17:58 Kremlin: Airstrike on children's hospital "naturally a PR campaign"
The Kremlin takes responsibility for the air raid on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev. "This is obviously a PR move, in this case, a blood-based PR move," says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov in an interview with propaganda television. The Ukrainians were so clumsy in the use of their air defense that one of these rockets hit the hospital, he claims. Now Kiev is trying to use this tragedy as a background for President Zelensky's participation in the NATO summit. In contrast, the UN Human Rights Office holds Russia accountable for the shelling. Russia often claims that the Ukrainian military is responsible for the hits on civilian objects due to the use of air defense.
17:22 Marine Inspector: Russians are superior to us in many areasThe German Navy Inspector, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, warns of a significant Russian build-up in the Baltic Sea. "It's a mistake to think that Russian military forces in the maritime sector have weakened due to the Ukrainian war," he says at the Warnowwerft Marine Arsenal in Rostock. There were indeed losses for Russia in the Black Sea. "But we also see that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potent weapons in particular, have not decreased." In addition, Russia has invested significantly in communication, navigation, and attack capabilities underwater in the past ten years. "They are superior to us in many areas," warns the Vice Admiral. Russian research vessels are also moving very openly near the critical maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The German Navy is therefore building an underwater command center in Rostock to counter potential threats. It should be operational by October 1.
16:48 NATO membership bid for Ukraine? "Putin would present success on a silver platter"In Washington, NATO is discussing further support for Ukraine. The former head of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger warns against deviating from the course, as suggested by Viktor Orban. An attempt to secure NATO membership for Ukraine could also backfire.
16:12 Faeser: Russian attack on children's clinic is a war crimeFederal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemns the Russian air raid on Kiev, which damaged a children's clinic, sharply. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a heinous war crime that once again shows how inhumane Putin is conducting his war against Ukraine," she explains in a statement. "When we see this cruelty of war, it becomes clear how important it is that over 1.18 million people from Ukraine have found shelter in Germany from Putin's rockets and tanks," says the SPD politician. "We will continue to protect them in Germany." Among the refugees are over 350,000 children and adolescents. "We will continue to protect them in Germany."
15:44 Criticism of Putin? Modi in Moscow: "The heart is pained when innocent children are murdered"
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for dialogue during his meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Moscow to achieve peace. As a "friend," he told Putin that peace is of "paramount importance" for the next generation, Modi said while sitting next to Putin. "War cannot solve problems," the Indian prime minister added. "We must find a way to peace through dialogue." "When innocent children are murdered, when one sees them die, it pains the heart and this pain is unbearable," Modi said a day after devastating Russian air raids on Ukraine that targeted the largest children's hospital in the country, among other places. Modi and Putin spoke about the war in Ukraine during his visit to Moscow. "As true friends," Modi said, "we sat together and discussed a range of issues." He was "happy" that "we were able to openly and in detail express our views on Ukraine."
15:10 Expert: Russia's "barbarism is no collateral damage"
The two-day NATO summit of member states is getting underway in the US. Security expert Frank Umbach outlines the signals NATO should 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 to GAZ in Russia
A Russian court has ordered Volkswagen to pay its former business partner GAZ millions in damages. The judges set the compensation at 16.9 billion Rubles (around €180 million), according to the Interfax news agency. GAZ had initially demanded 28.4 billion Rubles in damages for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had acted as a contract manufacturer for Volkswagen, producing Volkswagen cars in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended cooperation after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Modernest fighter jet damaged? Ukraine claims successful attacks on targets in Russia
Ukraine responded to the Russian rocket attack on Kyiv 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) allegedly successfully targeted the military airfield in Achtubinsk, a power station near Rostov-on-Don, and an oil depot in the Volgograd region in the past night. In the 450-kilometer distant Achtubinsk, two models of the most modern Russian fighter jet, the Su-57, are said to have been damaged. Russia has not confirmed the damage, but Russian authorities reported the interception and destruction of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26 Report: Germany's budget for weapons deliveries to Ukraine is exhausted for 2024
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, according to "Spiegel" sources, sees a additional need of 4 billion Euro for further weapons deliveries to Ukraine in 2024. The approximately 7 billion Euro, which are allocated in the current federal budget for the support of Kiev, are largely consumed or contractually bound. For the second half of the year, only about 200,000 Euro are left for new deliveries. Pistorius therefore requested additional funds of 4 billion Euro from Federal Finance Minister 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 releasing additional funds to be able to continue being active this year as well," said the SPD politician during a troop visit in Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about further support for Ukraine grow
12:39 Intelligence and UN: Kindergarten directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
After the impact of a projectile on a kindergarten in Kiev, Russia and Ukraine are arguing about the ownership. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims, according to its own information, that the kindergarten was hit directly by a Russian rocket of the type Kh-101 Kalibr. The analysis of the flight path and the type of damage caused prove that it was a direct hit, the SBU stated and 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 assessment indicate a high probability that the kindergarten suffered a direct hit and was not damaged by an intercepted weapon system," explains the head of the UN Human Rights Observation Mission in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, there were about 670 children in the clinic and approximately 1000 employees, according to Bell. However, Moscow denies the Ukrainian allegations and claims that a Ukrainian ground-air missile defense system of the type NASAMS was responsible. This system was developed by the USA together with Norway. Even if the Russian statement were correct: The Ukrainians use these Western air defense systems to defend against permanent Russian air raids on civilian targets.
11:50 "Friend of India": Modi courts Putin in Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the relationship between his country and Russia and praised President Vladimir Putin. The bilateral relationship is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect", Modi said during a visit to Moscow. He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia a friend of India in good and bad times." 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 Russian missile 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 F16 fighter jets before first use
10:48 Moscow to closely watch NATO summit
Russia intends to closely monitor the NATO summit, according to Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He referred to the fact that NATO declared Russia an enemy and that it was necessary to defeat it. The Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict, Peskov told journalists. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are gathering in Washington for a three-day summit today. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack war is a key issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected in Washington.
10:39 Not enough military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump re-election
10:05 Arming against Russia: Poland receives $2 billion loan for US weapons purchases
Poland, one of the most important political and military allies of Ukraine and a NATO frontline state, shares thousands of kilometers of border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and the Russian vassal state of Belarus. According to the US government, Poland is receiving a $2 billion loan to support its modernization program. With this, the Polish government intends to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and M1 Abrams combat tanks. The US government assumes responsibility for up to $60 million of the interest payments. In this way, the US government supports the large orders of the Polish arms industry.
08:42 Body of a boy recovered in Kiev ruins, number of dead children rising
Rescue workers have recovered 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 deaths in Kiev from Monday's Russian air raid rose to 27, including now four children. 117 more 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
The Ukrainian partisan group Atesh claims to have disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switchboard was reportedly destroyed, according to the group's Telegram channel. A video is also visible, which shows a burning box next to a railway track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian settlement of Schachty. The railway lines reportedly lead from Rostov am Don towards the occupied Mariupol. These railway lines are essential for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans therefore regularly target railway lines. Atesh claims to be active not only in the Russian-occupied territories but also within Russia.
07:55 Ukraine reports over 1200 soldiers killed in a day
In his daily reports, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that they have inflicted losses of 1220 soldiers on the invaders. Additionally, seven Russian tanks, 19 armored personnel carriers, 49 artillery pieces, 29 drones, and 36 missile systems were destroyed from Russia. The figures are not verifiable. However, the number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or otherwise taken out of commission is significantly higher than the more cautious estimates of Western services and think tanks.
07:37 Russia reports four deaths 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, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on the Telegram online service. The past 24 hours were described as "restless" and "difficult." Of the injured, 17 were hospitalized, two were seriously injured, Gladkov further stated. Russian attacks were also reported from other western regions, such as 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, according to city administration reports, 32,000 people sought shelter in the underground 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 penetrated, as Western air defense systems only have limited ammunition and are increasingly being successfully bypassed.
06:50 "Dirty Bastards": At least two dead after attack on children's hospital in Kiev
The shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev during a Russian rocket attack reportedly resulted in 16 injuries, including seven children. Two of the injured died, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Health Minister Viktor Lyashko reported that wards 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, targeting alleged Ukrainian weapons factories and military airfields. Many videos from Kiev showed that the damages were caused by a Ukrainian air defense system, according to reports without evidence. The Moscow Military dismissed the Ukrainian reactions to the attack as "hysteria of the Kiev regime." Ukrainian reports claimed that another hospital in the capital was damaged on the other side of the Dnipro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Russian claims that the attacks were due to a Ukrainian air defense system error. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kreml are showing, claiming that it was the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted rocket attack that killed and injured many people," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked everyone 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 attack that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany provides Ukraine with additional ammunition and air defense system
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 third promised air defense system Patriot 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 air surveillance radars of the type TRML-4D.
05:43 Attack on Russia: Fire in power plant in Rostov-on-Don
In the southern Russian region of Rostov, according to Russian reports, a fire broke out in a power plant due to a Ukrainian drone attack. "Two transformers have caught fire," Rostov Governor Vasili Golubev announced via the Telegram messaging service. The Russian air defense shot down "numerous" Ukrainian drones. Golubev did not mention the exact number of drones used or intercepted. The border region with Ukraine has been a target of attacks in the past.
04:31 FDP politician Faber defends Defense Ministry
FDP politician and new chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, defended the modest increase in the Defense Ministry budget for 2025 against criticism. "One should not forget that the Defense Ministry budget, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the "Augsburger Allgemeine." When the special fund of 100 billion euros and further investments in the troops are taken into account, the total comes to 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 attacks on a children's clinic in the Ukrainian capital Kiev as "despicable." The attacks had "severely damaged" the Intensive Care, surgical, and oncological departments of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital, he stated. The Dialysis department of the clinic was "destroyed." "Among the victims were the sickest children in Ukraine," Turk added.
02:05 Biden announces support for Kiev at NATO summitUS President Joe Biden announces new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense following attacks with Russian rockets that killed 36 people. The US and its allies will announce this new support at a NATO summit in Washington this week, Biden said. He described the rocket attacks on Ukraine as a "grim reminder of Russia's brutality" in the war that began in February 2022.
01:05 Kiesewetter: Defense Ministry disappointed for soldiersIn the debate over defense budgets, CDU defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter calls for a new definition of prosperity. "It's bitter and a disappointment for the soldiers that the federal government can't prioritize the Bundeswehr in budget planning," Kiesewetter told 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's also necessary to redefine prosperity - away from an individual interpretation, towards societal resilience and readiness," Kiesewetter said. Earlier, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the economy's strength. "It's possible to prioritize if the political will is there," Kiesewetter added. A sustained defense budget should aim for three percent of the gross national product.
00:01 Greens and FDP announce increase in Pistorius FundRegarding budget negotiations in the German Parliament, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also the Vice-Chair of the Bundestag Committee for the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr, announces corrections to defense spending. "The coalition leadership of the Traffic Light [coalition] provides a good basis for parliamentary budget negotiations," Schäfer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "There will be numerous and significant changes. In security and defense policy, there are great needs that we will consider in the parliamentary proceedings," the Green added. Defense policy spokesperson for the FDP, Alexander Müller, is also open to further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Debris falls on hospital - seven deadA debris fragment from a rocket fell on a hospital in Kiev, killing five doctors and two patients. It happened at the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district, according to Ukrainska Pravda. 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 summit
According to German government sources, the NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday will send a "very clear message" in support of Ukraine. Federal Chancellor 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 hospital
The Ukrainian government is looking for an alternative location for the attacked children's hospital. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. The attack will be a topic of the next cabinet meeting. "We hope our international partners will draw their own conclusions," he was quoted as saying by "Kyiv Independent". "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about previous developments here.
- The UN Human Rights Office holds Russia accountable for the shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine, including the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital, which was damaged during Russian military operations.
- The attack on the Ukrainian children's hospital has become a focal point in Ukrainian politics, with President Volodymyr Selensky using it as a background for his participation in the NATO summit.
- Amidst the escalating military tensions between Ukraine and Russia, concerns about cyberwarfare have also arisen, with Ukrainian authorities reporting successful attacks on Russian targets and infrastructure.
- The Ukraine conflict has also become a significant issue in international politics, with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for dialogue and peace to avoid further escalation.
- NATO member states are discussing further support for Ukraine in light of the ongoing conflict and Russian attacks, with some warning against deviating from the current course and others advocating for Ukraine's potential membership in NATO.
