18:36 Retired colonel expects ceasefire in Ukraine in 2025
What happens if Donald Trump wins the election with Ukraine's support? And what role does NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg play in this? Military expert Ralph Thiele answers these and other questions.
17:58 Kremlin: Air Strike on Children's Clinic "Naturally a PR Action"
The Kremlin denies responsibility for the air strike on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev. "This is naturally a PR action, in this case a blood-based PR action," Kreml spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with propaganda television. The Ukrainians were so clumsy in using their air defense that one of these rockets hit the hospital, he claimed. Now Kiev is trying to use this tragedy as a backdrop for President Zelensky's participation in the NATO summit. In contrast, the UN Human Rights Office holds Russia responsible for the shelling. Russia has often claimed that the Ukrainian military was responsible for the strikes on civilian objects through the use of their air defense systems.
17:22 Naval Inspector: Russians are superior to us in many areas
The inspector of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, warns of a significant buildup of Russian forces in the Baltic Sea region. "It's a mistake to think that Russian military forces in the maritime sector have weakened as a result of the Ukrainian conflict," he said at the Warnowwerft naval yard in Rostock. There have indeed been losses for Russia in the Black Sea. "But we also see that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potency weapons, have not decreased at all." In the past ten years, Russia has significantly invested in communication, navigation, and attack capabilities underwater. "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. A bid for NATO membership for Ukraine could also backfire.
16:12 Faeser: Russian attack on children's clinic is a war crime
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemns the Russian air strike on Kiev, which damaged a children's clinic, sharply. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a heinous war crime, which once again shows how inhumanely Putin is conducting his war against Ukraine," she said 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." The SPD politician added. "We will continue to protect them in Germany." Among the refugees are over 350,000 children and young people. "We will continue to protect them in Germany."
15:44 Criticism of Putin? Modi in Moscow: "The heart aches 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 future of our 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 deeply," Modi said a day after devastating Russian air raids on Ukraine, which included the largest children's hospital in the country. Modi and Putin spoke about the war in Ukraine during Modi's visit to Moscow. As is customary among "true friends," they sat together and discussed "a range of issues," the Indian prime minister said. He was "happy" that "we both 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 millions in damages to its former business partner GAZ. The judges set the compensation at 16.9 billion Rubles (approximately €180 million) according to the Interfax agency. GAZ had initially demanded 28.4 billion Rubles in compensation for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had acted as a contract manufacturer for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended cooperation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Modernest fighter jet damaged? Ukraine allegedly successfully attacked targets in Russia
Ukraine reacted 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 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 km 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 shooting down 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. This means that the approximately 7 billion Euro, which are earmarked in the current federal budget for supporting Kiev, are largely spent or contractually bound. Only about 200,000 Euro are left for new deliveries in the second half of the year. Pistorius therefore requested additional funds of 4 billion Euro from Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner. With the fresh money, Pistorius wants to supply more ammunition, urgently needed spare parts, and possibly also additional Leopard 1A-Tanks to Ukraine. "We are working on getting additional funds released in order 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 Ukraine support grow
12:39 Intelligence and UN: Kindergarten directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
Following the impact of a projectile on a kindergarten in Kiev, Russia and Ukraine are arguing over the origin of the attack. 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, presenting images of a fragment of a rocket engine 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 Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, there were around 670 children in the clinic and about 1000 employees. However, Moscow denies responsibility, stating that a Ukrainian ground-air missile defense system of the type NASAMS was the cause. The USA and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian claim were 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
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the relationship between his country and Russia, praising 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 times and in bad," Modi added. 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 Zelenskyy expressed disappointment and concern over 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 hugs the bloodiest war criminal in the world on such a day in Moscow."
11:15 Ukraine could lose F-16 fighter jets before first use
10:48 Moscow to closely watch NATO summit
Russia intends to closely monitor the NATO summit, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He referenced Russia's declaration of NATO as an enemy and the need to defeat it. The Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict, Peskov told journalists. The leaders of the 32 NATO member states are gathering in Washington for a three-day summit. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian aggression war is a primary focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected in the US capital.
10:39 Insufficient Military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump re-election
10:05 Poland to receive $2 billion credit for US weapon purchases
Poland, one of the most significant 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 special credit to support its modernization program. The Polish government plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and M1 Abrams combat tanks with this funding. The US government will reportedly cover up to $60 million in interest costs. This US government support for Polish large-scale orders from its own defense industry.
08:42 Kiev attack: Body of a boy recovered, number of killed children rising
Rescue workers have recovered the body of a boy in the ruins of a house in Kiev, according to "Kyiv Independent." With this, the death toll from Monday's Russian air raid on Kiev rose to 27, including four children. 117 more people were injured. According to ministry reports, rescue teams are still working at three locations in the capital.
08:30 Ukrainian Partisans report successful sabotage on 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 showing a burning box next to a railroad track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian town of Schachty. The rails reportedly lead from Rostov am Don towards the occupied Mariupol. The railway lines are essential for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans have therefore been targeting railway tracks regularly. 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 its daily reports, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that the invaders suffered a loss of 1220 soldiers. 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 rendered ineffective 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. Twenty more people were injured, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. The previous 24 hours were described as "restless" and "difficult." Of the injured, 17 required hospitalization, two of whom were severely injured, Gladkov further stated. 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, according to city administration reports, 32,000 people sought shelter in the underground U-Bahn tunnels. Among them, according to the reports, were nearly 2200 children. The Ukrainian capital is regularly attacked by Russia. In the past few months, more rockets have penetrated due to the limited ammunition of Western air defense systems and their increasingly successful evasion.
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 departments for dialysis, cancer treatment, operating rooms, and intensive care units 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 military factories and airbases in Ukraine. Many videos from Kiev showed damages caused by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, according to reports without proof. The Moscow Military dismissed the Ukrainian reaction to the attack as "hysteria of the Kiev regime." Ukrainian reports stated that another hospital in the capital was damaged on the other side of the Dnipro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Russian claims that the damages were caused by Ukrainian air defense systems instead of a targeted missile strike. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kreml are showing, claiming that it was allegedly the Ukrainian air defense and not a deliberate missile strike that killed and injured many people," Zelenskyy said during 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 missile strike that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany provides Ukraine with more ammunition and air defense systems
The German government has made additional military supplies available to Ukraine for its defense against the Russian aggression. 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 more rounds of ammunition for the 52 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, and two over-the-horizon radar systems of the TRML-4D type.
05:43 Attack on Russia: Fire in Rostov-on-Don power plant
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," Governor Vasili Golubev reported 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 repeated attacks in the past.
04:31 FDP politician Faber defends the Defense Ministry
FDP politician and new chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, defended the modest increase in the Defense Ministry's budget in 2025 against criticism. "One should not forget that the Defense Ministry budget, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the "Augsburger Allgemeine." Considering the special fund of 100 billion euros and further investments in the troops, 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, Turk stated. The Dialysis department of the clinic was "destroyed." "Among the victims were the sickest children in Ukraine," he 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 stated. 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 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 Zeitgeist of the Chancellor" 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 individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend," Kiesewetter added. Earlier, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the country's economic power. "It's possible to prioritize if the political will is there," he said. A sustained defense budget should aim for three percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
00:01 Greens and FDP announce increase in Pistorius FundLooking at budget negotiations in the German Parliament, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also the deputy head of the Bundestag committee for the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr, announces corrections to defense budgets. "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 procedure," the Green added. Defense policy spokesperson for the FDP, Alexander Müller, also shows readiness for further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Debris falls on clinic - seven deadA debris fragment from a rocket fell on a hospital in Kiev, killing five doctors and two patients. The incident involved the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district, reported "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 alternate location for hospital
The Ukrainian government is looking for an alternate 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," he was quoted as saying by "Kyiv Independent." "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about previous developments here.
- In the context of Ukraine's potential support for Donald Trump's election, Military expert Ralph Thiele discusses the role of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
- The Kremlin denies responsibility for an air strike on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev, claiming the Ukrainians were clumsy in using their air defense and accidentally hit the hospital.
- Russia is reportedly superior to Europe in many areas underwater, as Russian research vessels are moving near critical maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, causing concern for NATO member states.
- Russian military operations in Ukraine, including the alleged air strike on a children's clinic, are being condemned as war crimes by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, "War cannot solve problems," and expressing concern over the targeting of innocent children.
