20:50 Russia's behavior "disgraceful" for UN Security Council - even China "worried"
Members of the United Nations Security Council sharply condemn Moscow's actions following heavy Russian attacks in Ukraine with casualties at a children's clinic. "We are here today because Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council and the current president of the Security Council, has attacked a children's hospital - and it chills me to my bones to say that," says the American UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield during an emergency session of the most powerful UN body in New York. Russia is scheduled to sit on the Council in July in rotation. The British Ambassador Barbara Woodward added that Russia's behavior is "a shame for the Security Council and in particular for the Presidency." France's representative Nicolas de Rivière spoke of "another entry and a list of war crimes" for which Russia must be held accountable. China's deputy ambassador Geng Shuang expressed himself more cautiously and did not put Moscow on trial, but he also sent a signal to Russia: The fighting has unfortunately not calmed down in recent days, but rather intensified, and there have been frequent brutal attacks that caused heavy casualties. China is deeply concerned about this.
20:05 Indian citizens lured into Russian army to be releasedA dispute between Moscow and New Delhi over allegedly false pretexts leading Indian citizens into the Russian army appears to have been resolved. The Indian citizens are to be released from the military, Indian Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra announced in Moscow. Beforehand, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Kremlin chief Putin met in Moscow. In March, the Indian investigative agency reported the dismantling of a network that had lured people from the subcontinent to Russia with the promise of work. At least 35 Indian citizens were reportedly lured this way. The men were then trained for battle and eventually sent to the war in Ukraine against their will, where some of them were severely injured.
19:16 NATO circles: Russia can maintain war economy for another 3-4 yearsAccording to a high-ranking NATO representative, Russia should be able to maintain its war economy for another three to four years. In addition, the Russian government could continue to sustain heavy losses on the battlefield, says the unnamed insider. The reason for this is that approximately 30,000 soldiers are recruited every month. Putin still believes that "the time is on his side" and is willing to accept losses at "truly alarming" levels. The insider also accuses Russia of undermining Ukraine's support in Europe through attacks, sabotage, and arson.
18:36 Retired Colonel estimates 2025 ceasefire in UkraineWhat 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 Kreml: Air Strike on Kyiv Children's Clinic "Naturally a PR Action"
The Kreml denies responsibility for the air strike on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. "Naturally, this is a PR action, in this case, a blood-based PR action," says Kreml 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 responsible for the shelling. Russia often claims that the Ukrainian military caused the hits on civilian objects through the use of air defense.
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 Russian build-up in the Baltic Sea region. "It's a mistake to think that Russian military forces in the maritime sector have weakened due to the Ukrainian conflict," he says at the Marine Arsenal Warnowwerft 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-potential weapons in particular, have not decreased." In addition, Russia has significantly invested 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 grant NATO membership to Ukraine could also backfire.
16:12 Faeser: Russian Strike on Kyiv Children's Clinic is a War Crime
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemns the Russian air strike on Kyiv, 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 inhumane Putin is conducting his war against Ukraine," she states in a press release. "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 "great significance 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 his visit to Moscow. As is usual 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 "barbarity is no collateral damage"
The two-day NATO summit of member states is beginning in the United States. 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 damages in the millions 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 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 contractor for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended cooperation after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Modernest fighter jet damaged? Ukraine reports successful attacks on targets in Russia
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 (HUR) reportedly targeted 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, were reportedly 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. The roughly 7 billion Euro, which are allocated in the current federal budget for the support of Kiev, are largely consumed 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 more 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 to Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about further Ukraine support 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 disputing ownership. The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service SBU claims, according to its own information, that the kindergarten was directly hit 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 fragment of a rocket engine found at the impact site. The United Nations (UN) shares this assessment: "The analysis of the video material and an on-site evaluation indicate a high probability that the kindergarten suffered a direct hit and was not damaged by a defensive 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. However, Moscow claims that the Ukrainian-deployed ground-air missile defense system NASAMS was responsible. The USA and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian allegation 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 and praised President Vladimir Putin. The bilateral relationship is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect," Modi said during a visit to Moscow. At the same time, he highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia a friend of India in good and bad times," Modi added. India imports oil, gas, and military hardware 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 about 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 in 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 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He referred to NATO declaring Russia an enemy and stated that the Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict. 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 attack war is a primary focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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 credit for US weapons purchases
Poland, one of Ukraine's most significant political and military allies 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. With this, the Warsaw government intends to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and M1 Abrams combat tanks. The US government will reportedly cover up to $60 million of the interest costs. The US government supports the Polish large-scale orders from its own defense industry.
08:42 Kiev attack: Body of a boy recovered, number of children killed rises
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 due to the 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 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 visible, which shows a burning box next to a rail 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. The railway tracks 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 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 cannot be verified. However, the number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or rendered 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 were severely injured, Gladkov further reported. 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 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 "Dirtbag": 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 Ukrainian weapons factories and military airfields. Many videos from Kiev showed damages caused by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, according to reports without proof. The Moscow Military dismissed Ukrainian reactions 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 denied Russian claims that the attacks were due to a Ukrainian missile defense system error. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kreml are showing, claiming that it was allegedly the Ukrainian missile defense system and not a deliberate rocket attack 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 attack that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany provides Ukraine with additional 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," 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 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 budget in 2025 against criticism. "One should not forget that the defense budget of the Defense Ministry, 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 amount 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 Intensive Care, surgical, and oncological departments of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital were "heavily damaged," he stated. The Dialysis department of the clinic was "destroyed." "Among the victims were the sickest children of 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 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 the budget setting," 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 spend "pure wine" in the face of the threat situation. "It's also necessary to define prosperity anew - away from individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend." Previously, 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," Kiesewetter said. A steadily 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 the deputy chairman 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). "As always, 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 spokesman 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. It was the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district that was hit, 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. 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. 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.
- The UN Security Council strongly condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine, specifically targeting a children's clinic, with the American UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stating it as "chilling".
- The UN Human Rights Office holds Russia responsible for the shelling of a children's clinic in Kyiv, citing it as a war crime.
- NATO officials believe that Russia will be able to maintain its war economy for another 3 to 4 years, with heavy losses on the battlefield still sustainable due to the recruitment of 30,000 soldiers each month.
- Volodymyr Selensky, Ukraine's president, is expected to participate in the NATO summit in light of the increased Russian attacks on civilian targets, including a children's hospital.
- Russia denies responsibility for the air strike on a children's clinic in Kyiv, claiming that the Ukrainian air defense system was responsible for the incident.
