14:37 Volkswagen sentenced to millions in damages in Russia
A Russian court has ordered Volkswagen to pay compensation in the amount of 16.9 billion Rubles (approximately 180 million Euros) to its former business partner GAZ. The judges set the payment amount based on the report by Interfax agency. GAZ originally demanded 28.4 billion Rubles in compensation for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had been a contractor for Volkswagen and produced vehicles of the Wolfsburg automaker at its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended the cooperation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59: Modernest Fighter Jet Damaged? Ukraine Allegedly Successfully Attacked Targets in Russia
The Ukraine allegedly retaliated against the Russian missile attack on Kiev and other places with attacks on targets in Russia. According to a report by "Kyiv Independent," the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Military Intelligence (HUR) successfully attacked the Military Airfield Achtubinsk, a power station near Rostov-on-Don, and an oil depot in the Volgograd region in the past night. In the 450 kilometers distant Achtubinsk, two models of the most modern Russian fighter jet SU-57 are reportedly damaged. The damage was not confirmed by Russia, but Russian authorities reported the interception of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26: Report: Germany's Budget for Weapon Deliveries is Exhausted for 2024
According to information from "Spiegel," Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euros for further weapon deliveries to Ukraine in 2024. The approximately 7 billion Euros, which are allocated in the current federal budget for supporting Kiev, are largely consumed or contractually bound. Only about 200,000 Euros are left for new deliveries in the second half of the year. Pistorius therefore requested additional funds of 4 billion Euros from Bundesfinanzminister Christian Lindner. With the fresh money, Pistorius wants to deliver more ammunition, urgently needed spare parts, and possibly also additional Leopard 1A-Tanks to Ukraine. "We are currently working on freeing up additional funds to continue being active this year," said the SPD politician during a troop visit to Alaska.
13:07: US Correspondent: Doubts about Further Support for Ukraine Grow
According to a report by the US correspondent, there are growing doubts about further support for Ukraine.
12:39 Intelligence service and UN: Kinder hospital directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
According to the impact of a projectile on a children's hospital in Kiev, Russia and Ukraine are arguing over the ownership. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims, based on their own evidence, that the children's hospital was directly hit by a Russian Kh-101 Kalibr rocket. The analysis of the flight path and the type of damage indicate a direct hit, the SBU added, presenting images of a rocket engine fragment allegedly found at the site. The United Nations (UN) shares this assessment: "The analysis of the video material and an on-site assessment suggest a high probability that the hospital suffered a direct hit and not damaged by an intercepted weapons system," explains the UN Human Rights Mission leader in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, there were approximately 670 children being treated and about 1000 employees present, according to Bell. However, Moscow claims that a Ukrainian ground-to-air missile defense system, NASAMS, was responsible. The US and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian claim is true: The Ukrainians use these western air defense systems to defend against permanent Russian air attacks on civilian targets.
11:50 "Friend of India": Modi courts Putin in Moscow
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the relationship between his country and Russia and complimented President Vladimir Putin. Modi made these remarks during a visit to Moscow. "Our bilateral relationship is based on mutual trust and respect," Modi said. He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia as a friend of India, in good times and in bad." India imports oil, gas, and military equipment from Russia. Several western countries had urged Modi to distance India more from Russia. However, trade between the two countries continues to grow. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had stated regarding the Russian rocket attacks on Kiev: "It's a great disappointment and a devastating blow for peace efforts that the leader of the world's largest democracy embraces the bloodiest war criminal of the world on such a day in Moscow."
11:15 Ukraine could lose F-16 fighter jets even before first use
10:48 Moscow wants to closely observe NATO summit
Russia intends to closely monitor the NATO summit, according to its own statements. This was emphasized by Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov and referred to the fact that NATO declared Russia an enemy to be defeated. The Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict, according to Peskov, speaking to journalists. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are coming together for a three-day summit in Washington today. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack war is a key issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected in the US capital.
10:39 Europe not prepared for Trump re-election: Expert
There is not enough military preparedness in Europe for a Trump re-election, according to an expert.
10:05 Awakening Against Russia: Poland Receives Two-Billion-Dollar Credit for US Weapon Purchases Poland is one of the most political and military allies of Ukraine and at the same time the borderland of NATO: Thousands of kilometers of border Poland shares with the Russian exclave Kaliningrad and with the Russian vassal state Belarus. According to the US government, Poland is set to receive a two billion US dollar special credit to support its defense program. With this, the government in Warsaw plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks. Washington reportedly assumes the up to 60 million dollars in interest costs. Thus, the US government supports Polish large orders in its own defense industry.
08:42 Attack on Kiev: Body of a Boy Recovered, Number of Killed Children Rising Rescue workers have found the body of a boy in the ruins of a house in Kiev. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported this to "Kyiv Independent". With this, the number of those killed in Kiev on Monday due to the Russian air raid has risen to 27, including now four children. 117 other people were injured. According to ministry reports, rescue teams are still in action at three locations in the capital.
08:30 Ukrainian Partisans Report Successful Sabotage of Russian Railway Track The Ukrainian partisan group Atesh claims to have disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switch box was reportedly destroyed, according to the group's Telegram channel. In addition, a video is shown that shows a burning switch box next to a railway track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian settlement of Schachty. The railway lines are reportedly leading from Rostov am Don in the direction of the occupied Mariupol. The railway lines are essential for the supply of the Russian troops with new equipment. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans are taking targeted action against railway lines. Atesh is reportedly active not only in the occupied territories but also within Russia.
07:55 Ukraine Claims to Have Eliminated Over 1200 Soldiers in a Day In its daily reports, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that the invaders have suffered a loss of 1220 soldiers. In addition, seven Russian tanks, 19 armored personnel carriers, 49 artillery pieces, 29 drones, and 36 missile systems were destroyed from Russian territory. These figures cannot be verified. The number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, injured, or otherwise rendered unable to fight is significantly higher than the more cautious estimates of Western services and think tanks.
07:37 Russia Reports Four Dead After Ukrainian Attacks According to official reports, at least four people were killed in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region of Belgorod within 24 hours. An additional 20 people were injured, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram. The past 24 hours were described as "restless" and "difficult". Of the injured, 17 had to be hospitalized, two of whom were seriously injured, Gladkov added. Ukrainian attacks were also reported from other western Russian regions, including Kursk and Volgograd.
07:22 Over 2000 Children Seek Refuge from Russian Attacks in Kiev's Subway
During the massive rocket attacks on Kiev on Monday, the city administration reported that 32,000 people sought shelter in the low-lying U-Bahn tunnels. Among them were reportedly almost 2200 children. The Ukrainian capital is regularly attacked by Russia. In the past few months, more and more rockets have gotten through due to the limited ammunition of western air defense systems and their increasing inability to effectively counteract.
06:50 "Dirty Bastards": At least two dead after attack on children's hospital in Kiev
The strikes on a children's hospital in Kiev during a Russian rocket attack reportedly resulted in 16 injuries, including seven children. Two of the injured reportedly died. According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, departments for dialysis, cancer treatment, operating rooms, and the intensive care unit were damaged in the hospital on Monday. Hundreds of residents helped rescue workers clear debris and search for victims. "Little cancer and dialysis patients are sitting on the sidewalk with their mothers," reported German Ambassador Martin Jäger on X from a visit to the hospital.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed rocket attacks, allegedly targeting Ukrainian arms factories and military airfields. However, videos from Kiev showed that the damage was caused by a Ukrainian air defense rocket, they said without evidence. The Moscow Military dismissed the Ukrainian reports of damage to a second hospital on the other side of the Dnipro as "hysteria of the Kiev regime."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denies Russian claims that the attacks were due to a Ukrainian air defense error. "What cynicism the scumbags in the Kreml are spreading, that it was allegedly the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted rocket strike that killed and injured many people," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked all those who posted videos online "on which it is clearly visible that it is not just a part of one or another rocket, but a direct rocket strike that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany Provides Ukraine with More Munition and Air Defense Systems
The German government has made additional military supplies available to Ukraine for its defense against the Russian attack war. According to the updated list of delivered military goods, the promised third Patriot air defense system has arrived. New on the list are also additional ammunition for the 50 Leopard 1 tanks provided together with Denmark, 11,000 additional rounds of ammunition for the 52 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, and two ground-based air surveillance radars of the TRML-4D type.
05:43 Attack on Russia: Power Plant in Rostov-on-Don is on Fire
In the South Russian region of Rostov, according to Russian reports, a fire broke out at an electricity substation due to a Ukrainian drone attack. "Two transformers have caught fire," Governor Vasili Golubev reported via the Telegram short-message service. The Russian air defense shot down "numerous" Ukrainian drones, but Golubev did not specify the exact number of drones deployed or intercepted. The region along the Ukrainian border has been a target of repeated attacks in the past.
04:31 FDP Politician Faber Defends Defense MinistryFDP politician and new chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, refutes criticism of the only slight increase in the Defense Ministry's budget in 2025. "One should not forget that the Defense Ministry's budget, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the "Augsburger Allgemeine." When you consider the special fund of 100 billion euros and additional investments in the troops, the total comes to 140 billion euros. "That can be seen, even if one wishes it could be more."
03:25 UN Human Rights Commissioner Condemns Attack on Hospital in KievUN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk condemns the attacks on a children's clinic in the Ukrainian capital Kiev as "despicable." They severely damaged the "Intensive Care, surgical, and oncology departments" of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital, according to him. The Dialysis Department of the Clinic was "destroyed." "Among the victims were the sickest children in Ukraine."
02:05 Biden Announces Support for Kiev at NATO SummitUS President Joe Biden announced new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense following attacks with Russian rockets that killed 36 people. The US and its allies would make this new support public at a NATO summit in Washington this week, Biden said. He described the rocket attacks on Ukraine as a "horrifying reminder of Russia's brutality" in the war that began in February 2022.
01:05 Kiesewetter: Defense Ministry Disappointment for SoldiersIn the debate over defense spending, CDU defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter calls for a new definition of prosperity. "It's disappointing that the federal government can't prioritize the Bundeswehr in budget planning, which is bitter and a disappointment for the soldiers," Kiesewetter told the Funke Media Group newspapers. This shows that "the Zeitgeist of the Chancellor" has not yet arrived and that Olaf Scholz refuses to let the population face up to the threat situation with a pure wine glass. "It's also necessary to define prosperity anew - away from an individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend." Earlier, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the country's economic output. "It is possible to prioritize if the political will is there," Kiesewetter said. A continuously increasing defense budget should aim for three percent of the Gross National Product.
00:01 The Greens and FDP announce an increase in the Pistorius-Estate budget
Green financial politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also the deputy chief of the Bundestag committee for the Federal Defense Special Fund, has announced adjustments to defense spending. While the coalition's leaders from the Traffic Light Coalition provide "a decent basis for parliamentary budget negotiations," Schäfer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), there will be numerous and significant changes. In particular, there are great needs in security and defense policy that will be taken into account in the parliamentary procedure, as the Green stated. The defense policy spokesperson for the FDP, Alexander Müller, is also open to further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Wreckage falls on clinic - seven dead
A wreckage of a rocket fell on a hospital in Kiev and killed five doctors and two patients. According to "Ukrainska Pravda," the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district was affected. A Russian rocket attack also shattered windows in a private maternity clinic in the same building.
22:10 Insider: Scholz to make clear statement at NATO summit
The NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday, according to information from German government circles, will send a "clear message" of support for Ukraine. Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz will make it clear in the circle of the 32 NATO state and government heads that Germany is a reliable partner in the transatlantic alliance and will remain so, the government representative stated.
21:56 Schmyhal: Looking for alternative location for hospital
The Ukrainian government is looking for an alternative location for the attacked children's hospital. Premier Minister Denys Schmyhal made the announcement. The attack will be the topic of the next cabinet meeting. "We hope our international partners will draw their own conclusions," Schmyhal was quoted as saying by "Kyiv Independent." "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about earlier developments here.
- The Ukraine conflict has led to military operations between Ukraine and Russia, with reports of attacks on targets in both countries.
- Germany is considering providing additional funds for weapon deliveries to Ukraine in 2024, as their current budget allocation is almost expended.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the president of Ukraine, has expressed disappointment over the public embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin by the leader of a democratic country.
- Cyberwarfare has been a part of the Ukraine conflict, with Russia reportedly targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
- NATO leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky, are scheduled to meet at a summit to discuss support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack.
