Boris Pistorius Says Russia’s War Against Ukraine Shows A Turning Point In Zaporizhzhia And Dnipropetrovsk

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he sees signs of a turning point in Russia’s war against Ukraine after visiting Ukrainian command posts in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where he was shown how drones are used for reconnaissance and to combat Russian weapon systems and soldiers.

“German Defence MinisterBoris Pistoriushas accused Russian PresidentVladimir Putinof using what he described as a “deception manoeuvre” to distract from military difficulties, suggesting that recent comments about the end of the war in Ukraine may not be genuine”

Caliber.Az

Pistorius told reporters, "I believe that Ukrainians truly have the upper hand," adding that "Russia is going through a period of weakness—economically, domestically, and on the battlefield," as he described strikes on Russian military infrastructure in the rear as increasingly precise and effective.

DIE WELT

He said Ukrainians are making significant progress and that "Today, many are speaking of a decisive phase of the war, possibly in Ukraine’s favor," while noting Ukraine has expanded its capabilities, particularly since last year, within the framework of the strategic partnership.

The visit was also framed as an opportunity for Pistorius to draw further lessons for the German armed forces from the Ukrainian experience with the combat deployment of unmanned aerial systems.

In parallel with the German minister’s assessment, the Russian president Vladimir Putin made statements during his May 9 speech at the parade in Moscow about the war against Ukraine nearing its end and his readiness to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow or a third country.

Pistorius evaluated Putin’s remarks about an imminent end to the war as disingenuous, saying at a news conference in Kiev, "If he (Putin) sees the end of this war approaching, why doesn't he just end it," after Putin suggested on May 9 that the war was "nearing an end."

Caliber.Az, via German media, reported that Pistorius accused Putin of using what he described as a "deception manoeuvre" to distract from military difficulties, and said Putin could end the conflict "at any time" by withdrawing his forces or entering unconditional negotiations.

LIGA.net

The Institute for the Study of War was cited as noting that there were no signs that Russia intends to end its aggression in response to Putin’s comments about a swift end.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybia was quoted as saying Ukraine maintains a strong position and holds the upper hand in the current war conditions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Pistorius’ visit and thanked Berlin for military support estimated at more than 28,6 billion euros since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

Pistorius linked his assessment of momentum to operational details he saw at Ukrainian command posts, saying drones are used for reconnaissance and to counter Russian weapon systems and soldiers and that strikes against Russian military infrastructure in the hinterland are becoming more painful and leaving an impact.

“Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius sees signs of a turning point in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression”

LIGA.net

He also said Ukraine’s expanded capabilities, especially since last year, are expected to benefit the German armed forces as well within the framework of the strategic partnership, while Zelensky said the two discussed strengthening cooperation in the production of defense equipment with "six projects already underway" and Ukraine’s proposal for partnership in the field of drones.

As the diplomatic and battlefield messaging continued, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday a successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, with Putin calling it "the 'most powerful missile system in the world,'" and saying "By the end of the year" the Sarmat will be ready for use.

The DIE WELT account said a Sarmat missile can carry more than four times as heavy warheads as any Western system and has a range of 35,000 kilometers, and it described the system as known in the West as "Satan II."

Against that backdrop, Pistorius’ stance was that Western support for Ukraine should continue, including cooperation on the development and production of drones and other weapons systems, to ensure Kyiv is in a strong position ahead of any future talks.