THEEurope asks to Israel to "immediately" put an end to military operations underway in Rafah because these are moves that are making one even worse humanitarian situation already very difficult and which will "inevitably" lead to new tensions in relations between the EU and Israel. The EU High Representative for External Action wrote this in a note Josep Borrell. Meanwhile, as regards theUkraine, the Pentagon spokesperson says that "the situation on the battlefield at the moment is difficult". The Ukrainians “continue to take measures to defend their territory and we will do everything possible to provide them with the ammunition and critical supplies they need,” he added. The situation is considered "worrying".
Ukraine, Russian forces enter Kharkiv
Ukraine admits that it has withdrawn military forces from several settlements in the country Kharkiv region, in the north east of the country. The situation on the ground, on the third front of the conflict opened by the Russian troops who crossed the border to the north on Friday last week, is worsening so much that the President Volodymir Zelensky, so “the most difficult situation” is now in the Kharkiv and regions Donetsk, canceled a visit to Spain e Portugal.
“In some areas, around Lukyantsi e Vovchansk – two settlements 30 kilometers away, and close to the border with Russia – in response to enemy fire and assaults by ground forces, to save the lives of our men and avoid losses, our units carried out maneuvers and they are moved to more advantageous positions,” announced the Ukrainian General Staff during the night between yesterday and today, using the formula used by both sides in this war to confirm a withdrawal. The situation, it is specified, "remains difficult" but Kiev's forces "are not letting the Russian occupiers gain a foothold".
Russian forces managed to penetrate, in two different directions, 5-7 kilometers into the Kharkiv region and take control of positions of the Ukrainian Border Guard, despite reinforcements from the Intelligence Directorate (Hur) sent in the meantime. Moscow It also claims control of several settlements near the border and has managed to enter the cities of Vovchansk and Lyptsi.
Zelensky cancels mission to Spain
Ukrainian President Zelensky has therefore deleted at the last moment mission abroad: On Friday he was due to attend a reception hosted in his honor by King Felipe of Spain. With the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez should have signed a bilateral security agreement on the model of the agreements already signed with Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark e Canada. A spokesperson for the Portuguese government confirmed the cancellation of the visit, but without specifying the reason.
Putin's moves and the use of extra profits
Il Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, on the eve of his trip to China He said he supported Beijing's plan for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, saying that China has a full understanding of what lies behind the crisis. Putin, speaking to the Chinese news agency Xinhua Ahead of his visit to Beijing this week, he said Russia remains open to dialogue and talks to resolve the more than two-year-old conflict. The Chinese plan and the further "principles" made public by president Xi Jinping last month, according to Putin, take into account the factors underlying the conflict. “Our assessment of China's approach to resolving the Ukrainian crisis is positive. In Beijing they truly understand the root causes of the crisis and its global geopolitical significance." And the additional principles, established by Xi in talks with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are “realistic and constructive steps” that “develop the idea of the need to overcome the cold war mentality”. “We have never refused to negotiate, we are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and just solution to this conflict by peaceful means. We are open to dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours,” the Russian president argued.
Meanwhile, the green light arrives from the Permanent Representatives of the 27 (Coreper II) to the three regulatory texts that provide for the use of extra profits from Russian assets in favor of Ukraine, for the sending of military aid and the reconstruction of the country. The final ratification is expected on May 21st at the Business Council.
Israel rejects UN resolution on Palestine
The Israeli government unanimously rejected the proposal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the recent UN General Assembly Resolution which allows the Palestine to become member of the United Nations. The prime minister's office made this known. “We will not give a reward for the terrible massacre of October 7th. We will not allow them – Netanyahu said – to create a terrorist state from which they can attack us even more forcefully."
“No one – added the prime minister – will prevent Israel from exercising our fundamental right to defend ourselves, neither in the general assembly of the United Nations nor in any other entity. We will stand together with our heads held high to defend our country." Today's government decision - announced on the day the Palestinians celebrate the Nakba - means that for Israel "it does not change the status of the disputed areas, does not confer any rights and does not prejudice any rights of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel." Furthermore, the UN decision "will not constitute a basis for future negotiations and has no purpose to promote a peaceful solution." Israel has always maintained that the birth of the Palestinian state must be entrusted to direct negotiations between the parties.
Hezbollah commander killed
Rain of rockets Hezbollah, meanwhile, in the Mount Meron area, in northern Israel, where the alarm sirens continue to sound. The attack appears to be the pro-Iranian Lebanese group's response to the killing of one of its senior commanders in an Israeli attack last night. Hussein Ibrahim Makki was fatally hit by a drone while driving near Tyre, southern Lebanon.
WSJ: new weapons from the US to Israel
Administration Biden has notified Congress of its intent to proceed with the sale of new weapons to Israel for about 1,25 billion dollars. The reports it Wall Street Journal which cites government and congressional sources. This decision comes less than a week after the White House decided to suspend the shipment of highly charged bombs due to the planned Israeli assault on Rafah. This latest weapons package includes the transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells.
