The People are very impressive in the parade but their hardware is nothing compared to the weapons of NATO.

International • 18:20 • Modified at 18:23
'Trump distances himself from Putin again'
Author : Lotte van Coevorden
The 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine, which is supported by Europe, Ukraine and the US, shows that Europe has managed to get the US on their side for the time being. 'It is clear that Trump is now seeking distance from Putin', says Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German leader Friedrich Merz, British leader Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, dubbed the "coalition of the willing," met in Kyiv today. ( ANP/AFP )

French President Emmanuel Macron, German leader Friedrich Merz, British leader Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” met in Kyiv today. They met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who voiced support for the European proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which is set to take effect on Monday.

But how exactly Trump will respond to the proposal is still unclear. 'In Europe, heavy sanctions have been announced if Russia does not want to cooperate. From the US, Trump seems to be adopting a wait-and-see attitude for the time being. But of course you can never know exactly what Trump will post on social media,' says Hahn.

'The ball is now in Russia's court'
Geert Jan Hahn, European reporter BNR
At the same time, according to the Europa correspondent, this is a strong signal of unity within the NATO bloc and solidarity with Ukraine. 'NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also responded positively.' Rutte attended an online meeting today, which was an addition to the physical visit of the European leaders to Kyiv. 'These are clearly the most important countries that, together with the US, are pushing for a ceasefire from Monday,' says Hahn. 'And now the ball is in Russia's court.'

'Proposal is confrontational'
Russia has already responded to the proposal, but does not seem willing to accept a ceasefire under Western conditions. 'The Kremlin calls the proposal confrontational, especially because of the threat of severe sanctions if Russia does not cooperate, which shows that they are not very keen on it,' says Hahn. 'At the same time, Russia has also made a proposal for a ceasefire, which should be in effect at this point. However, both countries report that fighting is still taking place; that shows that it is not working.'

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According to Hahn, Russia should therefore give the proposal of the European leaders, Ukraine and the US a chance. 'But Russia seems to feel pressured and is holding off. Perhaps they also hope that the US will eventually be willing to seek rapprochement again.'

Funeral of Pope Francis
The Pope's funeral, 'where Trump and Zelensky sat knee-to-knee on those little chairs in St. Peter's Basilica', turned out to be a golden move, Hahn thinks. 'Since then, the relationship has improved, they've called, and now this is the result. It was a big risk, but for now it seems worth it.'

Finally Russia makes a step still a long way though.

Putin calls for 'direct talks' with Ukraine

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce821nl3251o

'Russian economy worse than Moscow admits'
Author : ANP
The Russian economy is in much worse shape than the Russians themselves say, according to EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy). Research by the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics, which was discussed at a meeting of EU finance ministers on Tuesday, shows this. 'Their analysis highlights the unreliability of Russian statistics. The Russian economy is not performing as well as the official statistics suggest,' Dombrovskis said afterwards.

The vulnerability of the Russian economy is increasing, the analysis shows. According to Dombrovskis, this underscores the importance of measures taken by the international community "to limit the Kremlin's ability to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine."

A seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia is currently being worked on. Each new package requires the approval of all 27 member states. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get Hungary on board.

Fossil fuels
According to the European Commissioner, Russia's economic prospects depend primarily on the export of fossil fuels. According to him, limiting exports is the most effective way to 'reduce the source of income for the Russian war machine'.

An increasing share of Russia's budget is financed by taxes, not by oil or gas revenues, Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Doma?ski added. "When you know that the Russian economy is getting weaker, you know that sanctions work. That can encourage further action if necessary."

The European Commission wants to stop all EU imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.

Heavy losses on the Russian side also.

I agree with Rutte what the current American government has achieved already since January is amazing they take the lead and hopefully the world will be more peaceful.

'Chechen power vacuum is Putin's nightmare'
Author : Mark van Harreveld
Vladimir Putin is very concerned about a possible power vacuum in Chechnya, the semi-autonomous Caucasus state of Ramzan Kadyrov, writes security expert Luke Coffey of the American think tank Hudson Institute. For some time now, persistent reports and rumors have been circulating that Kadyrov is seriously ill, is preparing an exit and may want to move to the Arab Emirates. A poorly arranged succession is a nightmare for Putin, Russia has had anything but pleasant experiences with the Caucasus republic.

In early May, Kadyrov had a conversation with Putin, and according to observers, the dictator asked his Kremlin boss to be relieved of his post. Kadyrov's real intentions remain a mystery, and in the past Kadyrov has threatened to resign, often to obtain concessions and support from Moscow. Because the relationship between Ramzan Kadyrov and Putin has always been very transactional, according to Coffey. 'The president gets a loyal lieutenant who rules one of Russia's most unstable regions with an iron fist, and in return Kadyrov enjoys protection from the Kremlin.' Moscow subsidizes Chechnya generously, Kadyrov publicly demonstrates his unwavering loyalty to Putin, and he and his closest associates can go about their business with unchecked brutality.

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Chechen dictator Kadyrov visits Putin, may resign
Big problem
If Kadyrov resigns, Coffey believes that could create a major problem for Putin at a time when he can least afford it. However, it is unclear what the situation is now: either Kadyrov is again after Russian concessions (the day after he asked to resign, Kadyrov visited Putin again), or he is actually ill. The stories that Kadyrov is suffering from pancreatic necrosis are persistent, according to reports he was in hospital for a long time and recent videos on social media show that he can no longer speak properly.

Real or fake, it is very inconvenient for Putin. Because every transition of power or power vacuum in the Northern Caucasus worries Moscow and the Kremlin has every reason to be - Chechnya has been a ticking time bomb on Russia's lap since the times of Tolstoy, and Putin also has bad experiences with the rebellious Caucasus state. Between 1999 and 2009 he fought the Second Chechen War and installed Akhmad Kadyrov, father of, as president of the republic. Ramzan succeeded his father in 2007.

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'If Chechen Kadyrov falls away, that will be an extra worry for Putin'
Since 2000, there has been a government in exile in Western Europe, with Akhmed Zakayev as prime minister. Zakayev was previously deputy prime minister and foreign minister when Chechnya was still independent. This government is now largely based in Kyiv, with at least two Chechen units fighting on the Ukrainian side. According to Coffey, this government in exile, which therefore has an experienced army at its disposal, will try to play a major role when the death or departure of Kadyrov leads to the inevitable power vacuum in the republic.

Power struggle
"If Kadyrov steps down, there will likely be a significant power struggle over his successor. Various Russian power centers will put forward their preferred candidates. The outcome - a smooth transition behind the scenes or a violent conflict - could significantly affect Russia's internal stability," said Coffey, who noted that Russia's main security service, the FSB, will try to arrange the succession.

'The FSB is believed to be supporting two possible successors: Magomed Daudov, speaker of the Chechen parliament and a close ally of Kadyrov, and Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Chechen special forces and lieutenant general in the Russian army. The leadership of the National Guard reportedly prefers Adam Delimkhanov, a deputy in the State Duma and Kadyrov's cousin.'

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Wildcard candidate
But there are other contenders on the Chechen coast: one is what Coffey calls a “wild card candidate,” Musa Bazhaev, a Russian-Chechen businessman and chairman of Alliance Group, the huge Russian business conglomerate. He may be of interest to the Kremlin because of his promises of economic development. Finally, it is also possible that Kadyrov is trying to keep leadership within his family by having his 17-year-old son Adam take over. Despite his youth, Adam has been given increasing responsibility, overseeing Chechen units in the National Guard and all police forces in the region. His age and lack of experience, however, could pose significant obstacles.

Putin will not make hasty decisions, Coffey believes. According to the analyst, he is focused on the negotiations with the White House on the war in Ukraine and will not want another major crisis on his plate. 'Before accepting Kadyrov's resignation, Putin will probably demand a clear succession plan to prevent destabilization. But with so many competing interests, preventing a power struggle - or even an armed conflict - may be easier said than done.'

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Rift between Putin and 'dirty handyman' Kadyrov, 'Chechen leader preparing exit'
Chechen Wars
For those who have forgotten, it was not until 1864 that Tsar Alexander II gained control of the Northern Caucasus after a long and bloody campaign. The region has remained troubled ever since, so much so that in 1944, Joseph Stalin deported nearly half a million Chechens and Ingush to Central Asia. In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic declared independence as the Chechen Republic of Chechnya. Then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin invaded the small country, starting the First Chechen War (1994–1996), which ended in a disastrous Russian defeat and a fragile peace.

Chechnya was de facto independent, but politically very unstable. The country seemed to earn its GDP by kidnapping, looting in neighboring countries, and stealing and reselling oil.

In October 1999, newly appointed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin launched the Second Chechen War. By February 2000, Russian forces had all but destroyed the capital Grozny, and over time Moscow ousted the Chechen leadership, replacing it with local allies loyal to the Kremlin. In 2009, Russia declared the war officially over, and since then fighting has been confined to the border region with Dagestan by Chechen supporters of the caliphate.

Zelensky to BNR: 'Talks are the first steps towards peace'
Author : BNR Web Editors
Even after the disastrous talks in Turkey, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains hopeful for a positive outcome for his country. Zelensky told BNR reporter Geert Jan Hahn. 'We are doing our best to do things a little better each time.'

After a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Hahn asked Zelensky how he was doing. According to the Ukrainian president, better times are coming: 'We are doing our best to do things a little better each time. For ourselves, for our people, for our safety. That's what I hope.'

First step
According to Zelensky, the talks in Turkey are 'a first step' towards peace. 'Every day can yield something, a step towards peace.'

The talks in Turkey did not go as Zelensky had envisioned. For example, he intended to negotiate directly with President Putin. The delegation that the Kremlin eventually sent called Ukraine a "fake delegation."

Prisoner exchange
To make matters worse for Ukraine, the talks in Istanbul stalled after just an hour, after Russia allegedly made impossible demands for Ukraine. The agreed prisoner exchange also seems less impressive: it has happened several times in the past three years, and has little to do with a ceasefire or peace anyway.

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Shoof: Military plans for Ukraine ceasefire almost ready
Earlier today, Prime Minister Schoof indicated that Zelensky is welcome at the NATO summit in The Hague . The Americans are questioning his presence. 'His arrival is still on the table and is part of the discussion, but as far as I'm concerned he is simply welcome. And we will continue to support Ukraine unconditionally', Schoof told BNR.