21:18 Military court sentences Berkovich and Petriychuk
Military court in Moscow convicts Evgenia Berkowitsch, the theater director, and Swetlana Petrijchuk, the dramaturg, to six years in prison. The two artists were found guilty on Monday of justifying terrorism. Their lawyer announced they would appeal. The 39-year-old Berkowitsch and the 44-year-old Petrijchuk were arrested in May 2023. The reason was a theater piece about Russian women who were recruited online by Islamists in Syria to marry them. The piece received positive reviews from critics and audiences and was awarded the "Golden Mask," the most important Russian theater prize, twice in 2022. Since the beginning of the military intervention in Ukraine, the Kremlin's crackdown on critics has been intensified.
20:48 Death toll rises furtherThe number of casualties from the heavy Russian rocket attack is higher than previously assumed. According to official reports, at least 36 people have died - five more than reported. 137 were injured.
20:25 Putin receives Modi for teaPutin receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Novo-Ogarjewo near Moscow for tea. According to Tass news agency reports, they discussed various topics informally. Officially, they will speak on Tuesday. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, they will also speak about Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the official visit of Modi. It will be interesting for western observers, Peskov said in advance, as Modi snubbed the peace summit in Switzerland initiated by Ukraine in June.
19:49 Small groups of women protest in MoscowA small group of women protest in Moscow for the return of their fighting men and sons in Ukraine. The partially accompanied by small children demonstrators gathered with camping equipment in front of the Defense Ministry in the Russian capital, as shown in the images. They announced they would stay overnight. A policeman ordered the women to leave.
19:24 Reisner: Putin deliberately causes new refugee flowsDue to the harsh crackdown on critical voices, demonstrations in Russia have become very rare. Groups of women or other relatives of soldiers demanding their return are the only ones still protesting in Moscow.
Markus Reisner, Austrian Army Colonel, sees the Russian attack wave on critical infrastructure as a calculated move. Besides sabotaging Ukrainian weapons production, it is also about causing new refugee movements and destabilizing Europe's politics.
18:59 Ukrainian forces shoot down five reconnaissance dronesThe Ukrainian Air Force shoots down five reconnaissance drones during the day. According to their own reports, the machines were brought from the sky in the south of the country, including three ZALA types, a Supercam, and an Orlan 10.
18:41 Heil: Dismantle bureaucratic barriers for Ukrainians in Germany
Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil is pushing for the dismantling of obstacles in Germany for the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market. "We must dismantle bureaucratic barriers in Germany," Heil said during a summer trip. The minister visited a sawmill and woodworking plant in Buchenbach (Baden-Württemberg), which employs numerous Ukrainian women and men. Heil called for faster recognition of professions. Primarily responsible for this are the federal states. Tighter housing and expanding childcare are also necessary, according to the minister. Companies should also not wait for Ukrainian women and men to speak better German, Heil urged. He advocated for the use of currently offered job-training language courses.
18:17 Estimated cost of Russian rocket attack: up to 250 million US dollars
According to rough estimates, the rocket attack on Ukraine by Russia could have cost up to 250 million US dollars. This was reported by the US magazine Forbes, citing Ukrainian military sources. According to this report, at least one ballistic missile of the Kinschal type was used, as well as four Iskander and Kalibr- and Zirkon cruise missiles. Thirty of the 38 missiles were shot down by Ukraine, according to the report. The value of these alone was estimated to be between 160 and 200 million US dollars.
17:58 UN Security Council meeting over Russian attack on Kiev - Woodward: "condemn Russia's cowardly and reprehensible attack"
The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet over Russia's attack on Kiev, during which a children's hospital was also hit, diplomatic sources said. "We will condemn Russia's cowardly and reprehensible attack on the hospital," British UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward declared at the X meeting. The application for a session was reportedly submitted by the USA, Great Britain, France, Ecuador, and Slovenia. Russia has a veto right in the Security Council.
17:38 Lauterbach wants to bring sick Ukrainian children to Germany
The German government plans to bring sick children from Ukraine to Germany for treatment. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wrote on X that he had promised Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Lyashko that sick children in need could be taken in at any time. A rescue flight was scheduled to start on Wednesday, according to the SPD politician. It was reportedly planned before the attack on a children's hospital in Kiev. Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev thanked Lauterbach at X "for active solidarity and compassionate humanity." This could "save children's lives." Lauterbach condemned the attack on the children's hospital. Putin once again showed through the "targeted attack on a children's hospital that he is a war criminal."
17:25 Eder: Utilize the window of opportunity to deter Moscow "without delay"
Russia has been deliberately preparing its economy for war for a long time. Philipp Eder, Military Commander of the Austrian Armed Forces, warned of a closing window of opportunity for NATO.
16:56 Monday 31 More deaths after rocket attack
The number of casualties from the large-scale Russian rocket attack on Ukraine continues to rise. "In Ukraine, 31 people have been killed and 125 have been injured," the Interior Ministry in Kiev reports. In the capital Kiev alone, 20 people were killed and 61 were injured. The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russian military fired 38 rockets of various types at targets in Ukrainian cities. Thirty of these were intercepted by air defense. President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously spoken of over 40 rockets that had been fired at the cities of Kiev, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk.
16:39 Brandenburg Refinery without Russian oil at 80% capacity
One and a half years after the withdrawal from Russian oil, the important refinery PCK in Brandenburg, Germany, is achieving an output of around 80% with the help of new supply routes. That's what's possible with the current supply sources, said PCK CEO Rolf Schairer on the sidelines of a visit by the Federal Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Carsten Schneider. The value is significantly above the utilization rate at the beginning of 2023, but below the earlier years. From the perspective of the German government, the location is secure. The refinery had long processed only Russian oil from the Druzhba pipeline.
16:22 Ukrainian Security Service: Russian cruise missile hits children's hospital
The lethal attack on a children's hospital in Kiev is, according to the findings of the domestic security service SBU, the result of a Russian cruise missile. At the scene, "relevant evidence, in particular fragments from the rear part of a Ch-101 missile" including a serial number were found, it says in a statement from the SBU. At least two nurses were killed and seven others were injured, including children. Moscow had previously denied responsibility and declared that the hospital had been hit by debris from Ukrainian air defense rockets. No evidence was presented.
15:55 German government hopes for more air defense for Ukraine at NATO summit
The German government hopes for commitments for the delivery of air defense systems to Ukraine at the NATO summit. The talks on the additional Patriot air defense systems requested by Kiev are still ongoing and "may even be continued during the summit," says a high-ranking government representative in Berlin. "We understand the priority." Decisions on Ukraine's desired NATO membership are not planned.
15:40 Governor: One civilian dead in attack on Russian oblast Belgorod
In an attack by Ukraine on the Russian oblast Belgorod, one civilian is reportedly dead according to the governor's statements. The man was injured in the village of Nikolskoje and later died. Three others were injured. The number of injured could still increase. Belgorod borders Ukraine and has long been a target of Ukrainian attacks.
15:24 Zelensky: "What cynicism the cretins in the Kreml are spreading"
President Zelensky reacts angrily to Russian claims that a missile defense error caused the damage to a children's hospital in Kiev. "What cynicism the cretins in the Kreml are spreading, that it was supposedly the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted missile strike that caused the damage," says the Ukrainian president at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelensky thanks all those who have 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." Previously, the Russian Defense Ministry had stated in a statement that a surface-to-air missile launched from the city outskirts had caused the damage.
15:07 German government directly addresses Putin
The German government condemns the heavy Russian missile strikes on Ukraine sharply - among other things, on a children's hospital in the capital Kiev. A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office in Berlin calls on Putin to "immediately end this attack war on so many innocent people." "The situation of civilians and children in Ukraine is in large parts dramatic."
14:55 Insider: NATO summit will clearly show support for Ukraine
The NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday will send a clear message of support for Ukraine, according to a German government representative. The 32 NATO countries could promise the country annual financial aid of around 40 billion euros, which is to be expected at the meeting. NATO itself will not take an active role in the Ukraine.
14:47 Tusk: Decision on peace not without Ukraine
President Zelensky announces retaliation for the massive Russian missile attack, in which, according to Ukrainian reports, 29 people were killed. Ukraine will also apply for a meeting of the UN Security Council, says Zelensky during his visit to Warsaw. In addition, Ukraine expects concrete steps from its allies at the NATO summit this week regarding strengthening its air defense.
14:38 Tusk: Decision on peace not without Ukraine
Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved with Ukraine, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. No one can make such a decision without the involvement of Ukraine, Tusk said in Warsaw on the occasion of Zelensky's visit. Both leaders signed a security agreement between their countries. Ukraine can count on Poland's support in its efforts to become a NATO member.
14:24 After Putin's speech: Orban rules out Russian attack on NATO
Putin intends no attack on NATO, Hungary's Prime Minister Orban is convinced: "No serious person can speak of Russia's intention to attack NATO", Orban told the "Bild" newspaper. It is completely impossible for Russia, not just for itself but for anyone in the world, to attack NATO, which is the most powerful military alliance, Orban added. However, the condition is that the unity of NATO be maintained and Article Five of the NATO Treaty be respected by all. This article regulates the mutual defense commitment in the Alliance and states that an armed attack against one or more Allies shall be considered an attack against all. Orban also referred to the many problems that Russia already has at the front with Ukraine.
13:58 Ambassador Jäger: "That's how Russia's negotiation readiness and peace will look"
Diplomatic representatives of several western countries in Ukraine condemn the latest Russian air raids on Ukrainian cities. At least 30 people have been killed and around 90 injured. A children's clinic in the Ukrainian capital was also hit. "Many victims in Kyiv, dead, injured. That's war against civilians. That's how Russia's negotiation readiness and peace look", writes German Ambassador Martin Jäger on X.
13:46 "Defensive capabilities are still insufficient" - Ukraine demands more air defense systems
The Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerow is urging his country's allies to make quick decisions on the delivery of additional air defense systems. "Our defensive capabilities are still insufficient", Umerow writes on Telegram after the massive wave of Russian rocket attacks. "We need more air defense systems." In the rocket attacks on several cities in Ukraine, more than 20 people were killed and dozens injured in the morning.
13:30 Russia: Air bases targeted
The Russian armed forces, according to information from the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, have targeted Ukrainian air defense bases. Infrastructure of the arms industry was also in the crosshairs. "The targets of the attack were hit. The designated objects were struck", the ministry reports. Russia has repeatedly stated that its troops are not targeting civilian targets.
13:05 Kiev: 1200 Russian soldiers "eliminated" in one day
The official losses on the Russian side, according to statements from Kiev, remain high: 1200 Russian soldiers are said to have been killed or incapacitated in one day. According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, a total of 552,190 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated" since the start of the war in February 2022. The Defense Ministry in its daily reports on Russian losses in Ukraine does not disclose information on its own losses. Moscow itself keeps information on its losses in the Ukraine to itself.
12:39 Habeck on Orban's "Peace Mission": Hungary's Prime Minister "does not speak for Europe" in Beijing
Although Hungary's Prime Minister is currently engaged in his self-proclaimed "Peace Mission" and visits to Kiev, Moscow, and now Beijing, making it seem as if he is: Despite Hungary taking over the EU Council Presidency on July 1st, Orban cannot represent the European Union in this capacity. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens distances himself from the visit of the Hungarian Prime Minister to Beijing. Orban "went to China as the Hungarian Prime Minister and not as a representative of Europe," Habeck clarified to the TV station Welt. "He can certainly do that. But he is not speaking for Europe at this point." European politicians should and could travel to China, the Green politician added. "I was there myself just recently. That's not a problem in and of itself. The question is: What is being discussed there? And Hungarian politics is often not what it should be, in my opinion, when it comes to political leaders," he said. "Instead, it often represents ideas that are not in line with the core principles of the European Union, namely freedom within and European self-awareness without, but rather seeks an unhealthy proximity to certain political leaders in my view."
12:25 Governor: Three Dead in Russian Attack on Pokrovsk in Eastern Ukraine
During daylight hours, the Russian military attacked several Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kiev and Kryvyj Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the eastern part of Ukraine, there were missile attacks: At least three people were killed in a Russian attack on the city of Pokrovsk. A building, whose exact nature was not specified, was hit by a rocket, the regional governor reported on Telegram.
12:10 Russian Air Strike on Kiev: Death Toll Rises to Nine
The death toll from the Russian air strike on the Ukrainian capital Kiev has risen to nine. Thirty-three people were injured, according to the prosecutor's office. A children's clinic was destroyed in the heavy air strike. The search for victims under the rubble is ongoing.
11:46 Klitschko: One of the Most Severe Attacks on Kiev - Death Toll Rises to Seven
The Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital Kiev, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, is one of the most severe in the conflict that has been raging for over two years. "You can see: It's a children's hospital," he told the news agency Reuters, standing next to a heavily damaged building. The death toll from the massive rocket attack on Kiev has risen to seven, according to local authorities.
11:24 Authorities Report Ten Dead, Over 30 Injured in Kryvyj Rih Strike
In the city of Kryvyj Rih in central Ukraine, ten people were killed and over 30 were injured in a severe Russian missile attack, according to local authorities. Multiple impacts were reported. Damage was also reported at the administrative building of an industrial company.
11:10 Orban on War Developments: "Next Months Will be Much Bloodier than We Think"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expects a significant escalation of war intensity in the coming months following his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Believe me: The next two, three months will be much bloodier than we think," Orban said in an interview for "Bild" and other Axel Springer Media in his office in Budapest. Orban referred to the influx of high-quality weapons to Ukraine and the Russians' determination. "The energy of the confrontation, the number of deaths, the number of casualties will therefore be bloodier than in the past seven months," Orban added.
10:47 Five Dead in Russian Air Strikes on Kiev - Children's Hospital Hit
The Russian army has attacked Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, in several waves with rockets. According to the Ukrainian military administration, five people were killed in Kiev during the attacks; nine more were injured. In the city center, there were approximately two dozen explosions allegedly from surface-to-air missiles, as reported by a correspondent from the news agency dpa. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported falling debris in four districts and numerous emergency calls. According to Klitschko and the head of the Presidential Administration, Andrij Yermak, there was also a strike on a children's hospital.
Further information can be found here.
10:40 Selenskyj Meets with Poland's Leadership Before NATO Summit
Before the NATO summit in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj will meet with Poland's leadership in Warsaw. A lunchtime meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled, as announced by the Polish government. Tusk had recently announced that he would likely sign a bilateral security agreement with Selenskyj. Selenskyj then meets his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda in the early afternoon. Poland, an EU and NATO member, is one of the most active political and military supporters of the Russia-attacked Ukraine. It also plays a crucial role as a hub for Western military aid to Kiev.
10:18 Creative Air Defense: Ukrainians Shoot Down Russian Drone with Small Aircraft
Weapons deliveries from the West are delayed. The creativity of Ukraine in dealing with the lack of air defense systems is illustrated by footage of a drone hunt. Ukrainian soldiers shoot down Russian drones from the sky - with a small aircraft and a rifle.
09:54 Xi Calls for Ceasefire and Negotiations in Ukraine
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine. This would serve the interests of all parties involved, Xi said at a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing, according to state media. The situation in Ukraine must be de-escalated as much as possible. The international community must create the conditions for Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct dialogue. This requires a "positive energy." Exactly how this should happen and which actors will play a significant role in it, Xi did not specify. Orban unexpectedly arrived in Beijing today.
09:27 Ukrainian Air Force destroys three missiles over Cherkassy and SchytomyrThe Ukrainian air defense has reportedly shot down three Russian missiles according to their own statements. In total, Russia had attacked with six missiles of the Kh-101 type, reported the Ukrainian Air Force. The three hit missiles were destroyed over the Cherkassy and Schytomyr regions. There is currently no information on possible damages.
09:10 Pistorius upsets NATO summit over insufficient defense budgetIn his first public statement since the coalition government's budget compromise of the traffic light coalition, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD expressed his displeasure over the consequences of the agreement. "Yes, I have received significantly less than I had registered. That's frustrating for me because I can't get things started as quickly as Zeitgeist and the threat situation require," said Pistorius, who is currently visiting Fairbanks in Alaska for the NATO exercise Arctic Defender 2024. Pistorius said: "We'll see what happens in the next few weeks and months. I have to adapt and make the best of it."
08:41 Institutions: Sanctions barely affect Russia's war capabilitiesSanctions have had only a minor impact on Russia's war-fighting capabilities, according to a research project by four institutions, including the Munich Ifo and the IfW in Kiel, for the Federal Ministry of Economics. "The economy of the country is growing robustly due to the arms boom at the moment, but the sanctions are working long-term like a creeping poison," says Vasily Astrov, Russia expert at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Comparisons.
07:58 Media: Russia thwarts capture of strategic bomber by UkraineThe Russian domestic security service FSB has reportedly thwarted preparations by Ukrainian troops to capture a strategic bomber of the Tu-22M3 type and fly it into Ukraine. The state news agency TASS reports that Russia received tips and then attacked the Oserne airfield west of Kyiv.
07:19 Orban: China is an important force in efforts to end the warHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban describes China as an important force in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Hungary values China's peace initiative, reports the Hungarian news agency MTI. Orban is currently in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
06:53 Four people killed in mine explosion in CharkiwFour people, including a child, have been killed in a mine explosion in the Charkiw region. The regional state administration head, Oleh Syniehubov, announced this via Telegram, according to the news agency Ukrinform.
06:26 Several injured in Russian attack on NikopolSeveral people, including a child, have been injured in Russian attacks in the Dnipropetrowsk region. A ten-year-old boy and four women were injured in attacks on the city of Nikopol in the Dnipropetrowsk region, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Serhiy Lysak.
05:42 Indian Prime Minister Modi travels to Moscow
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Russia for the first time since the war began. During the official visit, according to Kremlin sources, the topic of Russia's invasion in Ukraine will be discussed. Western observers find it interesting, says Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskov in advance, considering that Modi snubbed the peace summit in Switzerland initiated by Ukraine in June. India's trade with the resource giant Russia has intensified lately.
04:21 Rockets heading towards Kiev - danger averted
After the takeoff of four strategic bombers from the Russian military airfield Olenja, an alarm was raised for the entire Ukraine. Missiles were reportedly heading towards Kiev and the western city of Schytomyr. The Air Force reports that the threat has been partially neutralized, and people are urged to remain in shelters in the east and south.
02:18 Self-proclaimed "Peace Mission": Orban lands in China
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Beijing as part of his self-proclaimed "Peace Mission." There, he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is already the third surprise overseas trip Orban has taken since Hungary took over the rotating EU presidency at the beginning of July. Before that, he visited Ukraine and Russia, which drew fierce criticism from EU members. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announces that Orban will meet with President Xi Jinping for talks on "matters of mutual interest."
01:43 General Inspector Breuer: Russia could turn against NATO countries by 2029
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, calls for a strengthening of defense spending. Russia could turn against NATO countries around 2029, Breuer warns in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung": "Russia is currently building up potential that goes far beyond what it needed for the attack on Ukraine. The Russian armed forces are planning an increase to 1.5 million soldiers, which is more soldiers than in the entire EU. They produce between 1000 and 1500 tanks every year. If they take the five largest NATO armies in Europe, they have at most half of what Russia now spends annually on tanks. We must be prepared."
00:57 Zelenskyy meets Republican Mike Johnson
At the NATO summit in Washington, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet with Republican House Leader Mike Johnson on Wednesday. According to Johnson's official schedule, this meeting will take place. Support for Ukraine is expected to be one of the main themes of the summit in this week. There is concern over future US support for the Kiev government if Donald Trump wins the presidential elections on November 3.
22:50: A family dies in mine explosion in the Charkiw regionAt least four people, including a child, have been killed by an exploding mine in the Charkiw region, according to Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the oblast, on Telegram. The family was in a car on an unpaved road and hit a Russian mine. The identification of the bodies is ongoing. Relatives indicate that a total of six people were in the vehicle.
21:53: Estonian President Karis warns against forced peaceThe Estonian President Alar Karis hopes that the upcoming NATO summit will provide comprehensive support for Ukraine both during and after the war. "The alliance must send a clear message that NATO will support Ukraine as long as it is necessary. The NATO membership of Ukraine is not negotiable, and the process of accession is irreversible," Karis said to the Estonian news platform ERR. History has shown that aggressors must be held accountable and not placated, so Karis. A forced peace is always temporary. "If the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine are not respected, it will lead to new and larger wars in the future. Russia and other aggressors will be encouraged to attack again," the Estonian president added.
21:00: New British government announces weapons package for UkraineThe new British Defense Minister John Healey tells Ukraine during his inaugural visit that new weapons deliveries are on the way. The package, presented in the port city of Odessa, includes artillery guns, mine hunters, and anti-tank missile launchers, as well as large quantities of ammunition. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Healey for the strong support of Great Britain. During their meeting, they also discussed the security agreement between Ukraine and Great Britain signed in January. The then British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed the treaty "for 100 years or longer" in Kiev. According to Zelensky on the platform X, they also spoke about further cooperation within the framework of this agreement.
20:34: Netherlands confirm pledge of Patriot missile defense systemUkraine is receiving a Patriot missile defense system from the Netherlands for the expansion of its protective shield. This was confirmed by the Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, according to the Ukrainian news agency Unian. The announcement that a system would be provided was made in June by the previous Dutch government in The Hague. No specific delivery date was mentioned. Previously, Veldkamp also promised "immediate" delivery of F-16 fighter jets in Kiev (see entry 19:08).
20:11 Orban: Putin doesn't believe in ceasefire without peace talks
Hungary's Prime Minister Orban stated that Russian President Putin told him he doesn't believe in a ceasefire agreement before serious peace talks begin. "He said he had no positive expectations [about such a ceasefire], Selenskyj also said he had no positive expectations because the Russians would use it against Ukraine, and Putin, that the Ukrainians would use this pause against Russia," Orban told the Swiss "Weltwoche." Orban visited Putin in Moscow on Friday, only a few days after meeting Ukrainian President Selenskyj in Kiev.
19:33 Report: EU has no evidence of misused foreign funds by Ukrainian agency
The European Union has no evidence that the Ukrainian Infrastructure Ministry misused foreign funds, EU representatives in Ukraine told "Kyiv Independent." The Ukrainian Finance Ministry accused the state agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure in the Ukrainian online newspaper "Ekonomichna Pravda" on Friday of misusing the 150 million euros provided by the European Commission. The ministry claimed the EU delegation in Ukraine was unhappy that the agency had not used the funds.
- The Kremlin's crackdown on critics in Russia has intensified since the beginning of the military intervention in Ukraine, leading to arrests and trials of artists like Evgenia Berkowitsch and Swetlana Petrijchuk.
- President Volodymyr Selensky of Ukraine has criticized Russia's "cowardly and reprehensible attack" on a children's hospital in Kiev during a UN Security Council meeting, calling Putin a war criminal.
- As the Ukraine conflict enters its third year, NATO leaders are expected to discuss commitments for the delivery of air defense systems to Ukraine at their summit, with Germany advocating for faster recognition of Ukrainian professionals in the labor market.
- The German government has officially condemned the heavy Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, including the attack on a children's hospital in Kiev, urging Putin to immediately end the war and stop targeting innocent civilians.
- The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported that Russian cruise missiles are responsible for the attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, including the bombing of a children's hospital in Kiev, and has called on NATO allies for more military support against Russian aggression.
