Day 413 since the beginning of the war: Russians are said to have beheaded a Ukrainian prisoner of war. US investigates Ukraine secret documents leak All information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Poland wants to produce uranium ammunition for Abrams tanks
1.03 am: Poland wants to produce ammunition for American Abrams tanks, which are also deployed in Ukraine. According to the Polish press agency PAP, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that security is also measured by the quality of the military equipment and whether it is available. He confirmed that 14 Abrams tanks should be delivered to Poland by June at the latest. They are intended to replace tanks given to Ukraine.
With the US devices you want one “iron curtain” create that will protect the eastern part of the country. During his visit to the USA, he also held talks about Poland being able to maintain and repair the tanks – including those of the European allies. “We are also making efforts to produce ammunition with depleted uranium cores and ultra-modern ammunition in Poland.” The biggest problem on the Ukrainian front is the lack of ammunition.
US calls for more financial help
12:55 a.m.: The US government has called on the world community to continue providing financial aid to Ukraine, which is under Russian attack. “Supporting Ukraine is a joint effort”, warned US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday (local time) in Washington at the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. There, representatives of the Ukrainian government met with donors to discuss Ukraine’s financial needs. “We applaud the efforts of our allies and partners to provide large (…) and timely assistance”said Yellen and asked everyone to “continue to do so”. In view of a financing gap worth billions, Ukraine also put pressure on the necessary aid to be provided quickly.
Selenskyj calls for a minute’s silence after a cruel video
9:13 p.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a minute’s silence at an event in Washington after the release of a video allegedly showing the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner of war by Russian soldiers. “I would now ask you to observe a minute’s silence for the Ukrainian soldier whose death we all witnessed yesterday”, video-connected Zelenskyy said at a roundtable on Ukraine during the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He also remembered the other victims of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. Then Selenskyj paused briefly.
“Ukraine is currently going through a storm of emotions”, the Ukrainian President also said. The Russian army is trying to make this level of violence and atrocities routine throughout Ukraine and is proud of it. “The long history of Russian impunity must end”, demanded Zelenskyj further. Every day would in Ukraine “Men, women, adults and adults” die at the hands of Russia.
Czech President compares Russia to “Islamic State”
8:26 p.m.: Czech President Petr Pavel has reacted with horror to reports of a video allegedly showing the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner of war by Russian soldiers. “If this video turns out to be authentic, then Russian soldiers have lined it up with the “Islamic State”something we should all condemn around the world”said the general off duty in Prague.
Pavel noted that there are numerous well-documented cases of brutal actions by Russian forces in Ukraine. Such behavior does not belong in the 21st century. The 61-year-old, who was once his country’s chief of staff, headed the NATO military committee from 2015 to 2018. Pavel made his statement after a meeting of the National Security Council, which he was attending for the first time as President. The Kremlin in Moscow questioned the authenticity of the video. Here you can read more about it.
