Berlin

German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock arrives in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to assure Ukraine of Germany's continued support despite the escalation of hostilities and to prepare for the Berlin conference on Ukraine's recovery.

Ukraine and Argentina discussed deepening cooperation in strategic areas such as defense, holding a Ukrainian-Argentine business forum, Argentina's potential participation in the Global Peace Summit, and Argentina's assistance in restoring Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.

France and the Netherlands propose that the EU impose sanctions on any financial institution worldwide that helps the Russian military obtain prohibited goods or dual-use technology.

Another IRIS-T air defense system from Germany will arrive in Ukraine in May, in addition to the two Patriot systems already deployed and the third planned, as Germany continues to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Germany has not done enough to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, and other countries can also do more, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said.

European intelligence agencies are warning of Russian plans for large-scale sabotage across the continent, including explosions, arson and attacks on infrastructure that could lead to civilian casualties, as a new threat emerges involving locals recruited online to attack Western targets.

Activists protested against the expansion of the Tesla plant near Berlin, some of them breaking through fences and clashing with police, resulting in injuries on both sides and several arrests.

Ten people were detained at the May 9 rallies in Berlin for violations such as using St. George's ribbons and insulting police officers.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with German Minister for Development Svenja Schulze to discuss the implementation of joint projects, coordinate work ahead of the Recovery Conference in Berlin in June, and emphasize Ukraine's fruitful cooperation with the German Reconstruction Credit Institution (KfW), which supports small and medium-sized enterprises that are crucial to Ukraine's recovery.

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze's meeting with sacked Ukrainian Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov in Kyiv was canceled after it became known that the Verkhovna Rada had dismissed him.

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.