Germany’s defence minister has criticised Donald Trump for treating Vladimir Putin “like a buddy” and cutting support for Ukraine. Boris Pistorius said backing Kyiv remains vital as Russia’s war enters its fourth year.
The UK government has launched Project Nightfall to develop a new ground-launched ballistic missile for Ukraine with a range of more than 500 kilometres. The programme aims to deliver test missiles within 12 months and support long-range strike capability and comes as Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine last week using the Oreshnik system.
The Kremlin has rejected calls for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it wants to end the war rather than pause fighting. The response followed an appeal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after peace talks in Berlin.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a U.S. delegation arrived in Berlin for talks on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of discussions involving European partners. Russian officials have expressed skepticism about the talks, which will continue on Monday.
Foreign policy advisers from the United States, Ukraine, Germany and other partners are set to resume talks on a possible peace framework for Ukraine in Berlin, according to government sources. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to take part, with discussions following several earlier rounds of negotiations since November. The talks come as diplomatic efforts continue alongside ongoing fighting, with both Russia and Ukraine reporting casualties from drone and missile strikes.
According to India’s defence ministry, an order worth INR 5,100 crore (around USD 670 million) has been placed for 6,01,427 AK203 rifles to be manufactured at Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. The 7.62 X 39mm calibre AK203 rifle will replace the INSAS rifle that has been in service for three decades.
In hindsight, some officials are relieved that the boiler problems with the Gorshkov came up at this time, and not at a stage after the Indian Navy took charge of it.
The Defense Secretary’s visit to Russia last week for the purpose of negotiating a reasonable price over the delivery of the aircraft carrier Gorshkov has yielded ‘No results’, according to sources in the Ministry of Defense.
The Ministry of Defense, closely watching the ongoing electoral exercise, has noticed the apprehensions of various countries regarding the eventual new government and their defense trade and strategic relationship with India.
