Ukraine News: Sweden Announces Record Military Aid

t-online Ukraine News: Sweden Announces Record Military Aid David Schafbuch • 4 hours • 4 minutes reading time News blog on the Ukraine War New military aid for Ukraine – record number of Russian recruits Russian soldiers in Kursk: The military has called up a record number of new recruits. Ukraine is receiving record military aid from an EU country. Russia is calling up a large number of new recruits. All developments in the news blog. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi: He has again signaled his willingness to negotiate in the Ukraine war. China wants to "take into account the aspirations of the parties involved," RIA Novosti quoted the top diplomat as saying before a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. However, China supports Russia in defending its "interests." Beijing has never condemned Russia's actions, but presents itself as neutral in the conflict. Putin calls up record number of recruits As it does every spring, Russia is calling up conscripts for the army. But this year the number is particularly high. Protection against Russia: Latvia buys new anti-aircraft missiles Against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Latvia is continuing to rearm and will purchase portable RBS 70 NG anti-aircraft missile systems worth €200 million. A corresponding purchase agreement has been signed with the Swedish manufacturer Saab, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the company. The arms deal includes 70 weapon systems, including missiles and related equipment, which are to be delivered gradually to the Baltic EU and NATO country between 2026 and 2030. Latvia already owns RBS 70 NGs, which the army reportedly uses to protect important facilities and airspace. Sweden promises Ukraine its largest military aid package to date Sweden has promised Ukraine its largest military aid package to date, worth 16 billion kroner (approximately €1.48 billion). Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told reporters on Monday that his government is doing this against the backdrop of the "critical phase" of the war in the Eastern European country. Sweden wants to support Ukraine so that it can enter negotiations with Russia about a possible ceasefire from a position of strength. The aid package will be geared to the needs of invaded Ukraine, Jonson further explained. The largest portion of the money, nine billion kroner, will be used to purchase new military equipment. This material will be manufactured "primarily" by Swedish companies, but also by other European countries. In total, according to the government, Sweden has now provided around 80 billion kroner (approximately €7.4 billion) in military aid to Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesperson: Putin Remains Open to Telephone Call with Trump Following media reports on US President Donald Trump's expressions of displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has indicated openness to talks. Putin has not yet scheduled a new telephone call with Trump, but this could be arranged quickly, Peskov told Russian news agencies. Putin remains open to such an exchange. Regarding Trump's broadside against Putin, Peskov said some of the statements were recounted. They were not verbatim quotes. "Very Angry": Now Trump Threatens Putin The US President wants peace in Ukraine, but Russia has so far shown little willingness to compromise. Now Donald Trump is threatening the Kremlin. Russia is apparently bringing nuclear weapons to Belarus or preparing to station them there. This is suggested by research by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The focus of the observations is two military installations in the country's interior: the 1,405th. Ammunition base and the base near Asipovichy.