19:16 NATO circles: Russia can continue its war economy for another four years
Russia, according to a high-ranking NATO representative, is capable of maintaining its war economy for another three to four years. Additionally, the Russian government in Moscow can endure further significant losses on the battlefield, the source who wished to remain anonymous stated. The reason being that approximately 30,000 soldiers are being recruited every month. Putin still believes "the time is on his side" and is willing to accept losses at "truly alarming" levels. The source also accused Russia of attempting to undermine Ukraine's support in Europe through attacks, sabotage, and arson.
18:36 Colonel Retired expects ceasefire in Ukraine by 2025What would happen if there was a victory for Donald Trump with Ukraine's support? And what role would NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg play in this? Military expert Ralph Thiele answers these and other questions.
17:58 Kremlin: Air raid on children's clinic "just a PR stunt"The Kremlin denies responsibility for the air raid on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev. "That's just a PR stunt, in this case, a PR stunt based on blood," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said 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 claimed. Now, Kiev is trying to use this tragedy as a background for President Zelensky's participation in the NATO summit. In contrast to Moscow's denials, the UN Human Rights Office holds Russia responsible for the shelling. Russia often claims that Ukrainian military has caused damage to civilian targets through the use of their air defense systems.
17:22 Naval Inspector: Russians are superior to us in many areasThe Inspector of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, warns of a significant rearmament of Russia in the Baltic Sea region. "It's a mistake to think that Russian military forces in the maritime sector have weakened from the Ukrainian war," he said at the Warnowwerft naval yard in Rostock. There are indeed losses for Russia in the Black Sea. "But we also see that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potent 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. An attempt to bring Ukraine into NATO could also backfire.
16:12 Faeser: Russia's attack on children's clinic is a war crime
German Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, sharply condemns the Russian air raid on Kiev, which damaged a children's clinic. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a horrifying war crime that once again demonstrates the unfathomable inhumanity with which Putin is waging his war against Ukraine," she states in a press release. "Given that we have seen the cruelty of war, it is 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 have saved many lives." 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"
Indian 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 the utmost importance for the future of our next generation, Modi said while sitting next to Putin. "War cannot solve problems," the Indian prime minister said. "We must find a way to peace through dialogue." "When innocent children are murdered, when you see them die, it pains the heart, and this pain is unbearable," Modi said a day after devastating Russian air raids on Ukraine, during which the largest children's hospital in the country was hit. Modi and Putin spoke about the war in Ukraine during his visit to Moscow. As is customary among "true friends," they sat together and discussed "a range of topics," the Indian prime minister said. He was "happy" that "we were able to openly and in detail present our views on Ukraine."
15:10 Expert: Russia's "barbarism is no collateral damage"
The second day of the NATO summit of member states is beginning in the United States. Security expert Frank Umbach outlines the signals that 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 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 Euros), according to the Interfax news agency. GAZ had originally 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 and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended cooperation after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Damage to the Latest Russian Combat Aircraft? Ukraine Allegedly Successfully Attacked Targets in Russia
Ukraine responded to the Russian rocket attack on Kiev and other places with attacks on targets in Russia, according to a report from "Kyiv Independent." The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR) allegedly successfully attacked the Military Airport 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 latest Russian combat aircraft, the SU-57, are said to have been damaged. Russia has not confirmed the damage, but Russian authorities reported the launch of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26 Report: Germany's Budget for Weapon Deliveries Exhausted for 2024
According to information from "Spiegel," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euro for further weapon deliveries to Ukraine for 2024. The approximately 7 billion Euro, which are allocated in the current federal budget for the support of Kiev, are largely used up 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 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 be able to continue our engagement this year as well," said the SPD politician during a troop visit to Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about Further Ukraine Support Grow
12:39 Intelligence and UN: Kinderkrankenhaus Directly Hit by Russian Rocket - Moscow Denies
After the impact of a projectile on a children's hospital in Kiev, Russia and Ukraine are arguing over the origin. The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service SBU claims, according to its own statements, to have new evidence that the children's hospital 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 presented images of a rocket engine fragment that was allegedly found at the impact site. The United Nations (UN) shares this assessment: "The analysis of the video material and an on-site assessment indicate a high probability that the children's hospital received 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 approximately 670 children being treated in the clinic and about 1000 employees were present. However, Moscow denies the Ukrainian allegations and accuses Ukraine of using a ground-to-air missile defense system, the NASAMS, developed by the USA and Norway. Even if the Russian statement is 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
The 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 the Russian missile attacks on Kiev: "It's a great disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts that the leader of the largest democracy in the world embraces 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
Russia is closely monitoring the NATO summit
Moscow 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 to be fully involved in the Ukraine conflict, Peskov told journalists. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are meeting 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 the US capital.
10:48 Insufficient Military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump victory
...
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 government in Warsaw intends to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks. The US government assumes responsibility for up to $60 million in 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 people killed in Kiev on Monday by the Russian air raid has risen to 27, including now four children. 117 more 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 railway track
The Ukrainian partisan group Atesh claims to have disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switchbox was reportedly destroyed, according to the group's Telegram channel. A video is also shown, which depicts a burning box next to a railway track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian town of Schachty. The railway lines reportedly lead from Rostov am Don towards the occupied Mariupol. These railway lines are crucial for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans regularly target railway lines as a result. 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 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. These figures are not verifiable. However, the number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated 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. Additionally, 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 of whom were seriously injured, Gladkov added. Russian authorities also reported attacks from Ukrainian forces in 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 reportedly died. According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, departments for dialysis, cancer treatment, operating rooms, and the intensive care unit were damaged in the attack 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 missile attacks, targeting alleged military factories and airbases in Ukraine. Many video evidence from Kiev showed that the damages were caused by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, according to reports without evidence. 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 attacks were due to a Ukrainian missile defense system error. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kremlin brought up, that it was allegedly the Ukrainian missile defense and not a deliberate missile 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 missile, 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 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 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," Rostov 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 Defense Ministry against criticism of its only moderate budget increase in 2025. "One should not forget that the Defense Ministry budget, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the Augsburg General. If one adds 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 of Ukraine."
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 "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 disappointing 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 let the population "pour pure wine into their glasses" in the face of the threat situation. "It's also necessary to redefine prosperity - away from an individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend." Previously, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the economic power. "It's possible to prioritize if the political will is there," Kiesewetter said. A continuously increasing defense budget should aim for three percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
00:01 Greens and FDP announce increase in Pistorius FundRegarding the budget negotiations in the German Parliament, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also Vice-Chief of the Bundestag Committee for the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr, announces corrections to the defense budget. "The coalition leadership of the traffic light [coalition] provides a good basis for the budget negotiations in parliament," 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 said. The defense policy spokesperson of the FDP, Alexander Müller, also shows readiness for further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Debris falls on clinic - seven deadOver Kiev, a rocket debris fell on a hospital and killed five doctors and two patients. It was the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district that was affected, 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 disclosed this. The attack will be the topic of the next cabinet meeting. "We hope our international partners will draw their own conclusions," he was quoted by "Kyiv Independent." "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about previous developments here.
- The high-ranking NATO representative suggested that Russia could maintain its war economy for another three to four years, due to the ongoing recruitment of approximately 30,000 soldiers each month.
- According to the German Navy Inspector, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Russia has significantly invested in communication, navigation, and attack capabilities underwater, making them superior to German forces in many areas.
- Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of attempting to undermine Ukraine's support in Europe through attacks, sabotage, and arson, as stated by the anonymous source.
- The Ukrainian partisan group Atesh claimed responsibility for disrupting an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied territories by destroying a switchbox, according to their Telegram channel.
- The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed missile attacks on alleged military factories and airbases in Ukraine, but Russian officials dismissed Ukrainian reports of damage to a children's hospital in Kiev as "hysteria of the Kiev regime."
