After threats from Russia: Great Britain and Sweden sign a mutual assistance pact

Created: 05/13/2022, 10:10 am

The occupied region of Cherson probably wants to join Russia.

Great Britain and Sweden conclude a mutual assistance pact because of the Russian aggression.

The news ticker for the diplomatic negotiations.

• Escalated conflict

  in Ukraine: Sweden could change its mind about

  joining NATO

  - for fear of aggression from Russia.

• In response to Russia's threats: Sweden and Great Britain sign a military assistance pact.

• The administration of the Cherson region, which is under Russian occupation, wants to submit a formal application to Moscow for membership.

• This

  news ticker on Russia-Ukraine negotiations and international efforts

  has ended.

  All further information can be found in our new news ticker.

Update from May 12, 7:51 a.m

.: Numerous Ukrainian soldiers are still entrenched in the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

The Ukrainian leadership now proposes the following: "As a first step, we offered the Russians the following exchange: we transport our seriously wounded boys in a humanitarian corridor from Azovstal," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on Wednesday evening, according to

.

At the same time, the Ukrainian military is releasing Russian prisoners of war "according to standard rules for their exchange".

Negotiations are still ongoing and no agreement has yet been reached.

The suffering of the wounded in the Mariupol Steelworks had been reported several times in the past few days.

According to a paramedic, there is now an absolute shortage of medicines there.

Azovstal is the defenders' last bastion in the badly damaged port city.

The Russian military demands surrender, the other side categorically rejects it, as reported by the AFP news agency, among others.

Ukraine negotiations: Zelenskyj sees progress on international guarantees

Update from May 12,

6:18 a.m .: In his most recent video speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyj was optimistic.

"We are negotiating with the world's leading nations to give Ukraine confidence in security for decades to come," the Ukrainian President said on Wednesday evening.

Among other things, international security guarantees for his country were discussed at the G7 meeting on May 8, which Ukraine attended for the first time.

"This is the first time in the history of our state that such guarantees can be recorded," said Zelenskyy - and "specific ones" at that.

The Russian army launched its offensive against Ukraine on February 24.

One of Moscow's demands for an end to hostilities is a clear commitment from Kiev to political neutrality, for which the country is seeking strong international security guarantees.

Ukraine negotiations: Slovakia and Poland demand EU candidate status for Ukraine

Update from May 11, 4 p.m.: 

Slovakia and Poland want to work to ensure that Ukraine receives EU candidate status as quickly as possible.

This was announced by Slovak President Zuzana Caputova and her Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda on Wednesday in Bratislava.

Both announced that they would jointly visit counterparts in those EU countries that are skeptical about Ukraine's EU candidate status.

"It is important for the future of Europe and for peace in Europe that we talk about the future status of Ukraine," said Caputova.

“That does not automatically mean full membership, for which the criteria must of course be met.

But we consider the granting of candidate status as a natural gesture in the difficult situation in which Ukraine is now," said the President.

Duda said Ukraine is defending not only itself but also Europe "against the ambitions and imperial actions of today's Russia" and needs a signal of solidarity to do so.

"We know that it is very important for Ukrainian society today to feel the acceptance of the West," he said, explaining the candidate status.

Ukraine-News: After the color attack, Russia calls in the head of the Polish embassy

Update from May 11, 3:50 p.m .:

After the color attack on Russia’s ambassador in Warsaw, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the Polish embassy in Moscow.

Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski said on Wednesday that he had heard a verbal protest about the incident at Warsaw's mausoleum cemetery on May 9, according to the PAP news agency.

After being summoned to the Moscow Foreign Ministry, Poland's Ambassador Krajewski said he had repeated the position of Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

He had spoken of a "highly regrettable incident" and emphasized that diplomats were under special protection, regardless of the policies of the government they represent.

Soldiers patrol the east Swedish island of Gotland.

© Karl MELANDER / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP

Ukraine-Russia talks: Sweden and Great Britain sign mutual assistance pact

Update from May 11, 2:45 p.m .:

Sweden and Great Britain have concluded a military assistance pact that guarantees both countries the help of the other in the event of an attack.

"If Sweden comes under attack and asks us for support, we will give it to them," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after signing the deal at a joint press conference with his colleague Magdalena Andersson in Sweden on Wednesday.

Johnson and Andersson signed the agreement days ahead of the Swedish government's eagerly awaited decision on possible NATO membership.

Andersson's governing Social Democrats want to announce their position on such a step on Sunday - a day after the Finnish government is expected to announce its position on a possible entry into the military alliance.

Ukraine-Russia negotiations: Cherson occupiers ask for admission to the Russian Federation

Update from May 11, 2:15 p.m .:

In southern Ukraine, the administration of the Cherson region, which is under Russian occupation, wants to send a formal application to Moscow to join.

"The city of Kherson is Russia," pro-Russian deputy chief of the military and civil administration of Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, said on Wednesday, according to the state news agency Ria Novosti.

There will be neither a people's republic nor a referendum on accession in Cherson.

Instead, his administration will directly ask Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin to "transfer the Kherson region as a full subject to Russia's inventory".

He justified the waiver of the referendum by saying that a referendum on the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, was not internationally recognized.

According to Stremoussow, the integration should be completed by the end of the year.

The pro-Russian administration of the region had previously announced that it would issue Russian passports to residents.

The Russian ruble has been the official currency in Kherson since May 1st.

In the Kremlin, this initiative from the lower levels of functionaries was received with reservations.

"There is no doubt that the residents of the Kherson region should decide whether or not to make such a request," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

In addition, such accession must also be legally secured.

Crimea was declared part of Russia immediately after a referendum in 2014.

A Russian soldier hands out St. George's ribbons during the annual campaign to mark the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II in the Kherson region, Ukraine.

© IMAGO/Konstantin Mihalchevskiy

Ukraine-Russia talks: Former Russian PM accuses US of 'proxy war'

Update from May 11, 12:30 p.m .:

Former Russian Prime Minister and current Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev accused the United States of waging a “proxy war” against Russia.

Medvedev was reacting to the announcement of a support package for Ukraine worth almost $40 billion.

The package is an effort to "seriously defeat our country and limit its economic development and political influence in the world," Medvedev wrote in the Telegram news service.

However, Medvedev warned that this would not succeed and would do much more damage to Washington's own economy.

Ukraine negotiations: Johnson in Stockholm - consultations on NATO accession for Sweden and Finland

Update from May 11, 12:15 p.m .:

In the midst of the Ukraine war and discussions about Sweden and Finland joining NATO, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

arrived in the Swedish capital Stockholm, according to

Accordingly, Johnson will also visit Finland and discuss membership in NATO with his counterparts.

Previously, Downing Street said the meeting was not just about Ukraine, but about security in Europe in general.

Ukraine-News: Amnesty sees Putin hatred against Ukrainians - "regime of impunity"

Update from May 11, 9.40 a.m .:

According to the Secretary General of the human rights organization Amnesty International, there is “hatred” against all Ukrainians in the Russian leadership around President Vladimir Putin.

"There are statements, comments and appearances by Putin and other Russian leaders that show how they ignore and hate the Ukrainian people, in which they talk as if Ukraine does not exist," Agnès Callamard said on Ukrainian television.

"And that's what we're going to use as part of the evidence when we discuss the issue of genocide," Callamard said.

The violence used in this war was due to the systems thinking created by the leadership.

"Violence becomes the main mode of action, it is tolerated and sometimes even glorified... There is no control and this creates the conditions for violent behavior, there is a regime of impunity..." Callamard was quoted as saying by the Unian agency.

There is no evidence that the military leadership demands torture or murder from the soldiers.

"But we have evidence that the leadership is not stopping these crimes.

So they repeat themselves over and over again,” said Amnesty Secretary-General.

Amnesty's mission in this war is to provide the world with information on the extent and nature of crimes being committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.

"We want to show that this war is not only a Ukrainian problem or a problem of Europe and NATO.

Russian aggression is a problem for the whole world,” Callamard was quoted as saying.

Ukraine negotiations: Russian representative reveals plan - southern Ukraine to be annexed

Update from May 11, 8 a.m.:

According to the Russian representative in the Crimea peninsula, which was illegally annexed in 2014, Russia will apparently integrate the southern areas of Ukraine occupied as part of the Ukraine invasion into its own territory.

"I have no doubts that the liberated territories in the south of the former Ukraine will become another region of Russia," Georgy Muradov, Russia's permanent representative in Crimea, told the Russian state agency Ria Novosti.

Muradov claimed that, based on discussions with local residents, this is "the people's own will".

In doing so, he coined a new term.

According to the representative, the population of southern Ukraine has been suffering from the extortion of "Ukronazis" for eight years.

"Russia will no longer allow the West to violate the fundamental rights of our compatriots and to shoot at the Russian world with impunity," Muradov said.

These areas have always been part of Russia anyway and were only “donated” to Ukraine.

Muradov also listed measures that have already been taken.

Military-civilian administrations have already been set up and Russian television stations have started work.

"Russian books are appearing in schools and the Russian ruble is successfully entering the economic life of the region," the representative said.

Russia had previously signaled its willingness to annex Cherson, like Crimea.

Ukraine diplomacy: US expects long war - "unpredictable and potentially escalating"

Update from May 11, 6:15 a.m .:

The US secret services expect a long-lasting Ukraine war with the risk of further expansion and escalation.

US intelligence coordinator Avril Haines told a congressional hearing in Washington that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a "protracted conflict in Ukraine, in which he remains committed to achieving goals beyond Donbass."

Putin is determined to create a land connection to the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria in the east of the Republic of Moldova.

The Russian President is therefore likely to declare martial law, the US secret service director told the US Senate Armed Forces Committee.

Because Putin's goals are greater than the capabilities of the Russian armed forces, it is "likely" that the president will embark on an increasingly "unpredictable and potentially escalating" path in the coming months.

"The current trend increases the likelihood that President Putin will turn to more drastic measures, including imposing martial law, reorienting industrial production, or potentially escalating military options," said Haines, who coordinates the work of the 18 US intelligence agencies.

The use of nuclear weapons is unlikely.

According to the US intelligence coordinator, Putin should only order it if he sees an “existential threat” to Russia.

Ukraine negotiations: New US aid package - almost $40 billion for Ukraine

Update from May 11, 6:10 a.m .:

The US Congress has taken the first step towards releasing a new aid package of almost $ 40 billion (38 billion euros) for Ukraine.

Members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the law.

The package now needs to be passed by the Senate before President Joe Biden can announce it.

Armored vehicles and air defense systems for the Ukrainian armed forces are to be purchased for six billion dollars from the package.

Another nine billion dollars are planned for weapons for the US armed forces, after they have already sent numerous armaments to Ukraine.

Nine billion dollars are earmarked for maintaining government functions.

In addition, the USA also wants to provide additional funds for humanitarian aid.

"With this aid package, America is sending a signal to the whole world of our unwavering determination to support the courageous people of Ukraine until they defeat Moscow," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said before the vote.

The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal over the weekend or early next week.

It is expected to have broad support from both Democrats and Republicans.

Russia-Ukraine negotiations: Selenskyj wants Malta to take tougher action against Russians

Update from May 10, 8:50 p.m .:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has asked Malta to take stricter action against Russians hiding in the smallest EU country.

Speaking for 10 minutes in front of the Valletta Parliament on Tuesday, Zelenskyy, speaking from Ukraine, said: "Stop privileges for Russia, starting with the Golden Passport system and dual citizenship.

Don't let them abuse your island.

Find out which Russians are trying to hide.”

For years, wealthy foreigners could get a passport in Malta if they invested money in the Mediterranean island.

Many Russians also took advantage of the opportunity.

Critics complained that rich people could buy such a passport for the European Union.

However, after the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the controversial procedure for Russians and Belarusians was suspended.

Zelenskyy also pushed for a full EU embargo on Russian oil, while acknowledging that Malta would suffer.

The neutral country has one of the largest shipping registers in the world;

many ships flying the Maltese flag transport Russian oil.

The island state is therefore trying to find a compromise in the EU negotiations on an oil boycott.

French President Macron talks to Hungary's prime minister about a possible oil embargo against Russia

Update from May 10, 5:18 p.m .:

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban about a possible oil embargo against Russia.

The purpose of the talks was "to come to an agreement on the sixth package of sanctions as quickly as possible," it said on Tuesday from the Elysée Palace.

Orban's spokesman confirmed that both leaders discussed "energy security issues".

Hungary is heavily dependent on Russian oil and has so far blocked a decision by the EU states on an oil embargo against Russia because of the Ukraine invasion, which would require unanimity.

Ukraine-Russia-News: Soon to join NATO?

Johnson visits Finland and Sweden

Update from May 10, 4:15 p.m .:

Before the upcoming NATO decisions in Finland and Sweden, the two Nordic countries will be visited by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The head of government will travel to the two countries on Wednesday, his office said on Tuesday.

The Swedish government said Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson would receive Johnson for advice on, among other things, the security situation in Europe.

A joint press conference is planned for the early afternoon. 

Johnson is due to meet Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in Helsinki.

According to information from Niinistö's office, the two will then appear before the press there as well.

Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine has triggered intense debates in Finland and Sweden about joining NATO.

There are many indications that both countries will soon apply for NATO membership.

Great Britain is a founding member of NATO and, as a nuclear power, is one of the most important pillars of the alliance.

Ukraine negotiations: Zelenskyj warns EU countries against cooperation with Russia

Update from May 10, 3:20 p.m .:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has warned Slovakia and other EU countries against further cooperation with Russia.

As a result, they are threatened with a fate similar to that which Ukraine is currently suffering, he said in a video message to the Slovakian parliament in Bratislava on Tuesday (May 10).

He understands that Slovakia finds it difficult to do without Russian gas imports.

However, Ukrainian politicians used to argue in a similar way and allowed the Black Sea Fleet to be stationed in large quantities in exchange for cheap gas.

Members of the National Council of the Slovak Republic applaud during a virtual speech by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

© Pavol Zachar/TASR/dpa

As expected, Selenskyj called on Slovakia to deliver more armaments such as combat aircraft and helicopters and to impose tougher sanctions on Russia.

"If we don't stop the Russian army, it will keep advancing, including on Slovakia's territory," he said.

He ended his speech with the battle cry "Slava Ukrajini" (Glory to Ukraine).

The Slovak MPs rose to prolonged applause.

However, several opposition rows remained empty because left-wing and right-wing extremist MPs boycotted the session.

Former Prime Minister Robert Fico, head of the main opposition party Social Democracy, had warned that Zelenskyy wanted to drag Slovakia into a war in which it could only lose.

Update from May 10, 3:07 p.m .:

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has criticized an EU oil embargo against Russia because of the Ukraine war.

"We must not allow the sanctions to damage our own social and economic systems," he demanded after a meeting with his Czech colleague Milos Zeman.

It is important to take into account the special features of the individual EU member states.

Bulgaria is one of the countries that insist on an exception to an oil embargo.

Ukraine-Russia negotiations: Russian cyber attack shortly before the invasion of Ukraine also affected EU countries

Update from May 10, 2:08 p.m .:

According to EU information, a Russian cyber attack against Ukraine shortly before the start of the war also had an impact on the member countries.

The attack took place an hour before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and facilitated military aggression, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday on behalf of the EU.

The attack had significant repercussions.

It has led to communication failures and disruptions in several authorities, companies and users in Ukraine.

Several EU countries were also affected.

According to the financial regulator Bafin, the risk of cyber attacks on German financial companies has also increased in Germany.

Ukraine negotiations: Transport ban on Russian oil apparently off the table

Update from May 10, 1:56 p.m .:

According to EU circles, the planned transport ban on Russian oil is no longer part of the planned sanctions package against Russia.

The German Press Agency learned from diplomats that further coordination at international level and in the G7 group was necessary.

Greece, Cyprus and Malta, among others, had resisted the measure because they feared that this could unilaterally disadvantage their shipping companies.

A ban on European companies from insuring oil tankers transporting Russian oil is still part of the planned sanctions, according to the diplomats.

This could make it more difficult for Russia to supply oil to other countries.

The discussions about the planned EU sanctions package have been going in circles for days.

Hungary in particular is blocking a proposed embargo on Russian oil imports and is demanding extensive exceptions.

Diplomatic circles said that the sanctions will probably not be on the agenda at the regular meeting of the permanent representatives of the EU countries on Wednesday either.

One is still waiting for progress in talks with the states that would be particularly affected by the import ban.

Ukraine negotiations?

Fast into NATO because of Putin?

Sweden statement makes you sit up and take notice

STOCKHOLM - Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist has long been expressly opposed to Sweden joining NATO - but his recent statements could indicate that he is changing his mind.

Sweden and Finland joining NATO would benefit the defense of northern Europe, he said on Swedish radio on Tuesday (May 10).

Should the countries decide to join NATO, it would strengthen the North's joint military capabilities, Hultqvist said.

You can then use the strengths and advantages of the others and complement each other.

NATO membership with joint defense planning and monitoring of the Baltic Sea would reduce the risk of something happening around the Baltic and on the strategic island of Gotland.

Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist could rethink NATO membership.

The reason is the Ukraine war.

© Claudio Bresciani/afp

Ukraine negotiations: Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point for Sweden

The Social Democrat left his current position on Sweden's NATO membership open.

However, he pointed out that the Ukraine war had changed many things.

"There is one before February 24 and one after," he said, referring to the day Russian President Vladimir Putin's army invaded Ukraine.

The Social Democrats, who rule alone in Sweden, want to announce their NATO position on Sunday.

This is regarded as a key indicator of whether the Scandinavian country will make efforts to join NATO in the near future.

Ukraine-Verhandlungen: EU-Öl-Embargo gegen Russland noch diese Woche?

Im Ringen um ein EU-Ölembargo gegen Russland rückt eine Einigung der Mitgliedstaaten derweil näher. Eine Einigung sei „in dieser Woche“ möglich und sei „eine Frage von Tagen“, sagte Frankreichs Europaminister Clément Beaune am Dienstag dem Sender LCI. Beaune kündigte zudem für Dienstag Telefonate des französischen Präsidenten Emmanuel Macron, von Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen und mit dem ungarischen Ministerpräsidenten Viktor Orban an.

Von der Leyen traveled to the Hungarian capital Budapest on Monday for talks with Orban about an EU oil embargo against Russia and then spoke of "progress".

Hungary is heavily dependent on Russian oil and has so far blocked a decision by the EU states to stop oil from Russia because of the Ukraine invasion, for which unanimity would be required.

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