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
Ukraine leaks: USA apparently expects little progress
2.30 a.m.: The US apparently does not expect the Ukraine war to end this year – even if Kiev is able to win back larger parts of its country. This assessment should be part of the leaked documents, reports the Washington Post. Even increasingly serious losses of the Russian armed forces would therefore not lead to peace talks or a victory on the part of one side. “Negotiations to end the conflict are unlikely in 2023 in all scenarios considered,” according to the Washington Post in the previously unpublished document.
The assessment, which appears to be based on data on troops and materiel, could contradict talk efforts that have come from states such as the US and China. The document is also said to say that both Ukraine and Russia could see little land gains by the end of the year. The secret documents about the Ukraine war became public more than a week ago via several Internet platforms. It is unclear who leaked them and what truthfulness they have.
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 one wants to create an “iron curtain” that protects 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 munitions with depleted uranium cores and ultra-modern munitions 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 extensive (…) and timely assistance,” Yellen said, urging 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.
Russian fighter jet alongside German observation aircraft
10:30 p.m.: Russia says it has launched a fighter jet to accompany a German observation plane that was approaching the country’s border from the Baltic Sea. “The crew of the Russian fighter jet identified the air target as a German Navy P-3C Orion patrol aircraft,” the Russian Defense Ministry said. The German plane did not fly over the Russian border.
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,” said Zelensky, who joined the video 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 going through a storm of emotions right now,” the Ukrainian President 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 finally end,” Zelenskyy continued. Every day in Ukraine “men, women, adults and adults” would die at the hands of Russia.
