Ukraine's leader, Selensky, announces enhanced and equitable agreement with the United States regarding raw materials.
Updated Ukraine War Live Ticker
22:01 Zelensky: New Raw Materials Agreement with U.S. is Fairer and Stronger
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced earlier today that the economic partnership agreement with the United States has become significantly stronger and fairer. Following negotiations, the raw materials deal will allow both nations to mutually benefit. The agreement incorporates a memorandum of intent (MoI) for developing and managing Ukraine's critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, lithium, and titanium. This memorandum was signed on April 17, 2025, marking the start of discussions for a broader Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The deal will establish a joint reconstruction investment fund, to be jointly managed by the U.S., with the goal of rebuilding Ukrainian infrastructure and enhancing energy independence. Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of future mineral proceeds to the fund [1][3].
21:14 Military Expert Thiele: Taurus Deliveries May Trigger Escalation
When choosing whether to provide the Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, one must take into account a lack of competence. If the decisions were made due to incompetence, it raises concerns about the potential for escalation [2].
Politics New Cabinet and Ukraine Aid – Thiele: Taurus Deliveries May Trigger Escalation
20:48 Designated Foreign Minister Wadephul Praises Baerbock's Ukraine Policy
The designated German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, lauded the Green party's incumbent, Annalena Baerbock, for her clear and firm stance on Ukraine's policy in recent years. Wadephul also described her efforts to incorporate a new point of climate policy into the Foreign Office, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this aspect in the future [2].
20:10 Video Shows: Ukrainian Drone Pilots Rescue Fellow Soldiers
Ukrainian border guards have released a video depicting drone pilots executing a rescue mission for captured comrades in a unique operation. The video portrays three soldiers in Russian custody being separated by targeted grenade attacks [2].
Politics Border Guard Publishes Video – Ukrainian Drone Pilots Successfully Execute Rescue Mission
19:51 Kyiv: More Than 95% of Deployed Drones are of Ukrainian Origin
Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Tschurkin indicated that more than 95% of the drones used in the conflict are of Ukrainian origin, highlighting a breakthrough in the field of unmanned systems [2].
19:20 Pistorius Skeptical of Moscow's Announced Ceasefire
Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, expresses little hope in Moscow's announced ceasefire to end the ongoing attack on Ukraine. Pistorius pointed to previous announcements and the continued targeting of cities and civilian infrastructure despite ongoing discussions regarding a ceasefire, aiming to intimidate the civilian population [2].
18:49 Merz Expresses Expectations for Quick Taurus Missile Delivery to Ukraine
Former Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, believes that the future German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, would make a swift decision about the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Melnyk noted that a swift decision could help Merz regain trust lost during the Scholz era and earn recognition as a central player in the geopolitical power game, garnering respect even from leaders like Trump and Putin. A lack of quick action would result in a "fiasco" for the new Chancellor [2].
Politics Melnyk Anticipates Quick Taurus Missile Delivery to Ukraine – It's About Credibility
18:19 Kyiv: Aiming for US Raw Materials Agreement as Soon as Possible
The Ukrainian government has shown its intention to conclude a raw materials agreement with the U.S. as quickly as possible. The deal focuses on securing access to rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicles and other high technologies [2].
17:42 Ukraine's Air Defense Reports Shooting Down 40 Shahed Drones
Ukraine's air defense has reported shooting down 40 Shahed drones in the eastern, northern, and central regions of the country as of 5 PM. 74 more drones have disappeared from the radar since midnight [2].
17:18 Beijing Refuses to Comment on North Korean Troops in the Ukraine War
China remains silent on the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine's conflict, emphasizing that interactions between Pyongyang and Moscow are none of China's business [2].
16:41 Ukraine Responds to Russian Ceasefire Proposal with Counter-Offer
Ukraine has responded to Putin's unilateral declaration of a three-day ceasefire with a proposal of its own: If Russia genuinely desires peace, it must immediately cease the fighting, and Ukraine is prepared to support an enduring, comprehensive, and stable ceasefire lasting at least 30 days [2].
15:57 Negotiations Between Ukraine and Russia – Expert Opinions on the Future Course of Events
Politics Neitzel: Negotiations Between Ukraine and Russia - Risk of Lasting Peace Slim
15:42 Merz: We Will Not Accept a Dictated Peace for Ukraine
Future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that he will not accept a "dictated peace" for Ukraine. Germany and Europe continue to support Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia. Merz expressed hope for ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine may lead to a serious peace process [2].
15:11 Spokesperson: Trump Demands Permanent Ceasefire in Ukraine
As reported by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump demands a permanent ceasefire to put an end to Russia's war against Ukraine [2].
14:54 Russia Offers Military Aid to North Korea If Needed
Russia has signaled its willingness to provide military support to North Korea if required in return for assistance in other areas [2].
14:26 Baerbock Emphasizes Unity Against Russia for Baltic Sea Meeting
Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, called for closer cooperation among Baltic Sea coast countries to counter persistent hybrid threats from Russia. Through strengthened NATO patrols, better information sharing, and joint exercises, Baerbock aims to increase security in the Baltic Sea region [2].
13:48 Foreign Minister Stresses the Tense Situation at the Front
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha described the situation at the front as tense and difficult. Ukraine's defenders have largely stabilized the frontline and even seized some ground near Pokrovsk and other areas, but suffers brutal attacks on a daily basis [2].
13:28 Russia to Allegedly Stop Attacks on Ukraine for Three Days
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting from May 8th, as a gesture of peace for World War II Remembrance Day. However, previous truces have been violated by Russia [2].
12:56 Neitzel: NATO's Challenge Greater Than During the Cold War
Sönke Neitzel, a military historian from the University of Potsdam, reflects on the importance of NATO for Germany during the 70-year-long alliance's history, offering insights into the alliance's future prospects [2].
11:11 Lavrov Contradicts Peskov: Recognition of Occupied Territories Essential for Negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that the international recognition of the affiliation of Crimea and other regions in Ukraine claimed by Moscow is a prerequisite for negotiations [2].
Politics Lavrov Contradicts Peskov: Recognition of Occupied Territories Essential for Negotiations
10:31 Munz: Expert Fears Lasting Peace Unlikely
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio predicts a week of critical decisions in the Ukraine conflict. ntv correspondent Rainer Mund in Moscow shares his analysis of Russia's reactions to Trump's statements and whether Moscow can sustain another war if it attacks the Baltic states [2].
Politics Kremlin Rejects Idea of U.S. Control over Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant
09:59 Putin Praises Alleged "Heroic Deeds" of North Koreans
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin commended North Korea's troops for their "heroic deeds" while supporting Russia's war offensive in Ukraine's occupied territories [2].
Politics North Korea Confirms Support for Russia - Deployed Troops in Russia's Favor
09:19 "Wishful Thinking" – Military Expert Offers Little Hope for Lasting Peace
German military expert Nico Lange casts doubts on the prospects for long-lasting peace if Ukraine is expected to relinquish territory or abandon its NATO aspirations [2].
08:51 Putin Celebrates Recapture of Kursk, Ukraine Denies
The situation remains precarious for Ukraine as the occupied territories in Kursk are nearing loss, eliminating a bargaining chip for peace negotiations. U.S. support has been limited, according to ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma from Saporischschja [2].
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08:41 Ukraine Holds On to Small Territory Putin Celebrates Recapture of Kursk - Ukraine Denies
The Ukrainian government has made no comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin's celebration of his forces' alleged recapture of the Kursk region, as it continues to maintain control over a small area of the contested territory [2].
08:00 Ukraine Attacks Russian Region of Bryansk
Ukrainian air forces attacked a key Russian electronics factory and key infrastructure in Bryansk, according to local reports [2].
07:14 Concerns over Possible Attacks on NATO - Russia Increasing Activity Near Finnish Border
The Wall Street Journal reports that Russia may establish a new military headquarters near the Finnish border in Petrosawodsk. The city will eventually house tens of thousands of troops, with many coming from the frontlines of Ukraine [2].
Politics NATO on Alert: Russian Military Increasing Activity Near Finnish Border
06:39 Nuclear Power Plant Saporischschja under US Control? Russia Rejects Idea
A US plan envisions the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant Saporischschja being considered Ukrainian territory and operated by the United States, aimed at providing electricity to both Ukraine and Russia. However, the Russian government has rejected the proposal emphatically [2].
Politics Zelensky Rejects US Peace Plan, Demands Territory Concessions from Kyiv
06:12 US Senator Schumer: Trump Damages Alliance With Europe
Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer, criticizes President Donald Trump's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing concerns that Trump is damaging the alliance with Europe by showing weakness to Russia's enemies [2].
05:44 Kyiv's General Staff Reports 123 Russian Attacks
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 123 combat actions along the frontline within 24 hours. Russia performed 57 air strikes on Ukrainian positions and settlements with 106 guided aerial bombs and 785 kamikaze drone attacks, as well as carrying out more than 3,700 artillery strikes [2].
04:56 US Concerned Over North Korea's Missile Support for Moscow
The United States expressed concern over North Korea's direct involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, emphasizing that any form of military support to Russia by North Korea must cease [2].
03:52 Putin Congratulates Military Leadership on Victory in Kursk
Russian President Vladimir Putin called key military commanders in Kursk to congratulate them on the "accomplishment of victory" and the completion of operations to expel Ukrainian forces from the region in western Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contests the victory claim, stating that Ukrainian forces remain active in Kursk and Belgorod [2].
02:43 Trump Urges Putin to Stop Shooting and Sign Contract
U.S. President Donald Trump described his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "good meeting." Trump stated that both leaders would discuss peace while noting that Russia should stop shooting and sign a peace agreement [2].
01:53 Global Military Spending Rises for Tenth Consecutive Year
Global military spending rose for the tenth consecutive year in 2024, reaching around $2.72 trillion (approximately $2.38 trillion) dollars. The increase was particularly strong in Europe and the Middle East, mainly due to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza [2].
00:50 North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia for the First Time
North Korea has confirmed its troops' deployment to support Russia in its war against Ukraine for the first time. This decision comes from an agreement between North Korea and Russia on orders from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un [2].
For more on Ukraine, military activities, and geopolitical events, follow the live updates at ntv.de.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/rog/donkey/dpa/rts/AFP
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- In light of the new raw materials agreement with the United States, it is expected that the joint reconstruction investment fund, established as part of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), will contribute significantly to rebuilding Ukrainian infrastructure and enhancing energy independence.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated both parties on the fairer and stronger economic partnership agreement, emphasizing mutual benefits from the negotiations.
- When discussing the Taurus cruise missiles delivery to Ukraine, it is crucial to remember the potential for escalation due to the flaws in the decision-making process, as indicated by military expert Thiele.
- The General-News of recent years has seen notable involvement from various political figures, such as Annalena Baerbock, in shaping Ukraine's policy through their firm stances and efforts to prioritize climate policy in foreign affairs.
