15:10 Expert: Russia's "barbarism is not collateral damage"
In the USA, the two-day NATO summit meeting of member states begins. Security expert Frank Umbach arranges which signals the alliance must send to Putin - especially after the devastating air raid on a children's hospital in Ukraine.
14:37: Volkswagen ordered to pay millions in damages in RussiaA Russian court has ordered Volkswagen to pay millions in damages to its former business partner GAZ. The judges set the amount of the payment at 16.9 billion Rubles (approximately 180 million Euros), according to the Interfax agency. GAZ had originally demanded 28.4 billion Rubles in compensation for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had acted as a contractor for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Volkswagen ended the cooperation.
13:59: Modernest fighter jet reportedly damaged? Ukraine allegedly successfully attacked targets in RussiaThe Ukraine reacted to the Russian rocket 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 Directorate (HUR) allegedly successfully attacked the military airport in 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, the SU-57, are reportedly damaged. The damage was not confirmed by Russia, but Russian authorities reported the interception and shooting down of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26: Report: Germany's budget for arms deliveries is exhausted for 2024Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, according to "Spiegel," sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euros for further arms deliveries to Ukraine for 2024. It is reported that the approximately 7 billion Euros earmarked in the current federal budget for supporting Kiev are largely used up 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 Finance Minister Christian Lindner. With the fresh money, Pistorius wants to deliver more ammunition, urgently needed spare parts, and possibly also 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 Ukraine support grow.
12:39 Intelligence service and UN: Kinder hospital directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
According to the impact of a projectile on a Kiev children's hospital, Russia and Ukraine are disputing 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 also presented images of a rocket engine fragment found at the site of the impact. The United Nations (UN) shares this assessment: "The analysis of the video material and an on-site evaluation suggest a high likelihood 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, approximately 670 children were being treated in the clinic, and about 1000 employees were present, according to Bell. However, Moscow claims that a Ukrainian ground-to-air missile defense system of the NASAMS type 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 counter permanent Russian air attacks on civilian targets.
11:50 "Friend of India": Modi courts Putin in Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude towards Russia and praised President Vladimir Putin. Modi made these remarks during a visit to Moscow. "Our bilateral relationship is based on mutual trust and respect," said Modi. He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia 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 to 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 before first use
10:48 Moscow intends to closely monitor the NATO summit
Russia intends to closely monitor the NATO summit, according to their own statements. Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized this 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 Peskow, speaking to journalists. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are gathering today in Washington for a three-day summit. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack war is a primary focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected in Washington.
10:39 Europe not prepared for a Trump victory: Expert
There is not enough military preparedness in Europe for a Trump victory, according to an expert.
10:05 Awakening against Russia: Poland receives a Two-Billion-Dollar-Credit for US Weapon PurchasesPoland 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 to receive a two billion US dollar special credit to support its armament program. With this, the government in Warsaw intends to purchase F-35 combat jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks. Washington assumes the responsibility for up to 60 million dollars of the interest costs. In this way, the US government supports the Polish large orders in its own arms industry.
08:42 Attack on Kiev: Body of a Boy Recovered, Number of Killed Children RisingRescue 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 by the Russian air raid on Monday has risen to 27, among them now four children. 117 other people were injured. According to Ministry information, rescue teams are still in action at three locations in the capital.
08:30 Ukrainian Partisans Report Successful Sabotage of Russian RailwayThe Ukrainian partisan group Atesh reports that it has disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switch box was destroyed, according to the group's announcement on its Telegram channel. A video is also shown, which 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 rails lead apparently 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 therefore regularly take targeted action against railway lines. Atesh claims to be active not only in the occupied territories but also within Russia.
07:55 Ukraine Claims to Have Eliminated More Than 1200 Soldiers in a DayIn 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 launchers from Russia have been destroyed. These figures cannot be verified. The number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, injured, or otherwise rendered ineffective, however, is significantly higher than the more cautious estimates of Western services and think tanks.
07:37 Russia Reports Four Dead after Ukrainian AttacksAccording to official reports, at least four people were killed in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region Belgorod within 24 hours. An additional 20 people were injured, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram. The past 24 hours were "restless" and "difficult", Gladkov continued. Of the injured, 17 had to be hospitalized, two were severely injured. 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 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 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, among them 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 about a visit to the hospital.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed rocket attacks, which were allegedly targeting Ukrainian weapons factories and military airfields. However, numerous video recordings from Kiev showed that the damages were 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 caused by Ukrainian air defense systems. "What cynicism the scumbags in the Kremlin brought to light, that it was allegedly the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted rocket strike that killed and injured many people," he said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked all those who posted videos online "where 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 Berlin Provides Ukraine with Additional Munition and Air Defense Systems
The German government has made additional military supplies available to Ukraine for its defense against the Russian attack. 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 TRML-4D air surveillance radars.
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 reportedly shot down "numerous" Ukrainian drones. Golubev did not mention the exact number of drones deployed or intercepted. The border region with Ukraine 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 budget for 2025. "One should not forget that the budget of the Defense Ministry, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the Augsburger Allgemeine. If one includes the special fund of 100 billion euros and further investments in the troops, one arrives at 140 billion euros. "That can be seen, even if one wishes for 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, he explained. 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 announce this new support at a NATO summit in Washington this week, Biden said. He described the rocket attacks on Ukraine as a "terrible 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 is bitter and a disappointment for the soldiers that the federal government cannot prioritize the Bundeswehr in the budget setting," Kiesewetter told the Funke Media Group newspapers. This shows that "the turning point in the Chancellor's mindset" has not yet arrived, and Olaf Scholz refuses to "pour pure wine in the face of the population in the face of the threat situation." "It is 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 Green and FDP announce increase in Pistorius-Estate budget
In light of the budget negotiations in the Bundestag, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also the deputy chief of the Bundestag committee for the Federal Defense Special Fund, announced corrections to defense spending. Although the coalition's Spitzen (leadership) of the traffic light coalition provides a "decent basis for budget negotiations in parliament," Schäfer told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), "there will be numerous and significant changes. In security and defense policy, there are great needs that we will take into account in the parliamentary procedure," said the Green. Defence 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 deadA wreckage of a rocket fell on a hospital in Kiev and killed five doctors and two patients. According to "Ukrainska Pravda," it was the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district that was affected. A Russian rocket attack also shattered windows in a private maternity clinic in the same building.
22:10 Insider: Scholz to deliver clear message at NATO summitThe NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday will reportedly send a "clear message" of support for Ukraine, according to German government sources. 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, said the government representative.
21:56 Schmyhal: Looking for alternative location for hospitalThe Ukrainian government is looking for an alternative location for the attacked children's hospital. Premier Minister Denys Schmyhal shared this information. The attack will be a topic at 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 NATO summit in the USA begins, with signals to be sent to Putin following the attack on a children's hospital in Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian military reportedly succeeds in attacking targets in Russia, including a military airport, a power station, and an oil depot, allegedly causing damage to two modern Russian fighter jets in Achtubinsk.
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius requests an additional 4 billion Euros for further arms deliveries to Ukraine in 2024, as the current budget allocation is almost depleted.
- The Ukraine conflict is a focus at the NATO summit, with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to attend and seek further support.
- The situation of the F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine becomes uncertain due to potential delays in their delivery, while Russia monitors the NATO summit closely.
