Ukrainian President, Selensky, engaged in a call with German Chancellor, Merkel.
Ukraine War Fast Updates 19:55 - Zelensky Chats with Merz
Ukraine's Prez Volodymyr Zelensky recently connected with incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over a call. Kyiv rushed to congratulate Berlin on Merz's victory via a post on the widely-used X social media platform:
Meanwhile, as the world marks 8 decades since WWII's end, Zelensky underscored Ukraine's crucial part during that treacherous time, saying some eight million Ukrainians joined the fight against the Nazis, and now ...
19:30 - EU Summit on the Move
On May 5, top EU foreign ministers will be heading to Ukraine to meet up in Kiev for a huddle, as disclosed by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas. Kallas hinted at fresh cash aid for Ukraine's defense industry, adding that it represented another important gesture for Ukraine. Yet, at the same time, Moscow is getting ready to host a grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow to celebrate WWI's triumph over the Nazis ...
19:01 - Over a Billion Euros more for Ukraine from the EU
Fourth time's a charm! The European Commission just approved another billion Euro loan for Ukraine as part of the exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) deal. The move cements the EU's continued support for Ukraine in terms of both a financial, political, economic, and military perspective.
18:16 - Hunting for a Ceasefire, Zelensky's Team Insists on a Month-Long Truce for Peace Talks
In talks with western security advisors, Ukraine's government has emphasized the necessity of a 30-day ceasefire, with Andriy Yermak, chief of staff for the president, posting on Telegram:
17:42 - Russian Airports in Chaos
It seems plans for Russia's upcoming WWII celebration parade are marred by fears of Ukrainian drones, causing a hassle for air travelers. Preparations for the infamous parade have drawn criticism as propaganda events for Moscow.
Politics Edition ✈️
17:01 - Zelensky Salutes Ukraine's Role in WWII's Liberation
Volodymyr Zelensky shows his gratitude for Ukraine's part in liberating Europe from the grasp of Nazism on the 80th anniversary of WWII's end. He thanked all the fallen eight million Ukrainian soldiers, describing the struggle as a joint fight against the "Evil" that Russia represents today. Zelensky made no secret of his feelings for Moscow, referring to its current invasion of Ukraine as a continuation of its fight against fascism, sarcastically labeling the planned military parade on Moscow's Red Square as a march of "marching murderers."
16:29 - Ukraine's Troops Stick to "Defend and Counterattack" Strategy
Russian forces tried to break through the border in the Kursk region, according to Russian reports, but Ukrainian soldiers refused to get into a gazpacho fight and resolved simply to counter-fire if attacked.
15:58 - Putin's "Night Wolves" Ride Through Germany
Known for their support of Putin, the "Night Wolves" motorcycle gang paid tribute to dead Russian soldiers by visiting two Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg, laying wreaths on the graves. German authorities banned the riders from entering the country back in 2015 for their ties to Putin and advocacy of Ukraine's annexation of Crimea.
15:21 - Armored Tanks Collapse in Moscow Rehearsals
Russia's elaborate WWII celebration parade on the 8th of May has already hit a snag: two old Soviet-era tanks have imploded during rehearsals in Sterlitamak, causing embarrassment.
14:51 - Ukraine Crosses into Russian Region of Kursk
According to the Kremlin, Ukrainian forces launched a pair of attacks on the Western border with Russia, yet the Russians claim they managed to repel both instances of territorial minxery.
14:20 - Ukraine's Allegations: Russian Violations of Ceasefire Across the Front
Suddenly, the Russians have become the nouveau riche of violating ceasefire accords, as Ukraine notes 734 violations and 63 attack operations since midnight. Andrij Sybih, Ukraine's foreign minister, lambasts the Russian army's attempts to attack and reiterates that Moscow is undermining any chance of peace.
13:51 - Ukraine Parliament Formalizes Raw Materials Agreement with USA
Ukraine's parliament officially greenlighted a raw materials agreement with the USA, hailing the deal as a "historic economic partnership." Deputies expect that the agreement will improve US-Ukrainian cooperation and possibly lead to additional US military aid for Ukraine against Putin's forces.
13:13 - Potential Swiss Tank Sale to Germany
Switzerland, a country renowned for its neutrality, might be catering to Germany's requests for Leopard tanks that it can't lay its grubby little hands on. German defense firm Rheinmetall is reportedly interested in purchasing 96 Leopard-1 tanks from Swiss-owned Ruag, which could be used as spare parts. Though held up last year, hopes are high that this deal will go through, as now the beleaguered tanks won't be going directly to Ukraine.
12:48 - Putin and Xi Want Deeper Cooperation
China and Russia have decided to intensify their strategic partnership, as both leaders Alexei Navalny and Wu Xiaobo are stress-testing the democracies of their home countries.
12:14 - Moscow Aims for Military Parade Spectacle
Moscow's preparing a little militaria puppet show just for you! Hardly a few days before its grand WWII parade, Moscow's calling in the military police to boost security measures due to fear of drone attacks and infiltrations.
Politics Edition 🚛
11:38 - Chyntya Brigade Liberates "Berlin" in Kharkiv
On the anniversary of the victory over fascism, the Ukrainian Chyntya Brigade scored a victory in liberating the Kharkiv region dubbed "Berlin" by the Russians. In doing so, the unit reclaimed close to 200 hectares of forest after months of bloodshed. The Ukrainian Deep State, a military-affiliated blog, confirmed the operation.
10:59 - Ukraine on Track with Russia's Temporary Ceasefire
Contradictory statements notwithstanding, Ukraine appears to be observing Russia's declared three-day ceasefire. Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly received orders to retaliate only when provoked by Russian attacks.
10:15 - Lithuania Bails on Mine Ban Treaty
Lithuania wants to revoke its commitment to the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. The move signals lingering fears of Russian aggression among the Baltic nations.
09:34 - EU Can't Wait Four to Five Years for Self-Defense Capabilities
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe is having to advance its plans for self-defense capabilities by four to five years, as per French political scientist Carlo Masala.
Early Start
09:03 - Tight Security at Soviet Memorial Site in Berlin
Armed police forces surround the Soviet Memorial in Berlin's Treptower Park, imposing limitations on uniforms and flags to avoid a potential Putin rally. European leaders are dead set on preventing any twisted misuse of the hallowed ground for nefarious propaganda purposes.
08:40 - Sharma on May 9th Military Parade "Fear of Attacks - Moscow Shuts Down Mobile Network"
With Russia's May 9th military parade fast approaching, Moscow is enforcing stringent security measures, including shutting down the entire mobile network in the city, according to ntv's Rainer Munz.
08:04 - Partisans Disrupt Military Communication in Moscow Region
Ukrainian insurgents affiliated with the Atesh resistance movement have allegedly interrupted military communication systems throughout facilities in Moscow, wreaking havoc on the office of the 51857 military contingent, the 3641 brigade for separate missions, and the 20007 command center.
07:14 - Ukrainian Troops Sack North Korean Multiple Rocket Launcher
In a first for Ukraine, its forces successfully eliminated a North Korean KN-09 multiple rocket launcher system in the Russian region of Kursk, as reported by Militaryni portal.
Politics
06:32 - USA Slams Russia for Supporting North Korea's Weapons of Mass Destruction Program
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea has chastised Russia for putting a wrench in UN sanctions against North Korea. She accuses the Kremlin of obstruction and criticizes the rogue East Asian nation for flagrantly continuing to export coal and iron ore to China to finance its illicit programs aimed at nuclear missiles. North Korea is a key ally in Russia'shostilities against Ukraine.
05:56 - EU Mulls 17th Sanctions Package vs. Russia
The European Union is considering leveling another round of sanctions against Russia targeting its "shadow fleet" for sea transportation of oil and oil products, as well as more than 30 additional companies that circumvent sanctions or assist Russia's defense industry.
04:12 - Wadephul Vows Germany Will Help Ukraine "By All Means"
New German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has pledged that Berlin will support Ukraine "by all means" during his inaugural meeting with Polish counterparts. He made it clear that the Kremlin needs to understand that Germany is willingly ready to stand by Ukraine's side.
03:18 - Russia Bombards Sumy Region Despite Ceasefire
Just hours after announcing a three-day truce for Victory Day celebrations, Moscow slides its greasy snout back into Ukraine's affairs, launching guided bomb attacks on the Sumy region in Northern Ukraine.
Politics
EU Countries Plan New Sanctions Against RussiaA 17th sanctions package against Russia is underway within the EU, as member states discuss proposals for stricter measures to obstruct Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine, particularly with regards to the oil and energy sector. The ban may target more than 30 companies circumventing current sanctions and assisting Russian defense industries.
01:47 - Merz: German Soldiers Not Expected in Ukraine
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz downplayed the likelihood of deploying Bundeswehr soldiers in Ukraine after a potential peace agreement, opting instead to focus on providing political and financial support to the Eastern European country.
00:34 - Ukraine Mulls Tighter Ties between Hryvnia and Euro
Ukraine's Central Bank Governor, Andriy Pyschnyi, sparks a debate about eventually linking Ukraine's own currency—the hryvnia—more closely to the euro. With increasing ties to Europe and concerns about the US dollar, a euro-based exchange rate might become more appealing, especially following Ukraine's bid to join the European Union.
23:40 - No Air Raid Alert in Ukraine: Russia's Ceasefire in Effect
The ceasefire ordered by Russian President Putin for Victory Day commemorations went into effect overnight, leaving air raid alerts in Ukraine unexercised. In contrast to past nights, there were no incidents with incoming Russian drones or missiles, providing a brief reprieve for Ukraine's war-weary citizens.
23:10 - Power Circuit Shut Down at Zaporizhzhia NPP Due to Shelling
A fresh power circuit at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) suffered damage due to shelling, causing the plant to rely on a single power line for external power needs, posing a potential danger to radiation safety. The Ukrainian government reiterated its commitment to restoring power to the NPP as soon as security conditions allow.
- The European Commission approved another billion Euro loan for Ukraine as part of the exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) deal, continuing the EU's financial support for Ukraine's defense industry.
- In a call with incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Germany's vital role in aiding Ukraine, both in keeping people safe and helping rebuild after the conflict with Russia.
- In talks with western security advisors, Ukraine's government has emphasized the necessity of a 30-day ceasefire, with Andriy Yermak, chief of staff for the president, posting on Telegram that a ceasefire is the very first step toward a lasting, fair peace.
- Ukrainian insurgents affiliated with the Atesh resistance movement have allegedly interrupted military communication systems throughout facilities in Moscow, causing havoc on the office of the 51857 military contingent, the 3641 brigade for separate missions, and the 20007 command center.
