The Swiss Parliament invites Zelenski
The Swiss parliament has formally asked the Ukrainian authorities to allow Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to visit Switzerland.
The invitation follows mounting pressure on Switzerland to abandon its age-old tradition of neutrality and lift the ban on Swiss arms exports so it can support countries like Ukraine. So far Switzerland has refused to budge.
Kremlin fear of attacks
The Kremlin’s fear of being attacked during victory parades prompted Moscow to cancel the parades. The fact that the Russian population can protest the war in Ukraine also contributed to this decision. This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense in its daily intelligence update.
Kherson introduces curfew
On weekends, a curfew is introduced in Kherson. It is yet another embarrassment for the residents who, after months of Russian occupation, have to suffer from Russian bombing every day.
Although the Russians left Kherson last November, the Russians are still spread out in the area Ukraine wants to recapture.
Attacks on Russia portend a Ukrainian offensive
Attacks on Russian infrastructure, including drone attacks on refineries and sabotage of Russian trains, have increased in recent weeks. According to experts, all this has to do with Ukraine’s impending spring offensive.
According to Agence France-Presse, Kiev has not yet claimed responsibility for the actions against Moscow, but most of the actions appear to be directed against Russian supply chains in border areas.
Ukrainian flags still at the Soviet war memorials in Berlin
However, Ukrainian flags may be displayed at three Soviet memorials in Berlin during the Monday and Tuesday celebrations marking the end of World War II. This was decided by a court in Berlin.
The court then rejected a ban on flags imposed by police on Friday. In a tweet, the Berlin police said they will not appeal the verdict.
Police had banned Russian and Ukrainian flags around Soviet World War II monuments in the Berlin districts of Treptow, Tiergarten and Schönholzer Heide. The ban would be in effect during the two days that mark the end of World War II in Europe, now 78 years ago.
Last year there was also talk of a ban on displaying flags, which was later criticized by Ukraine. Then the Berlin authorities said it was because they didn’t want the World War II commemorations to be overshadowed by possible conflicts related to the current war in Ukraine.