Ukraine-News: EU representative raises serious allegations – Russia uses hunger “deliberately as a weapon”.

Created: 06/19/2022, 04:46

By: Bettina Menzel, Bedrettin Bölükbasi, Fabian Müller

The EU accuses Russia of deliberately risking starvation.

Vladimir Putin denies any blame for the grain crisis.

The news ticker.

• War diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict

  : Russian warship enters Danish waters twice.

• Zelenskyj

  thanks the

  EU Commission.

  Meanwhile, Chancellor Scholz is calling for EU reforms to make it easier for new members to be admitted.

• EU

  foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accuses

  Russia

  of : "Deliberately creating the risk of a global famine."

• This

  news ticker on the negotiations in the Ukraine war and on war diplomacy

  is continuously updated.

Update from June 18, 8:56 p.m .:

The EU accuses Russia of deliberately causing the risk of famine in large parts of the world.

It was Moscow's "conscious political decision to use grain exports as a weapon and an instrument of blackmail against anyone who opposes its aggression in Ukraine," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a blog post on Saturday.

"Russia has turned the Black Sea into a war zone, blocking shipments of grain and fertilizer from Ukraine and also affecting Russian merchant shipping," Borrell said.

"Russia also imposes quotas and taxes on its grain exports."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, attributes the problems with the transport of grain, seed and fertilizer and the resulting price increases on the world market primarily to Western sanctions because of the Ukraine war.

He also blamed the EU and the USA and their economic policy “mistakes” for the inflation caused by high energy prices.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell accuses Russia of deliberately creating the risk of a global famine.

© Jean-Francois Badias / dpa

Ukraine-Russia negotiations: Scholz calls for reforms to make it easier for new EU members to be admitted

Update from June 18, 6:07 p.m.:

 Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for EU reforms to make it easier for new members to join.

Not only the candidates for accession, but also the EU itself must prepare for the expansion of the Union, said the SPD politician in an interview with the German Press Agency.

“To do this, it must modernize its structures and decision-making processes.

It will not always be possible to decide everything unanimously that has to be decided unanimously today.” He wants to speak about this at the EU summit next Thursday and Friday.

The summit on June 23rd and 24th will also deal with possible EU candidate status for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

The EU Commission had previously recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be declared official candidate countries.

Candidate status can only be granted with a unanimous vote.

There have been discussions in the EU about relaxing the principle of unanimity for a long time.

However, the heads of state and government would also have to decide unanimously on a corresponding reform.

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia could resume at the end of August

Update from June 18, 9:17 a.m .:

Apparently, the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are to be resumed at the end of August.

This was confirmed by David Arakhamija, Ukraine's chief negotiator, in an interview with the Voice of America broadcaster.

However, the negotiations should only take place when Ukraine has carried out counter-attacks and should therefore be in a better negotiating position.

Arachamija says: "I think we will conduct an operation with counterattacks in different places." He does not give any further details.

also read

“Push on Russia”: Putin delivers angry speeches against the USA and the EU – and talks about nuclear weapons

Putin's "Hunger Plan" in Three Acts: Historian Declares Next "Stage of War" and Predicts Unrest

The first peace negotiations between the two countries took place shortly after the start of the war.

However, these were unsuccessful.

Now both sides are obviously hoping to be able to put themselves in a better negotiating position through military successes in the run-up to the talks.

Zelenskyj describes possible EU accession of Ukraine as "greatest contribution to the future of Europe"

Update from June 18, 6:47 a.m .:

 In the debate about Ukraine’s suitability for Europe, Volodymyr Zelenskyj emphasized the value of his country for the European Union.

"Our rapprochement with the European Union is not only positive for us," said the Ukrainian President in his video address on Friday evening in Kyiv.

"This is the biggest contribution to the future of Europe in many years."

Chancellor Olaf Scholz was confident that the EU members would find a common position on Ukraine's application for membership.

On Friday, the EU Commission recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be classified as candidate countries.

During Scholz's visit to Kyiv the day before, Ukraine had received support from Germany, France, Italy and Romania.

An EU summit next week, at which unanimity is required, is decisive for recognition as a candidate for accession.

"We are one step away from the start of full-fledged integration into the European Union," said Zelenskyy.

The values ​​of Ukraine are European values.

"The Ukrainian institutions remain stable even under the circumstances of the war." Only with the Ukraine will the EU be able to secure its power, independence and development in the future.

The integration will have a positive effect on the citizens: "The closer we stick to other European countries, the more opportunities we will have to ensure a modern, secure life for all Ukrainians."

EU accession of Ukraine - Summit on Thursday

At the EU summit next Thursday and Friday (23/24 June), Scholz said: "We have to accept that this is a unanimous vote by 27 member states and we will have to find a common approach, but I am quite optimistic that we will will be able to do that.” As a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU acted as one, “and we will continue to do so,” said the SPD politician in a TV interview conducted in English by the German Press Agency.

The hurdles to EU membership are high, said Scholz.

Among other things, he referred to the principles of the rule of law and democracy as well as the necessary anti-corruption laws.

This applies to all countries that aspire to join the EU.

"The candidate status would be an important signal to Moscow that the EU will not be intimidated when it comes to defending our values," said Vice-President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley (SPD).

But there should be no hasty admission.

The requirements should not be relaxed either.

This is also important with a view to other accession candidates.

"We owe them equal treatment," said Barley of the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" (Saturday).

Putin rejects the threat of nuclear war

Update from June 17, 8:03 p.m .:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a threat of nuclear war emanating from Russia.

As soon as one reacts to statements by foreign politicians, it is immediately said that Russia is threatening someone, Putin said on Friday at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.

He then added: "We're not threatening anything.

But everyone should know what we have and what we may use to protect our sovereignty.”

Because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has been going on for almost four months, many are concerned that, in the worst case, nuclear weapons could even be used.

Moscow always rejects this intention.

Rather, Russia repeatedly emphasizes that, unlike the United States, it has no right of first strike enshrined in its military doctrine.

Ukraine-News: Putin comments on possible EU accession of Ukraine

Update from June 17, 7:04 p.m .:

According to statements by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Russia has no fundamental objections to Ukraine joining the EU, against which it has been at war for almost four months.

"We don't mind.

It is the sovereign decision of each country to join or not to join economic alliances,” Putin said at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg on Friday.

"In contrast to NATO, the EU is not a military organization, not a political bloc." Whether Ukraine's membership is in the interest of the EU, he said, she should know for herself.

"But the economic structure of Ukraine is such that it will need very large substitutions."

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, speaks during a plenary session of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.

© Dmitri Lovetsky/AP/dpa

The EU Commission had previously spoken out in favor of formally nominating Ukraine and its neighboring country Moldova as candidates for accession to the European Union.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov then said Russia would "monitor the situation very closely."

Ukraine news: Johnson's surprise visit to Kyiv

Update from June 17, 6:37 p.m .:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson traveled to the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Friday to visit President Volodymyr Zelenskyj for the second time.

Video shared by Zelenskyy's office showed the two greeting each other warmly before going into the presidential building for a chat.

The two politicians discussed Ukraine's need for heavy weapons to combat ongoing Russian aggression.

Zelenskyi wrote on his Telegram channel: “The many days of this war have proved that Britain is firmly and resolutely supporting Ukraine.

I'm happy to see our country's great friend Boris Johnson back in Kyiv.” Johnson posted a picture of himself and Zelenskyi in the Ukrainian capital on his official Twitter account.

Also in Kyiv on Thursday, the Ukrainian President met French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Johannis.

Ukraine News: According to Putin, Russia is not to blame for the grain crisis

Update from June 17, 4:19 p.m

.: No blame for the grain crisis?

According to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Russia is not hindering grain exports from Ukraine: "We didn't mine the ports." That's how Putin presented it at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. If Kyiv decides to clear the mines, Moscow will ensure the safety of exports.

However, according to Putin, Ukrainian grain supplies are insignificant for the world market.

Western sanctions against Russia would have a much greater impact on rising food prices, the 69-year-old claimed.

The export of fertilizers in particular endangers future harvests and thus continues to drive up prices.

In addition, Putin accused the US and Europe of increasing food imports and thus fueling competition for the coveted food on world markets.

That started long before the Ukraine war.

Ukraine-News: Putin warship enters territorial waters – Denmark reacts

Update from June 17, 3:28 p.m

.: A Russian warship entered Danish waters near the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm.

The corvette drove twice into the country's sovereign waters north of the island of Christiansø near Bornholm on Friday night, the Danish defense command said.

After a radio message from the Danish Navy, the ship left the area immediately.

Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod summoned the Russian ambassador because of the incident.

It was a deeply irresponsible and totally unacceptable provocation during Folkemødet, Kofod tweeted, referring to an annual political event that is taking place again on Bornholm.

"Bully methods don't work against Denmark," he wrote.

Denmark's Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod © Xander Heinl/Imago

Ukraine negotiations: Zelenskyj announces visa requirements for Russian citizens

Update from June 17, 1:50 p.m .:

Ukraine will introduce a visa requirement for Russian citizens because of Russia’s war of aggression.

The regulation will come into force on July 1, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the online service Telegram.

Ukraine must counter "unprecedented threats to its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Accordingly, the government should make a corresponding formal decision in the course of the day.

Ukraine-News: Reaction from Russia to EU announcement - "requires attention"

Update from June 17, 1:15 p.m .:

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has officially spoken out in favor of Ukraine’s EU accession candidate status.

"Ukraine deserves a European perspective," said the top German politician in Brussels at the presentation of a recommendation to the 27 EU member states.

According to the Commission, the country has clearly expressed its desire and commitment to live up to European values ​​and standards.

"The Ukrainians are ready to die for the European perspective," said von der Leyen, referring to the Russian war of aggression against the country.

You want to enable them to live the European dream.

The Kremlin also commented on Ukraine's EU prospects and was cautious.

, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is not a military-political level

.

Nevertheless, this development requires Russia's increased attention, because they know about the "strengthening of the defense component of the European Union," said Peskov.

"Various transformations are taking place, which we are of course monitoring very closely."

Ukraine-News: Selenskyj thanks the EU Commission - Ukraine as a candidate for accession

Update from June 17, 12:50 p.m.:

The EU Commission is in favor of officially appointing Ukraine and Moldova as candidates for accession to the European Union.

The dpa news agency learned this from commission circles.

The heads of state and government already want to discuss the issue at a summit meeting at the end of next week.

After the decision became known, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and members of the Commission and spoke of a "historic decision".

"This is the first step towards EU membership, which will certainly bring us closer to victory," Zelenskyy said on Twitter.

Ukraine-News: No diplomacy in sight - skepticism on the Ukrainian side

First report from June 17:

Kiev/Munich - In the Ukraine conflict, the heavy clashes between the troops of the Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian troops in the east of the country continue.

This map shows where the Ukraine war is raging.

Given the escalating situation, a diplomatic solution to the conflict seems a long way off.

There have already been some meetings between the two warring parties.

However, so far no significant results have been achieved that would put an end to the Ukraine war.

In any case, at the moment, acts of war are much more in the spotlight than diplomacy.

The Ukrainian side was now skeptical about the Russian proposals after negotiations.

Ukraine is skeptical about Russian proposals to negotiate.

(Archive image) © Uncredited/BelTA/AP/dpa (Archive photo from early March)

Ukraine-News: Podolyak skeptical about negotiations - "Russia wants to deceive the world"

The advisor to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Ukraine's chief negotiator, Mykhailo Podolyak, sees Russia's "endless negotiation proposals" as an "attempt to deceive the world".

Moscow wants to give the impression of a willingness to engage in dialogue, only to then "stab Ukraine in the back," the Ukrainian diplomat wrote on the Messenger service Telegram.

According to Podolyak, Russia aims to establish military bases in the “temporarily occupied areas” under a temporary ceasefire, to accumulate reserves and ultimately to develop the offensive potential of the Russian military for further attacks.

The Ukraine War in Pictures - Destruction, Resistance and Hope

View photo gallery

Ukraine-News: Zelenskyj advisor promises return to negotiations - "only from a strong position"

However, Zelenskyy's adviser did not rule out Ukraine's return to negotiations.

However, Podolyak made it clear that Ukraine will not follow Russian proposals and will only return to the talks if Kyiv sees fit.

"Ukraine will definitely return to the negotiation process," Podolyak wrote.

However, this will only happen "at the right time and with a strong negotiating position".

"Then the Kremlin will look at things soberly and stop getting drunk on its own propaganda," stressed the Ukrainian diplomat.

He also stressed that the Russian economy is returning to the 1990s and even tea bags are in short supply.

In this regard, he also pointed out that Europe is abandoning Russian gas and diversifying in gas suppliers, which will affect half of Russia's gross domestic product.