Day 71 (5 May)
On Tuesday, Friedrich Merz was the first German politician to visit Kyiv since the invasion and to meet Zelenskyy. However, he is the leader of the opposition party. Scholz did not accept the invitation to visit, as Frank-Walter Steinmeier (President) was not invited due to his ties with Putin. Today, (Thursday) Zelenskyy has invited German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to meet him in Kyiv after a conversation with Stenmeier that resolved previous issues.
Russia has been sending aid to Mariupol with ‘Z’ on the boxes, and a slogan saying they look after their own. No doubt this is propaganda for the Russians.
There are reports of bombings at the Azovstal steelworks where the Russians have made an offensive attack. However, Russia has claimed they will reopen humanitarian corridors on the 5,6, and 7 May where there will be a ceasefire. That account does not correlate with other reports that indicate that Russian troops have entered the steel works.
The UK has stated that they will assist in defending Finland if Russia invades, even if they are not NATO members.
Ukraine has named an embankment after Boris Johnson, and a street will be named after him in Odesa. The UK was one of the first countries to offer assistance to Ukraine and has continued to do so. The same cannot be said of France or Germany.
The UK and Japan have agreed to work together to ensure autocratic powers do not threaten the democracy in the world. They will work together to provide relief and also participate in joint defensive exercises.
Japan has instigated further sanctions against Russian individuals after talks with the UK.
Reports state that Russians are shooting at hospitals and ambulances. Hospitals have had to cover the windows to protect the building when they are operating on patients, and have had to give advice over the phone.
Putin has apologised for Sergei Lavrov’s comments claiming Hitler was part Jewish. This can be seen as a means to perhaps to stop Israel sending weapons to Ukraine.
Plans for 9 May Victory Day are being made in Russia. Putin probably plans to parade some prisoners of war, and more propaganda will be spread.
The EU is already starting to plan the reconstruction of Ukraine with $6.5 billion in support pledged. This includes support for EU membership and to assist displaced Ukrainians during the war.
Zelenskyy spoke to the UN Secretary General and asked him to assist in evacuating the wounded, but did not specify if the wounded soldiers were included in the request, but stated that everyone was important. Putin however has said the Mariupol defenders must surrender and only civilians can be evacuated. The alleged ceasefire by the Russians was not honoured again, and evacuation attempts were hampered by the firing on the steelworks. However, the Russians deny they have attacked the steelworks. https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-ukrayini-proviv-telefonnu-rozmovu-z-generalnim-sek-74773
I am bleary-eyed from staying up late to watch UK local elections returns, but just wish to say that for the sake of Ukraine, I hope last night's result do not lead to complete upheaval whilst UK government support for Ukraine remains as critical as it is. Not quite the bloodbath here at home many predicted, but bad enough for many disgruntled Tory councillors to wish the PM at the bottom of the Thames. I believe things in Ukraine are at a critical point where Putin knows he made a terrible mistake and cannot take Ukraine except by obliterating it, which is a fool's victory. Support by America, Britain, and the EU is absolutely critical if the West is to wound Putin lethally. Back to afternoon nap, although still waiting on results north of the Tweed and in NI. Best to all, TC
Discouraging that the EU is putting funds away for the rebuilding of Ukraine, rather than focus on stopping further destruction now.