Updated Ukraine War Live Ticker
17:31 Locked Assets, Unlocked Hope: Ukraine to use frozen Russian assets for reconstruction
Ukraine seeks to leverage frozen Russian assets for reconstruction efforts
Hey there! Ukraine's central bank chief Andrij Pyshnyj has shed some light on the prospects of using frozen Russian assets to finance the reconstruction of the war-torn country. In an interview at the US Treasury, he explained, "Is there a mechanism to access these assets and use them to cover the losses and damages of Ukraine? The answer is very simple: yes."
17:03 Poker Faces: Colonel Reisner explains deals and bluffs
In the world of geopolitics, it's not always black and white. Colonel Markus Reisner from the Austrian Armed Forces has drawn a parallel between diplomatic negotiations and poker, stating that Trump's proposals might amount to a capitulation for Ukraine if they agree. He observes, "If Kyiv agrees, it would be like Trump has called their bluff."
16:28 London's Pitch: Selenskyj presents proposals to Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has submitted the proposals of the London Conference for an end to the fighting to Donald Trump. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had initially cancelled his participation in the conference, with representatives from several European countries also attending. Selenskyj made it clear, "Anything that contradicts our values or constitution cannot be included in an agreement."
16:01 Attacks in the Dead of Night: Sharma reports from Pawlograd
In the darkest hours, the brutality of the Russian war continues to be felt in multiple parts of Ukraine. According to ntv reporter Kavita Sharma, "People felt the full brutality of the Russian war of aggression." Meanwhile, Trump's announcements have been met with mixed reactions, provoking anger and disbelief among Ukrainians.
15:32 Year-Old Ghosts: Kremlin agrees with Trump - Ukraine lost the Crimea years ago
In a surprising agreement, the Kremlin concurs with Trump's statement that Ukraine lost the Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014 years ago. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov emphasized, "That fully matches our understanding of what we have been saying for a long time." Trump had written on his online service Truth Social on Wednesday that the Crimea had been "lost for years," its recovery by Ukraine would not even be discussed. The Ukrainian government has consistently ruled out ceding the Crimea as part of an agreement with Moscow.
14:52 Unexpected Twist: Trump: "Wladimir, STOP!"
US President Donald Trump has made a direct plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to put an end to the attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. "Wladimir, STOP!", Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social, expressing his displeasure about the ongoing attacks. Instead, he suggests a better agreement for peace.
14:24 Hunter's Gamble: If US Withdraws, "Ukraine Could Entirely Fall to Russia"
Political expert Thomas Hunter warns that the American proposal for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine not only questions the sovereignty of the attacked country but also signals the end of the US as an ally of Europe. Hunter fears that Ukraine could entirely fall to Russia if the US withdraws, marking a significant shift in the international balance of power.
13:48 Planned Disaster: Fischer on Trump, Putin, and Kiew
When it comes to the Ukraine situation, Klemens Fischer believes that Trump's current actions are setting the stage for a disaster. In the Oval Office, Trump is now speaking of agreements with Russia and Ukraine, but there's no mention of balance, according to Fischer. He observes, "Currently, a Disaster is Being Planned: Total Surrender."
13:17 North Korean Rocket: Russia Uses Foreign Technology in Fatal Kiew Attack
According to an insider, Russian forces have employed a North Korean rocket in their attack on Kiew, leading to the loss of eight innocent lives. The Ukrainian military circles identify the used rocket type as the KN-23 (KN-23A). A residential building was hit by the rocket in the attack on Thursday night.
12:26 Land Grabs: Russia Still Aims to Annex More Territory
Russia is increasing its demands, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov affirming that Russia is ready for a ceasefire and peace agreement with Ukraine if Kiew fully surrenders the regions legally annexed by Moscow. This includes the partially occupied regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, all of which are now part of Russia's constitution.
11:58 Business as Usual: Russia Eyes Economic Deals in Peace Negotiations
Traversing the uncertain outcome of the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, it seems that Trump's primary focus lies in forging economic deals. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz provides insights into the economic interests Russia might be pursuing in this arrangement.
11:27 "Politico": White House Discusses Lifting Sanctions Against Nord Stream 2
The US newspaper "Politico" reports that Trump administration officials are discussing the possibility of lifting sanctions against the Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 and other energy facilities. The proposals come amid ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine regarding a peace agreement. However, it is important to note that these ideas have not gained traction in the White House, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking out against them.
11:03 Zelensky Returns Home: After Kiew Attack, Zelensky Cuts Visit to South Africa Short
Following the overnight Russian rocket attack on Kyiv that resulted in at least ten deaths, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to cut short his visit to South Africa. He will "return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa," Zelensky explained. The President of Ukraine had only arrived in South Africa a few hours earlier. Zelensky also demands an immediate end to Russian air strikes.
10:36 Criticism Mounts: Moscow Accuses Zelensky of "Inability" to Reach an Agreement
The Russian leadership has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being unable to reach an agreement to end the war. According to Maria Sacharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Zelensky's inability to conclude an agreement to end the war "becomes more apparent by the minute."
10:10 Defense Pact Discussed: UK and EU Commission Planning New Defense Partnership
According to a media report, the UK and the European Commission are in the process of finalizing plans for a new defense pact. The "Financial Times" reports this, citing several insiders familiar with the talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in London. It is expected that they will announce the plan at a summit on May 19.
09:34 Nuclear Threat: Russia No Longer Wants to Be a Rogue State
As the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain inconclusive, it appears that Trump is making preparations for economic deals with a political settlement. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz offers insight into the economic interests Russia might be pursuing in this potential agreement.
08:10 Search and Rescue: Victims Believed to be Under the Rubble in Kyiv
tragedy, victims are still believed to be under the rubble in Kyiv. According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, "The ringing of phones can be heard from the rubble of ruins - the search continues until we are sure we have found everyone." Rescue teams are searching for two children who are yet to be found at the disaster site.
07:51 Support from South Africa: Zelensky Hopes for International Aid in South Africa
As Ukraine grapples with the ongoing Russian attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in South Africa to seek the President's Cyril Ramaphosa's support. Zelensky aims to consult on bilateral cooperation and efforts to end the Russian war in Ukraine, noting that it's crucial to "move closer to a just peace."
07:35 Rising Death toll: Further Injuries Reported from Kyiv Attack
The death toll in Kyiv continues to rise after the massive Russian air strike last night. According to emergency services, one person was killed, and at least 63 others were injured in the Ukrainian capital. The attack involved a combination of rockets and drones, with rescue operations taking place in five districts of the city.
06:35 Memorial Event in Torgau: Russian Ambassador to Attend Memorial Commemorating World War II End
Russian Ambassador Sergei Nechaev will attend a memorial event to mark the end of World War II 80 years ago next Friday in Saxony's Torgau. The ambassador plans to participate in the arranged events, with Saxon Minister President Michael Kretschmer of the CDU also attending the commemoration.
06:07 Intelligence War: German Organizations Targeted by Russian Spies
Eastern Europe-focused German organizations are increasingly becoming targets of Russian intelligence services, according to Philipp Schmädeke, chairman of the Academic Network for Eastern Europe (Akno). One of its partner organizations has been targeted three times, apparently by a Russian intelligence service, according to Schmädeke. The network, which has supported around 1,200 people from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine financially over the last four years, believes that the cyberattacks aim to interfere with their activities.
05:42 Economic Ties: US Treasury Secretary Presses Ukraine for Economic Agreement
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has discussed the importance of signing an economic agreement between the US and Ukraine as soon as possible with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko.
04:44 Air Strikes on Kharkiv: Death Toll Rises in Kyiv
In the city of Kharkiv, multiple explosionshave occurred, with the death toll rising after a nighttime Russian missile attack. In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, further injuries have been reported after last night's attacks, with at least 21 people being injured, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
03:45 Explosions in Kyiv: Kyiv Mayor Confirms Casualties in Russian Attack
According to the head of the Kyiv military administration, at least five people have been injured in a Russian air attack on the city. Drones and missiles were used in the attack, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting that rescue teams are attending to an apartment building's residents who are trapped under rubble. Fires have been reported in several districts.
02:48 Close Calls: Two Children Missing in Kyiv Attack
In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, at least 21 people have been injured in Russian missile attacks overnight. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, a three-year-old child is among the injured. Early in the morning, authorities issued an air alert warning, with explosions and drones heard throughout the city. Two children are still missing following the disaster, raising concerns for their safety.
01:42 Potential Compromise? Trump Hints at Agreement with Putin
US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible agreement in the Ukraine conflict, stating that Russia is ready to reach an agreement. Trump told journalists at the White House, "And I believe we have an agreement with Russia... but I believe we have an agreement with both." Further details regarding this potential agreement have not been disclosed yet.
00:42 U.S. Envoy Assesses London Talks Positively
U.S. Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg has evaluated the talks in London with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, positively. Now is the time to move forward with President Donald Trump's "war directive," Kellogg stated on X: "End the killing, achieve peace, and put America first."
Read all previous developments here.
Source: ntv.de, jpe/gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
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Enrichment Data:
Accessing and using frozen Russian assets to cover losses and damages in Ukraine involves several steps and mechanisms that have been proposed or are being implemented:
Current Mechanisms and Proposals
- U.S. Treasury and G7 Involvement:
- Ukraine has urged the U.S. Treasury to find a way to access $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and defense[1].
- The G7 approved nearly $50 billion in loans for Ukraine that will be repaid using interest generated from frozen Russian assets[1][4].
- European Union Legislation:
- The EU has adopted a law allowing profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to potentially finance Ukraine's reconstruction through the EU budget[2].
- The EU holds about two-thirds of the frozen assets, mostly through Belgium's clearing house Euroclear[2].
- Japanese Contribution:
- Japan has announced it will provide $3 billion to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets as part of broader international efforts[4].
Challenges and Considerations
- Legal and Political Hurdles: There are ongoing legal and political discussions about how these assets can be accessed and used due to international law complexities and the need for consensus among involved parties[3][5].
- Reparations and Compensation: Experts emphasize the importance of using these assets for compensation due to the scale of damages caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine[5].
Future Steps
- International Cooperation: Further international cooperation is necessary to establish a unified mechanism for accessing and using these assets, with ongoing discussions involving the U.S., EU, and other G7 members.
- Legislative Frameworks: Developing clearer legislative frameworks is essential for ensuring that these assets are legally accessed and utilized effectively for Ukraine's benefit[2][5].
- Access to frozen assets can serve as a foundation for Ukraine's reconstruction.
- The G7 and the EU have agreed to provide loans for Ukraine, which will be repaid using interest from frozen Russian assets.
- Ukraine requests the US Treasury to find a means for accessing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets.
- The EU holds over two-thirds of these frozen assets and may use them for Ukraine's reconstruction through its budget.
- Japan offers $3 billion from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's recovery.
- Legal and political obstacles must be addressed concerning the access and utilization of these assets.
- Experts stress the importance of compensating victims and repairing damages resulting from Russian aggression.
- Clear legislative frameworks are needed to ensure a unified mechanism for accessing and using these assets effectively.
- International collaboration is essential for creating a harmonized approach to managing these assets for Ukraine's benefit.
- Further discussions involving the US, EU, and other G7 members are ongoing to establish clearer mechanisms for asset access and use.
