21:34 Pistorius appeals to NATO: More help needed for Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius calls on NATO partners for increased military support for Ukraine. According to budget plans, there will be no gap in German funding for this purpose, but there will be a smaller amount than this year, says the SPD politician on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. It is our common task to help Ukraine with what it needs, but also with what we can afford. Pistorius says: "But this is also an appeal to all other European partners to do more, to help Ukraine get through this year and the next."
20:50 Russia's behavior is a "disgrace" for the UN Security Council - even China is "alarmed"Members of the United Nations Security Council sharply condemned Russia's actions following heavy Russian attacks in Ukraine with victims 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 sends a chill down my spine even to say that sentence," says the American UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield during an emergency session of the most powerful UN body in New York. Russia will take its turn to preside over the Council in July. The British Ambassador Barbara Woodward added that Russia's behavior was "a disgrace for the Security Council and especially 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 Shang expressed himself more cautiously and did not put Moscow on trial, but he also sent a signal to Russia: The fighting has unfortunately not subsided, but rather intensified and there have been frequent brutal attacks that caused heavy casualties. China is deeply concerned about this.
20:05 Indians lured into the Russian army are to be dischargedA dispute between Moscow and New Delhi over allegedly false pretenses leading Indians into the Russian army appears to have been resolved. Indian citizens will be discharged from the military, announces Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra in Moscow. Previously, 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 then 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 four years
According to a high-ranking NATO representative, Russia should be capable of maintaining its war economy for another three to four years. In addition, the Russian government in Moscow could continue to sustain heavy losses on the battlefield, the insider 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 insider also accuses Russia of undermining Ukraine's support in Europe through attacks, sabotage, and arson.
18:36 Retired Colonel: Ceasefire in Ukraine predicted for 2025
What would happen if Donald Trump wins the election 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 "nothing but a PR stunt"
The Kremlin denies responsibility for the air raid on the children's hospital Ochmatdyt in Kiev. "This is obviously a PR stunt, in this case, a blood-based PR stunt," Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskov says 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 exploit 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 accuses the Ukrainian military of causing the hits on civilian targets through the use of their air defense.
17:22 Naval Inspector: Russians are superior 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 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 in particular, have not decreased." 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 Attempted NATO membership 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: Russia's attack on children's clinic is a war crime
German Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, strongly condemns the Russian aerial attack on Kiev, which damaged a children's clinic. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a heinous war crime that once again demonstrates the unfathomable inhumanity with which Putin is conducting 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 safety in Germany from Putin's rockets and tanks."
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 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. "War cannot solve problems," Modi said while sitting next to Putin. "We must find a way to peace through dialogue." "When innocent children are murdered, when one sees them die, the heart is pained, and this pain is unbearable," Modi said a day after devastating Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, during which the largest children's hospital in the country was hit. Modi and Putin had spoken about the war in Ukraine during his visit to Moscow. As is customary among true friends, they had 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 not 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 aerial attack on a children's hospital in Ukraine.
14:37 Volkswagen ordered to pay millions in damages to GAZ in Russia
A Russian court has ordered Volkswagen to pay millions in damages to its former business partner GAZ. The judges set the compensation at 16.9 billion Rubles (approximately €180 million) according to the Interfax 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 contractor for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended the cooperation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Damage to the Latest Russian Combat Aircraft? Ukraine Allegedly Successfully Attacked Targets in Russia
Ukraine reacted to the Russian rocket attack on Kiev and other places on the previous day with attacks on targets in Russia. According to a report from "Kyiv Independent," the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Military Intelligence Service (HUR) 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-kilometer-distant Achtubinsk, two models of the latest Russian combat aircraft, the SU-57, are said to have been damaged. The damage was not confirmed by Russia, but Russian authorities reported the interception of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26 Report: Germany's Budget for Arms Deliveries Exhausted for 2024
Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius, according to "Spiegel" information, sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euro for further arms 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 for the second half of the year. Pistorius therefore requested additional funds of 4 billion Euro from Bundesfinanzminister 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 being active in this year as well," said the SPD politician during a troop visit in Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about Further Ukrainian Support Grow
12:39 Intelligence and UN: Kinderkrankenhaus Directly Hit by Russian Rocket - Moscow Denies
Following the impact of a projectile on a Kiev children's hospital, Russia and Ukraine are disputing ownership. 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 Kh-101 Kalibr type. 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 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 1,000 employees were present. However, Moscow claims that a Ukrainian ground-to-air missile defense system of the NASAMS type was responsible. This system was developed by the USA and Norway. 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 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 sees Russia as 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 Russian missile attacks on Kiev: "It's a great disappointment and a devastating blow for peace efforts that the leader of the world's largest democracy hugs the bloodiest war criminal in the world on such a day in Moscow."
11:15 Ukraine could lose F16 fighter jets before first use
Moscow closely watching NATO summit
Russia 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 for a three-day summit in Washington today. Supporting 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 Not enough military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump victory
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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 special credit to support its modernization program. With this, the government in Warsaw plans to buy F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks. The US government assumes responsibility for up to $60 million of the interest costs. In this way, the US government supports the large orders of the Polish defense industry.
08:42 Body of a boy recovered in Kiev rubble, 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 Russian air strikes rose 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 reports, according to their own statements, that they have disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switch box was destroyed, the group announced on their Telegram channel, along with a video showing a burning box next to a railroad track. The sabotage action reportedly took place near the Russian town of Schachty. The railways supposedly lead from Rostov am Don in the direction of the occupied Mariupol. The railway lines are essential for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans 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 they have inflicted losses of 1220 soldiers on the invaders. Additionally, seven Russian tanks, 19 armored personnel carriers, 49 artillery pieces, 29 drones, and 36 missile systems were destroyed from Russia. The figures are not verifiable. However, the number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or otherwise rendered ineffective is significantly higher than the more cautious estimates of Western services and think tanks.
07:37 Russia reports four 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, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram. The past 24 hours were "restless" and "difficult," he added. Of the injured, 17 were hospitalized, two were seriously injured, he further stated. Ukrainian attacks were also reported from other western Russian regions, including Kursk and Volgograd.
07:22 Over 2000 children seek refuge from Russian attacks in Kiev's subway
During the massive rocket attacks on Kiev on Monday, according to city administration reports, 32,000 people sought shelter in the underground U-Bahn tunnels. Among them 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 the 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's statements. Health Minister Viktor Lyashko reported that departments for dialysis, cancer treatment, operating rooms, and the intensive care unit 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 missile attacks, targeting alleged weapons factories and military airfields in Ukraine. Many video recordings 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 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 rejected the Russian claims about his country's air defense causing the incidents. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kreml are displaying, claiming that it was the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted missile strike that caused this," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked everyone who posted videos online, "where it is clearly visible that it's 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 power plant in Rostov-on-Don
In the southern Russian region of Rostov, there was a fire at an power plant, according to Russian reports, 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 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 Ministry budget, unlike most other ministries, has actually increased," Faber told the "Augsburger Allgemeine." Considering the special fund of 100 billion Euro and further investments in the troops, the total comes to 140 billion Euro. "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 "terrible reminder of Russia's brutality" in the war that began in February 2022.
01:05 Kiesewetter: Defense Ministry disappointed for soldiersIn the debate over defense budgets, CDU defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter calls for a new definition of prosperity. "It's bitter and a disappointment for the soldiers that the federal government can't prioritize the Bundeswehr in budget setting," Kiesewetter told Funke Media Group newspapers. This shows that "the Zeitgeist of the Chancellor" has not yet arrived, and Olaf Scholz refuses to "pour pure wine in the face of the population in the face of the threat situation." "It's also necessary to redefine prosperity - away from individual interpretation, towards societal resilience and readiness," Kiesewetter said. 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," he added. A continuously increased 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 the Vice-Chief of the Bundestag Committee for the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr, announces corrections to defense spending. "The coalition leadership provides a good foundation 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 said. Defense policy spokesperson for the FDP, Alexander Müller, is also open to further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Debris falls on clinic - seven deadOver Kiev, a debris fragment from a rocket fell on a hospital and killed five doctors and two patients. According to "Ukrainska Pravda," the incident involved the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district. A Russian rocket attack also shattered windows in a private maternity clinic in the same building.
22:10 Insider: Scholz to deliver clear message at NATO summit
According to German government sources, the NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday will send "a very clear message" in support of Ukraine. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz will make it clear in the circle of the 32 NATO state and government heads that Germany is a reliable partner in the transatlantic alliance and will remain so, said the government representative.
21:56 Schmyhal: Looking for alternate location for hospital
The Ukrainian government is looking for an alternate location for the attacked children's hospital. Premier Minister Denys Schmyhal shared this information. The attack will be a topic at the next cabinet meeting. "We hope our international partners will draw their own conclusions," he was quoted as saying by "Kyiv Independent." "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about previous developments here.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius calls on NATO partners, including Germany, to increase military support for Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict, acknowledging a smaller budget allocation for next year but urging other European partners to do more.
- Russian attacks on Ukraine, including a children's clinic, are strongly condemned by the United Nations Security Council members, with the American UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stating that Russia's actions are a "disgrace."
- In response to allegations of false promises leading Indians into the Russian army, Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra announces the discharge of Indian citizens from the military, following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Modi and Kremlin chief Putin.
- According to a NATO representative, Russia should be capable of maintaining its war economy for another three to four years, with the Russian government continuing to sustain heavy losses on the battlefield due to the recruitment of 30,000 soldiers every month.
- Following heavy Russian attacks in Ukraine, including at a children's clinic, Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, calls for increased military support from NATO and appeals to world leaders to intervene, emphasizing the dire situation in Ukraine and the need for action against Russia's aggression.
