdy Putin, has proposed direct talks with Ukraine in the exotic land of Istanbul next Thursday, May 15th [2]. He seems eager to negotiate, "no preconditions" and all, pinning the blame for the 2022 failed negotiations on Ukraine [2]. But the question remains — will Putin's words be backed by action, or more of his famous bluff?
Three-Day Russia-Declared Ceasefire Ends
The three-day ceasefire ordered by Putin ended at midnight on Sunday, local time. The question now: Will the war-mongerin' nabob extend the ol' truce or drag us back into the fray? Russia has been mum on the issue [3].
French President Emmanuel Macron in Favor of Sending Troops to Ukraine
Macron's all for snagging a slice of this conflict pie. The Frantic Frenchman has been stabbin' elbows with his allies, discussin' how best to send soldiers to support Ukraine's gotta-have-'em fight against Russia. Macron doesn't mince words, "The crucial thing is to have soldiers in Ukraine"He's got the chiefs of staff of Britain, France, and Ukraine on speed-dial, sharin' strategies and such [4].
Ukraine Rejects US Proposal for Demilitarized Zone
Ukraine Dog's not walkin' on this leash. Volodymyr Zelensky has shot down the idea of a demilitarized zone in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, labeling it a dead duck [5]. The US Special Representative for Ukraine had floated the idea, but Kyiv ain't buyin' it. Zelensky claims it'd be a risk to Ukrainian control over cities like Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy [5]. Zelensky and Macron paid their respects to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Mychajliwska Square's Wall of Remembrance [6].
Source: ntv.de, gut/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
Can't forget about this war's dirty laundry:
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Operations
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
- War Crimes
- Wars and Conflicts
Enrichment:
Debate on the demilitarized zone continues. The proposal encompasses a 30-kilometer-wide buffer zone, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces withdrawing 15 kilometers from the frontlines. However, Putin's resistance to accepting any Russian occupation, especially of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, poses challenges in reaching a ceasefire. The US peace framework demonstrates perceived bias towards Russia and has been rejected by Zelensky [1][5]. Negotiations remain hindered due to Russia's reluctance to engage with certain aspects of international proposals, such as a European peacekeeping force [3].
- The community policy regarding the supply of weapons is shifting, as the USA has approved the delivery of munitions to Ukraine.
- The employment policy in the field of diplomacy is at play, as French President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for sending troops to support Ukraine.
- The politics involved in the Ukraine war are complex, with Russia resisting the idea of a demilitarized zone, challenges in a ceasefire, and perceived bias in the US peace framework being major concerns.
- General news continues to focus on the Ukraine war, with developments such as Russia's three-day ceasefire ending, Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) stating that Ukraine will not accept any proposals that threaten its sovereignty, and the ongoing debate over a demilitarized zone.
