Berlin

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius asked Switzerland to provide Ukraine with Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, but the outcome is unclear, as Switzerland remains neutral and does not provide weapons to warring countries.

Ukraine celebrates the Day of Reconciliation and Victory over Nazism on May 8, instead of the Soviet Victory Day on May 9, to honor the 9 million Ukrainians who died in World War II, including 5 million civilians and 3-4 million military personnel.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held an online meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Dimitar Glavchev to discuss Ukraine's military needs and Bulgaria's support for Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO.

With German Ambassador Martin Jaeger, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga discussed preparations for the conference on Ukraine's recovery in Berlin and the Inaugural Peace Summit.

Ukraine and Azerbaijan discussed humanitarian cooperation, including Azerbaijan's support in demining Ukrainian land and finalizing updated agreements on combating organized crime and migration policy, during an online meeting between the two countries' interior ministers.

Scholz calls on partners to provide Ukraine with more Patriot air defense systems from their existing stockpiles to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Germany has recalled its ambassador from russia for consultations amid accusations that Moscow was involved in cyberattacks on German defense, aerospace companies and the ruling party.

Germany will not send representatives to the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 7. Berlin emphasizes that the elections in Russia did not meet democratic standards.

A large-scale fire broke out at Diehl's plant in Berlin, which is involved in the production of air defense systems, but it will not affect the production of IRIS-T air defense systems.

The Berlin authorities are considering giving Goebbels' former villa to the new owners free of charge, who will restore and maintain the complex in good condition, as the maintenance of the Nazi facility requires a lot of money.

A large-scale fire at the Diehl Metal Applications metallurgical plant in Berlin, which develops air defense systems, has led to the release of toxic smoke. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors and close windows.

Germany summoned the russian ambassador after completing an investigation into last year's cyberattack on the SPD server. The investigation found that the hacker group APT28, supported by the Russian state, was behind the attack.

Germany and Ukraine will jointly host the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) in Berlin on June 11-12, 2024, aimed at consolidating international support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform and modernization of Ukraine.

Ukraine has invited Azerbaijan to participate at the highest level in the International Peace Summit in Switzerland and the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine in Berlin.

Sydney's bid to join the world's marathons has received an additional boost after it reached a record number of participants in 2024 - 24,000 runners, the largest audience for an Australian endurance marathon.

Germany opposes the confiscation of $300 billion in frozen russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction and military aid, fearing it would set a precedent that could lead to new lawsuits against Germany for World War II crimes.

Germany is developing a plan to support thousands of U. S. troops that could be deployed to NATO's eastern front, including logistics, in the event of a potential armed conflict with Russia.

Germany assures that Ukrainian men will not be deprived of refugee status in the country, despite Ukraine's decision to temporarily suspend consular services for men aged 18-60 abroad.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Europe should continue to increase aid to Ukraine even after the approval of a large aid package from the United States, but he maintained his refusal to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Ukraine and Brazil plan to intensify economic cooperation and increase trade between the two countries.

Germany pressures the United States and other NATO allies to provide Ukraine with more Patriot missile defense systems and other equipment to strengthen its air defense against massive Russian air strikes.

EU ministers failed to promise Ukraine additional Patriot air defense systems at a key meeting, despite pressure to provide more support in the air defense sector amid increased attacks by Russia.

Two children were killed and 15 injured when a car drove into a building hosting a birthday party in Michigan.

Germany is considering the purchase of 8 Patriot air defense missile systems worth about 2. 6 billion euros, which is twice the initial order for 4 systems placed in March.

Ukrainians Ksenia Bailo and Sofia Lyskun won bronze medals in synchronized diving from the 10-meter tower at the World Diving Championships in Xi'an, China.

President Zelenskyy met with German Vice Chancellor Gabek to discuss Ukraine's defense needs, strengthening air defense, rebuilding energy infrastructure, economic cooperation, and preparations for upcoming conferences on Ukraine's recovery and peace efforts.

Centers of the State Enterprise "Document" abroad in 7 countries processed almost 900,000 applications and issued more than 672,000 passports of Ukrainian citizens.

The escalation in the Middle East will not affect Germany's support for Ukraine, Berlin said.

Iran launched a massive attack on Israel, using about 300 drones and missiles. This provoked strong condemnation from the EU and European countries.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has begun a three-day visit to China to strengthen ties with its main trading partner amid Beijing's growing support for Moscow.