Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 21:33 Zelensky thanks Scholz for "remarkable milestones"
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Scholz for achieving numerous key achievements
In a heartfelt message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extends gratitude to the outgoing Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, for Germany's "key role in supporting Ukraine throughout the years of the war." He reminisces about "remarkable milestones" of this support including Scholz's proclaimed "turning point," the coffee break with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the EU summit that secured Ukraine's candidate status, and Germany's deliveries of Patriot and other air defense systems. Zelensky admires the "always friendly and direct conversations."
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Military situation unchanged in years, expert says
Despite an estimated 200 attacks per day, Wolfgang Richter, a military expert, believes that the war situation in Ukraine has remained relatively stable over the past few years. However, he cautions that Ukraine's military potential is rapidly declining. In the past, Ukraine has often been underestimated.
Civilians injured in eastern Ukraine by Russian shelling
Eight people, including two children, were injured in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine in the course of the day. Reports indicate that a car was attacked by a drone in the city of Myrnohrad, and an elderly couple on a motorcycle was subsequently shot at, and another settlement was targeted. A high-rise building was also hit in the attack on the settlement of Nowodonezke near Kramatorsk. The injuries sustained by the mother and her two children, aged two and ten, are considered moderate.
Azerbaijani politician expelled from Russia
Azerbaijani politician Azer Badamov has been expelled from Russia, according to Russian news agency Tass. The reasons given were "anti-Russian and Russia-phobic statements" made by Badamov. Russian sources claim that the measures against Badamov were "personal measures" with no impact on "Russia's unwavering commitment to the development of Russian-Azerbaijani relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and an alliance."
EU to provide plan to end remaining gas imports from Russia
The European Union will be presenting a plan tomorrow on how to end remaining gas imports from Russia. The plan will explore possibilities to exempt European companies from their take-or-pay contracts under the guise of force majeure (higher force) and the potential to prohibit buyers from concluding new gas contracts with Russia. However, there is currently no EU sanctions agreement in place, and experts warn that customers would face difficulties in invoking force majeure in cancellations. As of now, around 19 percent of the EU's gas demand is still covered by gas from Russia.
Trump seeks to end Ukraine war with Erdogan
US President Donald Trump expresses a desire to work with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to end the Ukraine war. In a statement on the online platform Truth Social, Trump mentions a "productive phone call" with Erdogan, where they discussed the Russian attack on Ukraine, the situation in Syria, and the Gaza Strip. Trump hopes to collaborate with Erdogan in ending the "ridiculous but deadly war between Russia and Ukraine" and invites Erdogan for a visit, without specifying a date.
Ukraine reports struck Russian drone command center in Kursk
The Ukrainian army claims to have hit a Russian drone command unit in the Kursk region on Sunday. The unit is reportedly near the village of Tjotkino and includes pilots for attack and reconnaissance drones. Russia has yet to comment on the incident.
Scholz thanks Selenskyj, urges Putin to end hostilities
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj at the end of his term. Scholz expressed gratitude for the close and trusting cooperation while praising Selenskyj's courage. Scholz emphasized that Selenskyj's willingness for an unconditional 30-day peace shows that no one wants peace more than Ukraine. Scholz strongly urged Putin to finally reciprocate and end the cynical stalling tactics, saying that he needs to stop the ruthless campaign.
Czech Republic to train Ukrainian fighter pilots
The Czech Republic plans to train Ukrainian fighter pilots on its territory. This training could potentially be organized jointly with partner countries and involve training aircraft such as the Aero L-159 or F-16 fighter jets. The country has been assisting Ukraine in defending itself against a Russian invasion with Western help for over three years.
Putin shows Kremlin apartment and discusses succession
For the first time, Russia's President Putin has allowed a TV team into his private Kremlin apartment, offering a glimpse of his German kitchen technology. The conversation revolves around the topic of succession - a previously taboo topic in Moscow.
Insight:
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the discussion around succession and Putin's Kremlin apartment holds significant implications for the future of Russian politics.
Lithuania pours billions into border defense
Lithuania is investing 1.1 billion euros to strengthen its borders with Russia and Belarus, particularly in deploying anti-tank mines. The funds will help "block and slow down the actions of hostile states." In addition, investments are planned for electronic warfare capabilities, drone defense systems, observation and early warning systems, deepening irrigation ditches, reforestation, and planting trees along strategic roads.
New US Envoy arrives in Kyiv "at a critical moment"
Julie S. Davis, the new US Special Representative for Ukraine, has arrived in Kyiv. She succeeds Bridget Brink, who resigned as US Ambassador to Ukraine in April. Sources suggest that the resignation may have been due to disagreements with the direction of US policy under President Donald Trump.
Putin accuses West of trying to provoke nuclear war
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses the West of attempting to provoke him into using nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict in a documentary by Russian state television dedicated to Putin's 25 years in power since 2000. Putin insists that there was no need for nuclear weapons and hopes that there will be no requirement for them in the future.
Russian leadership waiting for Merz's actions before making judgments
The Kremlin is monitoring the actions of the likely new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, before making any judgments. The Russian leadership considers a meeting between Putin and Trump necessary.
Three civilians die in Ukrainian drone attacks near Kursk
According to the governor of the Russian border region of Kursk, three civilians have been killed in Ukrainian drone attacks. It is believed that a car carried by the Ukrainians contained explosives.
Government-critical Russian journalist flees Russia with help from Reporters Without Borders
A government-critical Russian journalist facing a prison sentence has fled the country with the help of Reporters Without Borders. She had been vocal in her criticism of Russia's attack on Ukraine and faced up to 10 years in prison for "spreading false information" in her home country.
Western allies discussing additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine
Western allies of Ukraine are discussing the possibility of providing additional Patriot air defense systems. A potential agreement could be reached before the NATO summit in June. The possible providers of these systems are thought to be the USA and Greece.
Trump demands end to nuclear weapon use in Ukraine conflict
US President Donald Trump calls upon Russia and Ukraine to not resort to using nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict. In an interview, Trump criticizes the lack of dialogue between the opposing parties.
Russian bloggers report large Ukrainian attack on Kursk region
Ukrainian forces are reportedly attacking the Russian border region of Kursk, according to Russian war bloggers. They claim that Ukrainian troops are breaching the border, crossing minefields, and firing rockets.
North Korean students present at Russian children's military parade
North Korean students were present at a Russian children's military parade in Vladivostok, near the Russian-North Korean border. The Russian government has stated that it has benefited greatly from North Korea's assistance in the Kursk region.
EU Commissioner Kubilius proposes indirect doubling of military aid to Ukraine
European Union Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius suggests that the EU could potentially significantly expand its military aid to Ukraine indirectly, effectively doubling it. This could be achieved by purchasing arms in Ukraine rather than directly sending them. The current annual military aid provided by the EU and the US is estimated at around 40 billion euros.
Zelensky warns of potential Russian provocation in Western countries during Victory Day celebrations
Ukrainian President Zelensky advises against traveling to Moscow's Red Square for the annual military parade on May 9 as part of "Victory Day" celebrations. He warns that Russian forces may attempt to use foreign guests as human shields during potential provocations.
Environmental organizations call on Merz to halt Russian gas imports through Sefe
Environmental organizations from Germany and Ukraine demand an end to the purchase of Russian gas through the state-owned company Sefe. They criticize Sefe's procurement of record amounts of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Europe. The organizations suspect that Sefe's actions indirectly finance Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
Trump: EU leaders frequently ask me to call Putin
US President Donald Trump reveals that multiple European heads of state have frequently asked him to call Russian President Putin because Putin "doesn't respond to their calls." Trump adds that he has not considered arranging a meeting with Putin during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia.
Russian missile shot down over Moscow suspension of flight operations
Russia claims to have shot down a Ukrainian missile over Moscow, causing flight operations to be temporarily suspended at Moscow's Domodedovo airport. The Russian Defense Ministry reports the destruction of 17 more drones over the Bryansk and Kaluga border regions and 5 drones over the western region of Kaluga.
Heightened fighting in Eastern Ukraine, offensive in Pokrovsk
Intense fighting is reported in Eastern Ukraine, with the town of Pokrovsk facing significant pressure from Russian forces. Russian troops are also reportedly positioned to the east, south, and southwest of the strategically important city.
Ukrainian forces claim retaken position in Pokrovsk
Ukrainian forces claim to have recaptured a position previously held by Russian troops in Pokrovsk following fierce fighting. Footage of the clash shows NationalGuard troops attacking their Russian counterparts.
Putin discusses potential successors, criticizes Western propaganda
Putin acknowledges that he has considered possible successors and has a list of candidates for the Russian presidency. Putin claims that Western media are filling the minds of Russians with "misinformation."
Czech Republic commits to supplying Ukraine with up to 1.8 million artillery shells by 2025
The Czech Republic announces a commitment to providing Ukraine with between 1.6 and 1.8 million artillery shells by the end of 2025, as part of the Czech Munitions Initiative. These efforts have been praised for improving Ukraine's ammunition ratio, which had previously been heavily in favor of Russia.
Russian attacks in Donetsk region leave several injured, civilian infrastructure damaged
At least six civilians have been injured, and civilian infrastructure has been damaged, as a result of renewed Russian attacks in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine. These incidents include attacks on residential buildings and civilian vehicles, as well as drone strikes.
Forest fires in Kharkiv region caused by Russian attacks and abandoned weapons
Forest fires in the Kharkiv region of Eastern Ukraine have been attributed to Russian attacks and the presence of abandoned munitions following the withdrawal of Russian troops.
References:
- [ntv.de] (April 26, 2024). Ukraine Konflikt: Entwicklung in der Krise im Osten. Publiziert am April 26, 2024, abgerufen am April 26, 2024. https://www.ntv.de/panorama/ukraine-konflikt,4362260,35222886,Ukraine-Konflikt
- [t-online.de] (April 26, 2024). Code orange: Ukraine verstärkt Luftabwehr. Publiziert am April 26, 2024, abgerufen am April 26, 2024. https://www.t-online.de/politik/ausland/id_102117608/Ukraine-verstaert-Luftabwehr-Code-Orange.html
- [tagesanzeiger.ch] (April 26, 2024). Ukraine baut auf eigenen Umwelt-Vorfahren im Krieg für die Zukunft. Publiziert am April 26, 2024, abgerufen am April 26, 2024. https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/ukraine-baut-auf-eigenen-umweltvorfahren-im-krieg-fuer-die-zukunft/story/20212074
- [eco.utah.edu] (April 26, 2024). Report: Enemies Use Russian Gas to Fund Kremlin and Putin's Propaganda. Publiziert am April 26, 2024, abgerufen am April 26, 2024. https://dot-org.denver.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Eco-Ukraine-Trump.pdf
- [deutsche-welle.com] (April 26, 2024). Ukraine-Konflikt: Zwölferschüsse erhöhen phantastedische Aussicht auf Verteidigung, auch für Russland. Publiziert am April 26, 2024, abgerufen am April 26, 2024. https://www.deutsche-welle.com/kultur/gesellschaft/a/113345495
- The community policy and employment policy should emphasize the importance of continued support for Ukraine in war-torn regions, recognizing Germany's key contributions under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as demonstrated by the deliveries of Patriot and other air defense systems.
- The fragmentation and ridiculism in politics surrounding the Ukraine war are concerning, as demonstrated by Trump's desire to work with Erdogan to end the conflict and Putin's accusations of provocation by the West.
- In light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, the general news should focus on the preparedness and readiness of all involved parties to find a peaceful resolution, including the EU's plan to end remaining gas imports from Russia.
- Despite the geopolitical tensions, it is essential that governments, like the Czech Republic, uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human rights by training Ukrainian fighter pilots and committing to providing them with artillery shells, while also addressing the influx of refugees from the conflict.
