Ukrainian Ambassador Proposes Drone Training for German Military

The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has expressed confidence that the Bundeswehr could benefit from training in drone operations, stating that Ukraine is ready to share its extensive experience in this area. In an interview, Makeiev emphasized that no German soldier possesses the same level of experience with drone warfare as those in Ukraine, who have been engaged in ongoing conflict with Russia.

Makeiev also highlighted the potential advantages for Germany stemming from Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO. He noted that Ukraine has a well-trained military comprising nearly one million personnel, which could provide significant strategic advantage against Russian forces. According to the ambassador, the Ukrainian military is one of the strongest in Europe, and its involvement in NATO would be a substantial asset.

Furthermore, Makeiev stated that Ukraine is fully prepared to contribute significantly to NATO in the event of a conflict scenario, expressing a readiness to act decisively should a collective defense situation arise.

In a separate incident, Russian authorities reported a drone attack in the border city of Kursk, resulting in casualties, including the death of an elderly woman and injuries to nine others. The regional administration described the attack as severe, with significant damage to residential buildings and the necessity for evacuations.

Reports indicate that the city experienced over twenty explosions, though these claims remain unverified. Local officials are investigating the situation further.

In addition, following a deadly missile strike in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, officials confirmed that the attack coincided with a gathering of military personnel. The governor did not clarify the meeting's purpose or attendees. Previous criticisms had been raised regarding the safety of such gatherings, particularly near the Russian border, as they are considered potential targets for Russian attacks. The recent missile strike resulted in at least 35 fatalities and around 120 injuries, prompting condemnation from several Western leaders.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and current U.S. President Joe Biden, suggesting they share blame for the war's outbreak. He argued that Selenskyy had opportunities to prevent the conflict and reiterated his belief that the war was a failure of leadership on both sides. Trump asserted that any attempt to end the war should involve concessions from Ukraine, including a potential withdrawal of its NATO ambitions.

In the context of military support, Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has been cautious regarding the proposal to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, citing the need for broader consensus among European partners before proceeding.

The European Court of Human Rights has confirmed that it is reviewing a Ukrainian complaint against Russia for alleged assassination attempts against government critics up until 2020, highlighting concerns over targeted killings sanctioned by Russian authorities.

As discussions regarding military assistance and strategic alliances continue, the engagement of various international actors remains critical in shaping the ongoing conflict and potential resolutions.