The German government announced on Saturday May 13 that it was preparing a new military aid plan for Ukraine worth 2.7 billion euros, including the delivery of numerous tanks, armored vehicles and anti-aircraft defense systems. “We all want a quick end to this atrocious war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately it is not in sight. That is why Germany will provide all the help it can, for as long as necessary. “, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. Follow our live.
Ukraine claimed gains near the devastated city of Bakhmout in the east of the country, the epicenter of fighting with Russian forces. The boss of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigojine, confirmed the Ukrainian breakthrough, while accusing the Russian regular army of having “flee” his positions.
China is on the move. Beijing has announced the dispatch of a special representative to Ukraine, Russia and three European countries. Chinese Ambassador Li Hui is due to visit Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Russia from Monday to discuss “of a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis”.
Agreement on cereals. Turkish Defense Minister Hulsi Akar announced that the extension for the third time of the agreement on the export of Ukrainian cereals was close to being concluded.
On the diplomatic front, Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet in Rome, where he arrived on Saturday morning, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and head of government Giorgia Meloni. A meeting with Pope Francis is also on the program, announced the Ukrainian President on Twitter.