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 resulting in casualties at a children's clinic. "We are here today because Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council and currently the 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 in the Council in July in rotation. The British Ambassador Barbara Woodward added, "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 caution and did not put Moscow on trial, but sent a signal to Russia: The fighting has unfortunately not subsided but have instead escalated and there have been frequent brutal attacks causing 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 pretenses leading Indian citizens into the Russian army has reportedly been resolved. The Indian citizens are to be released from the military, Indian Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra announced in Moscow. Prior to this, 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 with the promise of work in Russia. At least 35 Indian citizens were reportedly lured in this way. The men were 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 can continue to sustain heavy losses on the battlefield, the insider, who wished to remain anonymous, said. The reason for this is that approximately 30,000 soldiers are recruited every month. Putin continues to believe that "the time is on his side" and is willing to accept losses at "truly alarming" levels. The insider also accused Russia of undermining Ukraine's support in Europe through attacks, sabotage, and arson.
18:36 Retired Colonel estimates ceasefire in Ukraine by 2025What 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 Ochmatdyt Children's Clinic in Kiev "Naturally a PR Action"
The Kreml 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," says Kreml spokesperson Dmitri Peskov in an interview with the 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 through the use of their air defense.
17:22 Marine Inspector: Russians are superior to us in many areas
The inspector of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, warns of a significant build-up of Russian forces 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 in the Marine Arsenal Warnowwerft in Rostock. There have been losses for Russia in the Black Sea. "But we also see that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potential weapons, have not decreased at all." 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 ships 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, the 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 Strike on Children's Clinic is a War Crime
Federal 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 waging 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." The SPD politician adds, "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 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 hurts the heart and this pain is unbearable," 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 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" regarding 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 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 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 vehicles at 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 retaliated against 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) 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 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 around 7 billion Euro, which are planned 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 in Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about further support for Ukraine grow
12:39 Intelligence and UN: Kinderkrankenhaus directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
After the impact of a projectile on a Kiev children's hospital, Russia and Ukraine are arguing over the origin. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims, according to its own information, 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 stated, presenting 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 assessment indicate a high probability that the children's hospital 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 approximately 670 children being treated in the clinic and about 1000 employees were employed, according to Bell. However, Moscow denies the Ukrainian allegations, stating that a Ukrainian ground-air missile defense system of the type NASAMS was responsible. The USA and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian statement were correct: 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. Modi made these remarks during a visit to Moscow, stating that the bilateral relationship is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect." He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia as a friend of India in good and bad times," Modi said. 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 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 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 monitor NATO summit
Russia intends to closely monitor the NATO summit, according to Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He emphasized that NATO declared Russia an enemy and that it is their goal to defeat Russia. The Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict, Peskow told journalists. The leaders of the 32 NATO countries are meeting for a three-day summit in Washington, D.C. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian aggression war is a primary focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected in the U.S. capital.
10:39 Insufficient military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump victory
10:05 Poland receives $2 billion credit 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 U.S. government, Poland is receiving a $2 billion loan to support its modernization program. The Polish government plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks with this support. The U.S. government will reportedly cover up to $60 million in interest costs. This U.S. government support for Polish large-scale purchases from its own defense industry.
08:42 Body of a boy recovered in Kiev rubble, death toll rises
Rescue workers have recovered the body of a boy in the ruins of a house in Kiev, according to "Kyiv Independent." This brings the death toll from Monday's Russian air raid on Kiev to 27, including four children. 117 more people were injured. According to ministry reports, rescue teams are still active 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, showing 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. These railway lines are crucial for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans have therefore been targeting railway lines 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 his daily reports, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that the invaders have 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 cannot be verified. However, the number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or rendered ineffective 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, as Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram. The past 24 hours were described as "restless" and "difficult." Of the injured, 17 were hospitalized, two of whom were seriously injured, Gladkov added further. Attacks from Ukrainian forces 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 bypassed successfully.
06:50 "Dirty Bastards": At least two deaths 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 hospital on Monday. Hundreds of residents helped the rescue teams 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 Ukrainian regime's hysteria over the attack was dismissed by the Moscow Military. A second hospital in the capital was reportedly 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 Kreml are exhibiting, claiming that it was the Ukrainian missile defense and not a deliberate rocket strike that killed and injured many people," he said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked 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 additional ammunition and air defense system
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 over-the-horizon radar systems of the TRML-4D type.
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," 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 launched 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 Defense Ministry against criticism for the modest increase in the defense budget in 2025. "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 additional investments in the troops, the total comes to 140 billion euros. "That's noticeable, even if one could wish 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," 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 said. He described the rocket attacks on Ukraine as a "horrific 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 "pour pure wine in the face of the population in the face of the threat situation." "It's also necessary to define prosperity anew - away from an individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend," Kiesewetter added. Earlier, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the economic output. "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 ahead to budget negotiations in the German parliament, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also deputy chairman of the Bundestag committee for the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr, announces corrections to defense spending. "The coalition's top leadership 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 spokesman for the FDP, Alexander Müller, also expresses 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 and killed five doctors and two patients. The incident involved 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. 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 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 Security Council strongly condemns Russia's attack on a children's clinic in Ukraine, resulting in casualties, with the American UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield calling it a "shame".
- The dispute between Russia and India over allegedly false pretenses leading Indian citizens into the Russian army has been resolved, with the Indians set to be released from the military.
- According to a high-ranking NATO representative, Russia can maintain its war economy for another three to four years, with Putin believing that "the time is on his side" and willing to accept heavy losses.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, strongly condemns Russia's air strike on a children's clinic in Kiev, calling it a "war crime".
- France, a member of NATO, joins the chorus of condemnation against Russia for its escalation of attacks in Ukraine, with its representative at the UN stating that Russia must be held accountable for its actions.
