Pressure is mounting on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to deliver Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, following his announcement lifting range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. Prominent CDU/CSU members, including Kiesewetter and Röwekamp, advocate for both missile delivery and training Ukrainian personnel to use them, arguing this would significantly aid Ukraine’s defense. However, critics like Hofreiter and Düring claim Merz’s statement is insufficient without concrete action, accusing him of inaction and criticizing the SPD’s hesitancy. The debate highlights a significant rift within the German government regarding further military aid to Ukraine.
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A UN commission documented a pattern of planned and organized attacks in Kherson, resulting in nearly 150 civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries, with victims targeted during daily activities. The attacks, which show no signs of Russian prevention, primarily affected men, women, and children. Ukraine condemned the attacks as a “shameful tactic of terror,” while Russia, having occupied and then lost control of Kherson, demands Ukrainian withdrawal as a condition for a ceasefire. International journalists and civilian testimonies corroborated evidence of systematic Russian torture during the occupation.
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To end the war in Ukraine, President Putin demands a written Western pledge to halt NATO’s eastward expansion, along with sanctions relief for Russia. He also seeks Ukrainian neutrality, resolution of frozen assets, and protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine. Failure to meet these terms, according to Russian sources, could lead to further military escalation and a more painful peace for Ukraine. However, Kyiv and NATO have consistently rejected these conditions.
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The European Union officially launched a €150 billion ($170 billion) defense loan instrument, called SAFE, to bolster Europe’s defense industry and support Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing aggression. This initiative, bypassing EU fiscal spending limits, will fund weapons procurement and production capacity increases for eligible EU member states, EFTA members, and Ukraine. The program aims to address capability gaps and significantly increase military aid to Ukraine, effectively doubling its current weapons supply. SAFE is a key component of the broader ReArm Europe program, facilitating an additional €650 billion in defense spending across the EU.
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In a press statement on Sunday, Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine, specifically citing the recent large-scale missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities. He stated his displeasure with the ongoing violence and killings, noting a personal history with Putin despite his current condemnation. Trump’s comments followed Russia’s most significant bombardment of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion. Russian state media responded to Trump’s criticism with ridicule.
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Despite European sanctions, Russia’s energy exports are projected to generate €233 billion in 2025, with over €20 billion stemming from EU purchases. This surpasses the EU’s planned military aid to Ukraine. Continued EU energy imports, totaling approximately €2 billion monthly, significantly bolster Russia’s military capabilities. This highlights the limited effectiveness of sanctions in curbing Russia’s war effort.
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Russia’s energy minister, Anton Rubtsov, has warned that heavy taxation is making oil production unprofitable, threatening the country’s vital export revenue. This comes as Russia’s oil and gas revenue plummeted by a third in May, reaching its lowest level since July 2023. The high tax burden, implemented to offset sanctions-related losses, is deterring investment and potentially impacting long-term production. Experts warn that while tax cuts could boost production, they risk widening the budget deficit, leaving the Kremlin in a difficult financial balancing act.
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President Trump is reviewing all restrictions on Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities, believing the current limitations hinder efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table. This follows Germany’s announcement that there are no longer range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, a move the Kremlin deemed dangerous. Upcoming meetings between Trump administration officials and German representatives will discuss further support for Ukraine, including potential new sanctions against Russia. Military analysts suggest lifting restrictions could significantly alter the war’s dynamics, allowing Ukraine to target key Russian military infrastructure.
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A roundtable discussion among Russian lawmakers condemned Western animation, toys, and video games, alleging a negative influence on Russian children. State Duma deputy Yana Lantratova highlighted the perceived shift from positive Soviet-era characters to flawed Western counterparts like Shrek and the Grinch. The lawmakers argued that these characters, despite seeming innocuous, promote undesirable traits while being presented as positive role models. This cultural infiltration, they claimed, erodes the image of the purely positive character prevalent in Soviet media.
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Germany, alongside its major allies, has lifted all range restrictions on weapons provided to Ukraine, enabling Kyiv to strike military targets deep within Russia. This policy shift allows Ukraine to utilize long-range weaponry for defensive purposes, a capability previously unavailable. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov deemed this action dangerous and detrimental to peace efforts. While the specifics of supplied weapons are now undisclosed by the German government, the decision marks a significant escalation in military support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker