liveblog
Vice Chancellor Habeck arrived in Ukraine together with a business delegation. US Treasury Secretary Yellen criticizes the blocking of aid to Ukraine by Republicans in Congress as “inexcusable.” All developments in the live blog.
07:06 am
Habeck arrived in Kyiv to visit
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kiev for a visit. He will be accompanied by a business delegation. The focus of the trip is Russia’s recent attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, emergency aid, strengthening the Ukrainian economy and economic relations with Germany.
During his visit, the Economics Minister also wants to prepare the Ukraine Recovery Conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June. Upon his arrival, Habeck said that the visit came at a time when Ukraine needed all support in its fight for freedom. “And it is a fight for freedom.” He added: “Yes, Ukraine is fighting for its own self-determination, for its territorial integrity against Putin’s aggression, but it is also fighting for the values that unite and define Europe.”
Habeck wants to meet President Volodymyr Selenskyj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economics Julia Svyrydenko and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in Kiev, among others. Habeck will then travel on to Moldova, where he wants to meet, among others, Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
Rebecca Barth, ARD Kiev, tagesschau, April 18, 2024 6:52 a.m
05:25 am
China: Eurasia envoy consults with Ambassador of Ukraine
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Chinese government’s representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, consulted with the Ukrainian ambassador there, Pavlo Riabikin, in Beijing. The two exchanged their views on the Ukraine crisis at a meeting. Another topic was the bilateral relations between China and Ukraine. The ministry does not provide any details. Li Hui is his government’s special envoy to Ukraine and was formerly ambassador to Moscow.
In March he said that China wanted an international peace conference in which Russia and Ukraine would participate on equal terms. The Chinese government has backed the planned international peace conference in Switzerland. Switzerland is hosting this in mid-June at Ukraine’s request. Russia has said it will not take part.
3:31 a.m
US Treasury Secretary Yellen: Blocking Ukraine aid in Congress “inexcusable”
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has criticized the Republicans’ blocking of aid to Ukraine as “inexcusable” in Congress. After meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, Yellen said US aid to Ukraine is more important than ever. “The failure of House Republicans to support Ukraine for so long at this crucial moment in the war is inexcusable – and damaging to our national security,” Yellen said.
For his part, Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmygal emphasized the importance of US aid to his country, especially given Russia’s determination to undermine its economy. “We count on the United States to continue to support Ukraine in its fight,” he said. He hopes for the release of the aid package to Ukraine, including direct financial support.
3:31 a.m
Russian authorities: 14 missiles intercepted over Belgorod
According to local authorities, Russian air defense intercepted 14 Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod border region in the evening. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on the Telegram text message service that the city of the same name, Belgorod, was in his sights. Nobody was injured. However, several houses were damaged in the Ukrainian airstrike. A single drone was also intercepted and destroyed over Voronezh Oblast, said the local governor, Alexander Gusev. A woman was injured and several buildings were damaged. Voronezh and Belgorod are located in the south of Russia and both border Ukraine. They have repeatedly been the target of Ukrainian attacks.
Conflict parties as a source
In the current situation, information on the course of the war, shelling and casualties provided by official bodies of the Russian and Ukrainian parties to the conflict cannot be directly verified by an independent body.
3:31 a.m
Wednesday’s live blog for reading
The leader of the US House of Representatives expects a vote on the aid package for Kiev on Saturday. The federal government is launching an initiative to provide additional anti-aircraft equipment. The developments in the live blog.