Day 439 since the beginning of the war: Russia again attacks the Ukrainian capital with cruise missiles. Meanwhile, Yevgeny Prigozhin reports modest territorial gains in Bakhmut. All information in the blog.
The most important things at a glance
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Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv
7.34 am: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kiev on Tuesday morning for a visit. The top German politician wants to celebrate Europe Day in the Ukrainian capital together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyj. Political talks are also planned. Among other things, they are said to be dealing with ammunition deliveries for the defensive war against Russia as well as further financial support and preparations for EU accession negotiations with Ukraine.
“Ukraine is part of our European family,” said von der Leyen upon arrival. The fact that she is in Kiev on Europe Day is a symbol, but it also shows that the EU is already working hand in hand with Ukraine in many areas.
Von der Leyen is visiting the Ukrainian capital for the fifth time since the Russian invasion began a good 14 months ago. She completed her previous trip to Kiev at the beginning of February. At that time, together with Council President Charles Michel, she had promised Ukraine full support for the desire for early EU membership at a summit meeting with Zelenskyy – but gave no time perspective for this.
On her new trip to the eleventh EU sanctions package currently being discussed against Russia, von der Leyen said that the pressure on the country would be further increased. Now it is particularly about strict implementation and measures to avoid circumvention. “We are determined to close existing gaps. No one should doubt that,” she said.
Inspector General: Support for Ukraine “on the forefront”
6.23 a.m.: The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, gives priority to continued military support to Ukraine in defense against the Russian attackers.
“The fight to the death justifies restrictions in training and material availability for us. Supporting the brave Ukrainian armed forces in the fight against the Russian aggressor is our top priority,” said the highest-ranking German soldier of the German Press Agency after a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The general reiterated: “Ukraine is fighting for all of us.”
Breuer was in Ukraine last week and met with army chief Valeriy Zalushny and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. According to the statement, Resnikov thanked the Germans for the weapons they had received so far, including modern anti-aircraft systems, self-propelled howitzers and the Leopard 2 main battle tank.
Russian attack on Kyiv
05.12: According to the Kiev military administration, a renewed series of Russian air attacks on the capital was thwarted by the air defense systems during the night. “The air defense systems are working in the outskirts of Kiev,” the administration said on the news app Telegram. The day before, Russia had attacked Kiev with a swarm of drones.
EU ambassador comments on Ukrainian-Chinese meeting
4.48 am: The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in China sees it as a very positive step that Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We would like China to go further and do more to achieve a just peace that includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine,” said Jorge Toledo Albinana in Beijing.
Prigozhin: Only advanced 130 meters today
4.05 a.m.: According to their boss Yevgeny Prigoschin, the troops of the Russian mercenary group Wagner can only advance slowly in the heavily contested Bakhmut. “Today the groups have advanced a maximum of 130 meters… Fierce fighting is taking place, but the groups are still advancing,” Prigozhin said in an audio message on social media. So far, however, no ammunition has arrived from Moscow. “According to preliminary data, we are gradually getting ammunition. We have not seen them in practice (yet).”
