Ukrainian leader Zelensky, together with Macron and Starmer, pay tribute to deceased Ukrainian soldiers at the "Mural of Remembrance" in Kiev.
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A historic show of solidarity unfolds as European leaders - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Germany), Emmanuel Macron (France), Keir Starmer (UK), and Donald Tusk (Poland) - visit war-torn Kyiv. Their main objective? Advocating for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, paving the way for comprehensive peace negotiations.
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty:
- French President Emmanuel Macron and British PM Keir Starmer applaud Ukraine's defenders: During their visit to the Mychajliwska Square memorial wall, the European leaders laid flowers to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers who gave their lives in defense of their country. They praised the heroes' bravery and courage.
- Rolf Mützenich defends controversial Russia contacts: The former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich defended the controversial Russia contacts of SPD leaders, like Rolf Stegner, who recently met with Azerbaijan officials. Mützenich argued that such talks are crucial for preparing possible future formal discussions. Meanwhile, SPD politician Michael Roth referred to the meeting as a "wrong time, wrong place" gathering, while the demand to exclude Stegner from the Parliamentary Control Committee of the Bundestag for the control of the intelligence services (PKGr) persists.
- Left Party leader Jan van Aken praises the visit: Left Party leader Jan van Aken commended the visit of Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside Macron and Starmer, to Ukraine. Aken stressed the importance of the growing unity among Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire. He also recommended that they pay a visit to Beijing to engage with Russian counterparts in search of a diplomatic solution.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv, emphasizing unity and peace: Merz highlighted the unprecedented unity among Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire during his visit to Kyiv. He emphasized that this initiative represents the greatest diplomatic effort in months, if not years, to end the Ukraine war peacefully.
- Kremlin considers ceasefire proposal: Russian state media reports that the Kremlin is evaluating the proposal for a 30-day Ukraine ceasefire. The Kremlin maintains a hardline stance, noting that there's no need for external pressure, as they're already acclimated to penalties.
- German government to silence future weapons deliveries reporting: The new German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, announced that they will cease reporting military aid to Ukraine, which had been ongoing since June 2022. Merz emphasized that military support for Ukraine will continue, but decisions regarding the type and scope of military aid will only be made privately in collaboration with international partners.
- Turkey ready to monitor a potential ceasefire: Turkish officials reportedly agreed to monitor a potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, as proposed by the heads of state or government from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland. This collaboration would involve Turkey, a NATO member with partner relationships with Ukraine and Russia, maintaining peace and upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity.
- Ukraine suspends high-ranking National Guard officials: The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has suspended several high-ranking officials from the National Guard's logistics department following corruption allegations. An internal investigation is underway to uncover evidence of bribe-taking, embezzlement, and other misconduct involving the officials.
- Zelensky: Russia simulated ceasefire: After a truce declared by Russia expired, Ukrainian President Zelensky complained of massive violations by the Russian military against Ukraine's positions and border communities from the air. Zelensky claimed that Putin only simulated a ceasefire for the Victory Day parade, emphasizing that "If Moscow doesn't want to kill, then they can stop."
- Ukrainian President Zelensky announces sanctions: Zelensky announced that sanctions will be imposed against Russia if they don't agree to a ceasefire by Monday. He criticized the combative stance taken by Europeans and questioned whether it was wise to force Russia to choose between a ceasefire for "the hordes" or new sanctions.
- Kremlin criticizes confrontational stance by Europeans: Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov denounced Europe's allegedly contradictory explanations and confrontational approach towards Russia. Peskov did not directly address the European demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, instead mentioning their focus on reviving relationships with Russia.
- Kremlin critic Dmitri Medvedev calls for peace plan up the rear: Dmitri Medvedev, a Kremlin critic, expressed his disdain for Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, claiming that "You can stuff your peace plans up your ass." Medvedev's vulgar sentiment reflects Moscow's overall rejection of the proposal.
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- Ukraine
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- Politics
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- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Peace Talks
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- Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, along with other European leaders, laid flowers at the Mychajliwska Square memorial wall in Kyiv, honoring the fallen Ukrainian soldiers who bravely defended their country.
- German SPD politician Rolf Mützenich defended controversial Russia contacts made by SPD leaders, arguing that such talks are important for preparing possible future discussions, while others criticized the timing and location of the meetings.
- Left Party leader Jan van Aken commended the unity among Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire and urged the leaders to visit Beijing to engage with Russian counterparts in search of a diplomatic solution.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz, while in Kyiv, emphasized the unity among Germany, France, the UK, and Poland in advocating for a 30-day ceasefire as the greatest diplomatic effort in months, if not years, to end the Ukraine war peacefully.
- Russian state media reported that the Kremlin is evaluating the proposed 30-day Ukraine ceasefire.
- The German government announced that they will no longer report military aid to Ukraine, with decisions regarding the type and scope of military aid being made privately in collaboration with international partners.
- Turkish officials agreed to monitor a potential ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine, as proposed by European leaders, involving Turkey maintaining peace and upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity.
- Several high-ranking Ukrainian officials from the National Guard's logistics department were suspended following corruption allegations, with an internal investigation underway.
- After the expiration of a truce declared by Russia, Ukrainian President Zelensky complained of massive violations by the Russian military against Ukraine's positions and border communities.
- In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that sanctions would be imposed against Russia if they don't agree to a ceasefire by Monday.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov criticized Europe's allegedly contradictory explanations and confrontational approach towards Russia.
- Kremlin critic Dmitri Medvedev expressed his disdain for Ukraine's demand for a 30-day ceasefire, using a vulgar sentiment that reflects Moscow's overall rejection of the proposal.
