Scholz Sounds the Alarm: Can Diplomacy Bring an End to the Devastating Conflict with Russia
Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Latest Updates
Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Accelerated Peace Efforts in Ukraine War
4:10 pm: Latvia Reports Incident with Suspected Russian Drone in its Airspace
A drone flew into Latvian airspace over Belarus and crashed in the town of Rēzekne. The Ministry of Defense in Riga said that an investigation is being carried out into the incident. NATO was also notified.
The Latvian armed forces discovered the unmanned flying object as it entered the airspace, tracked its movement and then found the crash site. It is not clear how a Russian drone was able to pass through Belarus to Latvia unhindered. The investigation is ongoing.
Ukraine had previously reported a number of drone attacks by Russia and also reported that some flying objects had entered the airspace of the Republic of Belarus. Belarus has also complained repeatedly of late about airspace violations. A Russian drone also flew over Romanian territory during the night before entering Ukrainian airspace again.
3:14 pm: Russian Offensive Towards Pokrovsk Continues
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the town of Novohrodiwka was brought under control. The town is about twelve kilometers from Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, according to a pro-Russian military blogger, Russian troops are already attacking Novohrodivka in at least two locations less than seven kilometers from Pokrovsk.
Russian troops have been advancing slowly but steadily on the front in the east for some time.
1:44 pm: Romania Denies New Violation of its Airspace by Russian Drone
The defense ministry in Bucharest said the drone crossed Romanian airspace early in the morning during an attack on Ukraine. Military aircraft from the Romanian Air Force were monitoring the situation and residents in the regions of Tulcea and Constanta in the south-east were warned.
The Foreign Ministry condemned the “renewed violation” of Romanian airspace and called on Moscow to refrain from its repeated “illegal attacks” that could lead to an “irresponsible escalation” in the region. The ministry also calls for compliance with international law.
1:29 pm: Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Peace Conference with Russia
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken in favor of accelerated peace efforts in the Ukraine war. “I think now is the moment when we also have to discuss how we can go from this war situation to peace faster,” said Scholz.
A peace conference must be held in the future with Russia. He agreed on this with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “There will definitely be another peace conference,” Scholz said, but did not give a date.