Russian invasion: War against Ukraine: That's the situation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects further military aid for Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia from the Munich Security Conference.

Russian invasion: War against Ukraine: That's the situation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects further military aid for Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia from the Munich Security Conference. "There are important statements from world leaders in support of our state, and there are signals to strengthen weapons for our defense," Zelenskyy said in his daily video address. This applies in particular to missiles with a longer range.

The Munich statements made it clear that the war of aggression against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could only end in defeat for the aggressor. Concrete agreements have also been reached with partners that Russia will be held accountable for the invasion.

Zelenskyy's comments were primarily a reaction to a promise made by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In Munich, Sunak promised further arms aid for Ukraine. "Now is the moment to step up our military support," Sunak said. "Together we must help Ukraine protect its cities from Russian bombs and Iranian drones. And that's why the UK will be the first country to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons." He did not give details.

Russian missile attack on Ukraine

In his speech, Zelenskyy also addressed the Russian rocket attacks in the morning. These would only have led to a short-term failure of the power grid. Zelenskyy emphasized that almost all regions of Ukraine are now back online. For Kiev, this is a symbolic success as Russian missile attacks since October have been aimed at destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Cold and darkness in the middle of winter should discourage the Ukrainians from continuing the war.

On Saturday, Russia fired again at Ukraine with rockets, including Kalibr-type guided missiles. Impacts were reported in the western Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi. According to the authorities, two people were injured and several houses were damaged.

Ukrainian parliament leader hopes for NATO invitation

According to Parliament President Ruslan Stefantschuk, Ukraine is hoping for an offer to join NATO as early as the summer. "We expect that Ukraine will receive an invitation at the Vilnius summit and begin its path to the alliance," Stefanchuk said on Ukrainian television. Stefantschuk pointed out that "issues relating to an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO were already being discussed" on the fringes of the Munich Security Conference. The NATO summit named by Stefantschuk will meet on July 11 and 12 in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.

Ukraine rejects territorial losses to Russia for peace

After the announcement of a Chinese peace plan, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba categorically ruled out any loss of territory for his country. It is also in Ukraine's interest for China to play a role in the search for peace, but Ukraine's territorial integrity is non-negotiable, Kuleba said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "There are no compromises possible, not over the smallest square meter."

Earlier at the conference in Munich, China's top foreign policy leader, Wang Yi, announced his own initiative to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. "We will present something, namely the Chinese position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis," Wang Yi said, according to the official translation. "We will stand firm on the side of peace and dialogue." The Chinese diplomat wants to travel directly to Moscow after the conference in Munich.

Macron: "Neither side can win completely"

According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine can only be ended through negotiations. "I want Russia's defeat in Ukraine and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position, but I am convinced that in the end it will not be completed militarily," Macron told French media. In an interview with the newspapers "Le Figaro" and "Le Journal du Dimanche" and the broadcaster France Inter, Macron said: "Neither of the two sides can win completely." Macron reiterated that Ukraine now needs a military offensive to bring Russia back to the negotiating table.

Russian military reports capture of village in Kharkiv

Meanwhile, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine. According to their own statements, the Russian military has captured another town in the Kharkiv region in north-eastern Ukraine. "In the Kupyansk area, the village of Hryanykivka in the Kharkiv region was completely liberated by offensive actions by Army Group West," Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Saturday.

Russia increases production of hypersonic missiles

According to the Russian armaments industry, it has significantly increased the production of hypersonic missiles of the Kinzhal (Dagger) type. "It was put on the assembly line a long time ago, at first it wasn't necessary in large numbers. Now we're increasing it," Sergey Chemezov, head of the Russian arms holding Rostec, said on Russian television.

That will be important on Sunday

On the last day of the Munich Security Conference, Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine will also be discussed. Speakers expected include the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and Kiev's Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

In Ukraine, forces of the Russian mercenary group Wagner are still trying to capture the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.

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