“The Russians allow masses of ill-equipped soldiers to rush in.”
Fighting continues on the Ukrainian front. The cities of Kubyansk and Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region are particularly exposed to Russian fire. Ukrainian authorities reported violent attacks and attempts to encircle the Russians. General (retired) Klaus Wittmann catalogs the events of the war.
You can listen to our WELT podcasts here
In order to view embedded content, it is necessary to obtain your revocable consent to the transfer and processing of personal data, as providers of embedded content require this consent as third-party service providers. [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to „On”, you agree to this (revocable at any time). This also includes your consent to the transfer of certain personal data to third countries, including the USA, in accordance with Article 49(1)(a) of the GDPR. You can find more information about this. You can revoke your consent at any time using the key and privacy at the bottom of the page.
The British Ministry of Defense describes the attacks in eastern Ukraine as “possibly the most significant attack by Russia since at least January 2023.” It is clear that the slow progress and high number of casualties led to a change in strategy.
DrThe British Ministry of Defense classifies the Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine as perhaps the largest wave of attacks in months. The British said on Tuesday: “It is likely that Russia has begun a coordinated attack on multiple axes in eastern Ukraine.” In your daily update on SMS service with.
Russian armed forces have been aggressively attacking the city of Avdiivka for a long time. The British wrote that the city had so far been a major obstacle to the Russians controlling the Donetsk region, which is partly occupied by Moscow. According to their estimates, several tank brigades may attempt to besiege the city. “This is perhaps the most significant attack by Russia since at least January 2023.”
The British said that entrenched Ukrainian forces had so far prevented the Russian advance. The slow progress and high casualty numbers are now likely to prompt a change of strategy in Russia – from offensive to 'active defence’ as it looks increasingly unlikely that it will succeed in controlling Avdiivka in the short term.
Read also
Oil export revenues
The British Ministry of Defense publishes daily information about the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Moscow accuses London of misleading.
Russia announced the defense of eight Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula it annexed
Russia said it confronted eight Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula, which it annexed, on Tuesday evening. Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov wrote on Telegram that the drones had been shot down or disabled „by electronic warfare.” According to local authorities, three more drones were shot down on Monday evening in the Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine.
Against the backdrop of the Ukrainian counterattack, drone attacks on Russian territory and the annexed Crimean Peninsula have increased in recent weeks. The capital, Moscow, was also a target.
Ukraine announces attacks on Russian bases in the occupied East
The Ukrainian army said it successfully attacked Russian bases near the occupied eastern cities of Luhansk and Berdyansk. The army said via Telegram that the armed forces there specifically attacked enemy airports and helicopters.
According to Russian information, Ukrainian missile attacks were repelled near the coastal city of Berdyansk on the Sea of Azov. This was announced by the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhya region in southeastern Ukraine, Vladimir Rogov.
Here you will find content from third parties
In order to view embedded content, it is necessary to obtain your revocable consent to the transfer and processing of personal data, as providers of embedded content require this consent as third-party service providers. [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to „On”, you agree to this (revocable at any time). This also includes your consent to the transfer of certain personal data to third countries, including the USA, in accordance with Article 49(1)(a) of the GDPR. You can find more information about this. You can revoke your consent at any time using the key and privacy at the bottom of the page.
This audio version was created artificially. More information | Send your opinion
The Crimean Bridge near Kerch plays an important role in the logistics of Russian forces in Ukraine. Moscow expects Ukraine to launch an attack on Putin’s majestic palace in the coming days, and threatens the consequences.
Russia warned of a „devastating retaliatory strike” if Ukraine attacks Crimea or the Crimean Bridge with Western support. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Moscow at a press conference: “I would like to once again warn Washington, London and Brussels that any aggressive actions against Crimea will not only be doomed to failure, but will also be met with a devastating retaliatory strike.” In the Russian capital.
In recent days, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been observed using several ATACMS missiles against Crimea. Zakharova said: “According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, all the missiles launched were destroyed.” She expressed doubts that the government in Kiev was planning a major attack before or on May 9. On this day, Russia celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Germany in World War II.
Attacks on anti-aircraft systems
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that it had intercepted six ATACMS missiles over the Crimean Peninsula. However, independent media reported attacks on three military bases on the peninsula. The attacks were aimed at confronting Russian air defense systems.
The independent Internet portal Astra reported that a fire broke out during an attack on an anti-aircraft position near Simferopol. Djankoy Airport, where the helicopter regiment and anti-aircraft defense forces are based, also came under fire. According to Astra, four soldiers were injured in an attack on a military facility in the Chornomorsky region, northwest of the peninsula. The United States had announced that it would also deliver long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine as part of the new weapons package. In previous deliveries, its range was limited to 165 km.
The Crimean Bridge near Kerch, opened by Kremlin President Vladimir Putin in 2018, connects southern Russia to the peninsula that was annexed in violation of international law, and constitutes an important supply route for Russian associations in southern Ukraine. At the end of October 2022, an explosion stopped traffic on the bridge for several months. Marine drone and missile attacks later followed. Kiev has repeatedly stressed that it wants to liberate the peninsula.
Russia uses 'meat grinder tactics’ in Ukraine. Criticism of the Ukrainian army leadership and Supreme Commander Zelensky is growing.
KIEV – “The situation on the front is very bad,” 19-year-old Margarita tells a reporter in Kiev Daily news. “I am completely dissatisfied with those responsible for this. No one is helping our boys there.” Ukraine war It is called in Ukraine As ironic as the “meat grinder tactic”: More than 1,000 Russian soldiers die every day, but the strategy is still effective. With Russia’s successes on the front, Ukrainians’ satisfaction with their government also began to decline Volodymyr Zelensky.
How is that Institute for the study of war ISW wrote in its report issued on May 2 that Russia has deployed between 50,000 and 70,000 soldiers and is preparing for the next attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine lacks soldiers and weapons.
Ukraine war: The situation on the front is bad – and trust in the media is diminishing
Ukrainian media also reflects that the situation on the front is not rosy for Ukraine. “No Reasonable Path to Victory,” is the headline Kyiv Post on Thursday, citing a US intelligence official. And even after that, the main article is no longer more positive – it talks, among other things, about the fact of discovering the activities of Russian intelligence in several European countries.
In the Independent Kyiv It concerns the possible case of Chasev Yar, reports of the terrible situation at the front, the poor mental health of soldiers and: The government advises Kiev residents not to visit churches on the upcoming Orthodox Easter on May 5 for security reasons.
Less money, same news: criticizing the media landscape changed by the war in Ukraine
All of these are indicators that the public mood in Ukraine has become increasingly critical. And also when it comes to the report itself: like this Daily news According to reports, more and more Ukrainians are dissatisfied with the state of press freedom, and more and more Ukrainians are obtaining information via Telegram channels or local media.
With the beginning of the major Russian offensive and war in Ukraine, six TV channels merged and have been broadcasting the same news ever since. Budgets have been reduced, and the measure has been maintained. Only a third of Ukrainians still trust TV news.
An intelligence officer talks about peace negotiations with Russia – criticism of Zelensky is growing
It is not helpful that Secret Service officer Vadim Sybitsky was giving an interview in the USA Reuters Reports said that Ukraine would have to enter into peace negotiations with Russia at some point. This, while at the same time President Zelensky is promoting peace talks in Switzerland Russia It was expressly excluded.
the Daily news He spoke to journalist and Zelensky critic Yuri Butusov, who said that the army command with Supreme Commander Zelensky had lulled people into a false sense of security for a long time and made wrong strategic decisions that the troops were no longer able to correct. (cat)
HIt was a violation of the taboo that overshadowed the Ukraine aid conference in February: French President Emmanuel Macron stated openly that he did not explicitly rule out the use of Western ground forces in Ukraine. He explained that the Europeans do not agree on this issue, again, especially Paris and Berlin.
In a statement published today, Thursday Interview with The Economist magazine Macron has reignited the debate. “If the Russians penetrate the front lines and if Ukraine asks for it — which it has not done so far — then we will rightly have to ask ourselves that question,” Macron said of the deployment of ground forces. France is a country that has sent its forces several times at the request of other sovereign states, for example in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel region.
Macron continued that ruling something out in advance means not learning any lessons from the past two years. “At the NATO summit in the summer of 2022, we all ruled out the delivery of tanks, deep-sea missiles and aircraft. We are all doing this now, so it would be wrong to leave out the rest.
Read also
„Permanent neutrality”
Macron said: “I do not rule out anything because we are facing those who do not rule anything out either,” referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He continued: “Our credibility also depends on a certain ability to deter by not revealing what we will or will not do.” Russia’s aggressive reaction to his statements about sending Western ground forces showed that this position was already having an impact.
There was immediate reaction from Hungary on Thursday. “If a NATO member uses ground forces (in Ukraine), this will be a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia and thus a third world war,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó told LCI radio.
The strategic ambiguity contradicts Schulz’s policy in dealing with Ukraine
For Macron, the potential deployment of ground forces is an expression of strategic ambiguity. This approach almost means that you don’t let anyone see your papers, you don’t exclude anything, and you don’t draw any red lines. This contradicts the Ukraine policy pursued by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the federal government. Schulz justified his negative stance on the deployment of long-range Taurus cruise missiles by saying that the use of Taurus missiles would not be possible except with the participation of German soldiers. The federal government also details the support Ukraine has received since the outbreak of war.
Given these different schools of thought between Berlin and Paris, it is not surprising that Macron openly praised the other countries in an interview with The Economist. “Today I welcome the very strong commitment, especially from Canadians and Americans, along with the British and members of the European Union,” Macron said, referring to the announcements made by the heads of state and government at the pro-Ukrainian conference on February 26. Grant.
Read also
French Foreign Minister
Together they decided to produce in Ukraine as well, train soldiers in Ukraine, better protect the borders with Belarus and Moldova, as well as carry out maintenance on Ukrainian territory. Macron said that there is also a new alliance to supply medium-range missiles, without specifying this point. It is known that the United States is now supplying Ukraine with ATACMS missiles that can fly up to 300 kilometers. According to the international definition, medium-range missiles have a range of at least 1,000 kilometers.
Much of the interview revolves around ideas about Europe’s „strategic autonomy.” Seven years ago, Macron first coined the term in a speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris. With the war in Ukraine, Berlin and other capitals also realized that Europe must take care of its own security – including nuclear deterrence.
“Deterrence is the essence of sovereignty,” Macron told The Economist. He therefore welcomes considerations from Germany on the creation of a European missile defense shield, which France has not yet joined, or from Poland on the deployment of NATO nuclear weapons in the country. Macron stressed: “We Europeans must sit at the table to create a coherent framework.” The goal is to build a security guarantee for every European country. Non-EU member states, such as Great Britain and Norway, should also be taken into account.
Macron on China’s economic policy: „We did not want to see that”
Macron also shared his thoughts on China. President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Paris on Monday and Tuesday. Macron said he would persuade Xi to support an „Olympic ceasefire” during the Summer Olympics in Paris. The United Nations accepted a similar request from France in November.
“It is in our interest to ensure China’s commitment to the stability of the international system,” Macron said. Russia as a destabilizing force, the Middle East sliding into chaos, or Iran capable of equipping itself with nuclear weapons – none of this is in China’s interest today. „It is therefore necessary to work with China to achieve peace.”
Read also
But when it comes to economic policy, Macron will likely try to put some pressure on Xi. The EU Commission is currently conducting a formal anti-subsidy investigation because China appears to be pushing excess capacity of subsidized electric vehicles into the European market. The German auto industry in particular is critical of potentially punitive tariffs – including retroactive ones – because it fears retaliation in China.
The Americans have stopped trying to hold China to the rules of international trade. “They responded themselves,” Macron said, referring to the Inflation Reduction Act, a massive support package from US President Joe Biden. “We Europeans did not want to see that. This is a big mistake,” Macron said. He again called for Europe to also use subsidies to build its champions in electric mobility, wind energy and artificial intelligence.
Macron talks about a deal with Merkel
Europe considered itself an open market and lived accordingly. We believed that the correct strategy to retain people strategically and geopolitically was trade. “Russia has shown us the opposite,” Macron said.
He referred to the agreement he concluded with Angela Merkel in 2018. There was an agreement with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the time, in which he abandoned his blockade against Nord Stream 2, and Merkel abandoned her blockade of nuclear energy. In 2021, Merkel agreed to classify nuclear energy as a green technology at the European Union level.
Here you will find content from third parties
In order to view embedded content, it is necessary to obtain your revocable consent to the transfer and processing of personal data, as providers of embedded content require this consent as third-party service providers. [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to „On”, you agree to this (revocable at any time). This also includes your consent to the transfer of certain personal data to third countries, including the USA, in accordance with Article 49(1)(a) of the GDPR. You can find more information about this. You can revoke your consent at any time using the key and privacy at the bottom of the page.
Last week, Macron painted a bleak vision for Europe in a speech at the Sorbonne. He added: „Europe could die.” A similar tone was used in The Economist, albeit less decisively.
“If we Europeans want to have any impact in the world, we have to be more creative and ambitious than others, because we are missing two fundamental things. We don’t have the demographics and we don’t have the energy,” Macron said. “We have to redouble our efforts. We have to double our ambitions. Europeans are richer than they think, but they have not used their capital wisely. “There is reason for optimism as we move forward together.”
