21:34 Pistorius appeals to NATO: More help needed for Ukraine
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius calls on NATO partners for stronger military support of Ukraine. According to budget plans, there is "no gap in that sense" in German funding, but there will be a smaller amount than this year, says the SPD politician on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. A common task is to help Ukraine with what it needs, but also with what we can afford. Pistorius says: "But that is also to be understood as a plea to all other partners in Europe to do more, to help Ukraine get through this year and the next as well."
20:50 Russia's behavior "disgrace" for UN Security Council – even China "concerned"Members of the UN Security Council sharply condemned Russia'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 makes me cold to even 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 is scheduled 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 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 Russian army to be dischargedA dispute between Moscow and New Delhi over allegedly false pretenses leading Indians into the Russian army seems to have been resolved. Indian citizens will be discharged, 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 this way. The men were trained for battle and then, against their will, sent to fight in the war in Ukraine, where some of them were seriously 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 endure further significant losses on the battlefield, the source, who wished to remain anonymous, said. The reason for this is that approximately 30,000 soldiers are being recruited every month. Putin still believes "the time is on his side" and is willing to accept losses at "truly alarming" levels. The source also 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 there was a victory for Donald Trump with Ukraine's support? And what role would NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg play in this? Military expert Ralph Thiele answers these and other questions.
17:58 Kremlin: Air raid on children's clinic "nothing but a PR stunt"
The Kremlin denies responsibility for the air raid on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev. "This is obviously a PR stunt, in this case, a PR stunt based on blood," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the propaganda channel. The Ukrainians were so clumsy in the use of their air defense that one of these rockets hit the hospital, he claimed. Now, Kiev is trying to use this tragedy as a background for President Zelensky's participation in the NATO summit. In contrast to Moscow's denials, the UN Human Rights Office holds Russia responsible for the shelling. Russia often blames the Ukrainian military for the strikes on civilian targets using their air defense systems.
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 buildup 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 see just as clearly that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potency weapons, have not decreased at all." In the past ten years, Russia has significantly invested in communication, navigation, and attack capabilities underwater. "They are superior to us in many areas," warns the Vice Admiral. Russian research vessels are also moving very openly near the critical maritime infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The German Navy is therefore building an underwater command center in Rostock to counter potential threats. It should be operational by October 1.
16:48 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 Orbán. 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 airstrike on Kiev that damaged a children's clinic. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a heinous war crime, which once again demonstrates Putin's unfathomable inhumanity in 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 now over 1.18 million people from Ukraine have found shelter in Germany from Putin's rockets and tanks," says the SPD politician. "We have saved many lives." Among the refugees are over 350,000 children and adolescents. "We will continue to protect them in Germany."
15:44 Criticism of Putin? Modi in Moscow: "The heart is pained when innocent children are murdered"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for dialogue during his meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Moscow to achieve peace. "As a friend, I told Putin that peace is of the utmost importance for the future of our next generation," Modi says while sitting next to Putin. "War cannot solve problems," says the Indian prime minister. "We must find a way to peace through dialogue." "When innocent children are murdered, when one sees them die, it pains the heart and this pain is unbearable," Modi says a day after devastating Russian airstrikes 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 true friends," Modi said, "we sat together and discussed a range of topics." 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 which signals NATO should send to Putin, especially after the devastating airstrike 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 originally demanded 28.4 billion Rubles in damages for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had acted as a contract manufacturer for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ended cooperation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Damage to the Latest Russian Combat Aircraft in Ukraine? Ukraine Allegedly Successfully Attacked Targets in Russia
Ukraine responded 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 Directorate (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. Russia has not confirmed the damage, but Russian authorities reported the launch of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26 Report: Germany's Budget for Weapon Deliveries Exhausted for 2024
According to information from "Spiegel," Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euro for further weapon deliveries to Ukraine for 2024. The approximately 7 billion Euro, which are allocated in the current federal budget for the support of Kiev, are largely used up or contractually bound. Only about 200,000 Euro are left for new deliveries in the second half of the year. Pistorius requested additional funds of 4 billion Euro from Bundesfinanzminister Christian Lindner. With the new money, Pistorius wants to deliver more ammunition, urgently needed spare parts, and possibly also Leopard 1A-Tanks to Ukraine. "We are working hard to free up additional funds 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 Ukraine Support 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 disputing ownership. The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service SBU claims that the children's hospital was directly hit by a Russian rocket of the Kh-101 Kalibr type. The analysis of the flight path and the type of damage indicate 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 evaluation indicate a high probability that the children's hospital received a direct hit and was not damaged by an intercepted weapon system," explains the leader of the UN Human Rights Observation Mission in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, there were around 670 children being treated in the clinic and about 1000 employees were present. However, Moscow claims that a Ukrainian ground-to-air missile defense system of the NASAMS type was responsible. The USA and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian statement were true: The Ukrainians use these western air defense systems to defend against permanent Russian air raids on civilian targets.
11:50 "Friend of India": Modi courts Putin in Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the relationship between his country and Russia, praising President Vladimir Putin. The bilateral relationship is based on "mutual trust and mutual respect," Modi said during a visit to Moscow. He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian considers Russia as a friend of India, in good times and in bad." 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 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 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 heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are gathering in Washington for a three-day summit. The support of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian aggression war is a priority. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected in Washington.
10:39 Not enough military: Expert sees Europe unprepared for Trump victory
10:05 Arming against Russia: 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 US government, Poland is receiving a $2 billion special credit to support its modernization program. The government in Warsaw plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and M1 Abrams combat tanks with this support. The US government assumes responsibility for up to $60 million of the interest costs. The US government supports the large orders from its own defense industry.
08:42 Body of a boy recovered in Kiev ruins, number of killed children 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 line
The Ukrainian partisan group Atesh claims to have disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switch box was reportedly destroyed, according to the group's Telegram channel. A video is also visible, showing a burning box next to a railway track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian town of Schachty. The railway lines reportedly lead from Rostov am Don towards the occupied Mariupol. These railway lines are essential for the supply of new equipment to the Russian troops. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans therefore regularly target railway lines. Atesh, in its own words, is 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 launchers were reportedly destroyed from Russia. These figures cannot be verified. 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, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on the Telegram online service. The past 24 hours were described as "restless" and "difficult." Of the injured, 17 were hospitalized, two of whom were severely injured, Gladkov 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 low-lying U-Bahn tunnels. Among them, according to the reports, were nearly 2200 children. The Ukrainian capital is regularly attacked by Russia. In the past few months, more and more rockets have penetrated, as Western air defense systems only have limited ammunition and are increasingly being successfully bypassed.
06:50 "Dirty Bastards": At least two dead after attack on children's hospital in Kiev
The shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev during a Russian rocket attack reportedly resulted in 16 injuries, among them seven children. Two of the injured reportedly died. According to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, 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 missile attacks, targeting alleged weapons factories and military airfields in Ukraine. Many video evidence from Kiev showed that the damages were caused by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, according to reports without proof. The Moscow Military dismissed the Ukrainian reaction to the attack as "hysteria of the Kiev regime." Ukrainian reports stated that another hospital in the capital was damaged on the other side of the Dnipro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Russian claims that the missile strikes were due to a Ukrainian missile defense system error. "What cynicism the scoundrels in the Kremlin are showing, claiming that it was allegedly the Ukrainian missile defense and not a deliberate missile strike that killed and injured many people," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked everyone who posted videos online, "on which it is clearly visible that it is not just a part of one or another missile, but a direct missile strike that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany provides Ukraine with more ammunition and air defense 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 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, according to Russian reports, a fire broke out in a power plant due to a Ukrainian drone attack. "Two transformers have caught fire," Rostov Governor Vasili Golubev reported via the Telegram messaging service. The Russian air defense shot down "numerous" Ukrainian drones. Golubev did not mention the exact number of drones used or intercepted. The border region with Ukraine has been a target of repeated attacks in the past.
04:31 FDP politician Faber defends the Defense Ministry
FDP politician and new chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, defended the Defense Ministry against criticism for the insufficient 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." If one includes the special fund of 100 billion euros and further investments in the troops, the total comes to 140 billion euros. "That can be seen, even if one wishes for more."
03:25 UN Human Rights Commissioner condemns attack on hospital in KievUN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk condemns attacks on a children's clinic in the Ukrainian capital Kiev as "despicable." The Intensive Care, surgical, and oncological departments of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev have been "severely damaged," he stated. The Dialysis department of the clinic was "destroyed." "Among the victims were the sickest children in Ukraine."
02:05 Biden announces support for Kiev at NATO summitUS President Joe Biden announces new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense following attacks with Russian rockets that killed 36 people. The US and its allies will announce this new support at a NATO summit in Washington this week, Biden stated. He described the rocket attacks on Ukraine as a "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 the 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 redefine prosperity - away from an individual interpretation, towards social resilience and readiness to defend." Previously, the defense budget accounted for five or six percent of the economic power. "It's possible to prioritize if the political will is there," Kiesewetter said. A continuously increased defense budget should aim for three percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
00:01 Greens and FDP announce increase in Pistorius FundLooking at the budget negotiations in the German Parliament, the 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 the defense budget. "The coalition leadership of the Traffic Light Coalition provides a good basis for the budget negotiations in parliament," Schäfer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "There will be numerous and significant changes. In the field of security and defense policy, there are great needs that we will take into account in the parliamentary procedure," so the Green. The defense policy spokesman of the FDP, Alexander Müller, also shows himself open to further adjustments in favor of the defense budget.
22:16 Debris falls on clinic - seven deadA debris fragment of a rocket fell on a hospital in Kiev and killed five doctors and two patients. It happened at the ADONIS Clinic in the Dniprowskyi district, 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 earlier developments here.
- Pistorius urges NATO allies to increase military aid for Ukraine, citing budget limitations and the need for international cooperation.
- The UN Security Council strongly condemns Russia's attack on a children's hospital in Ukraine, with China expressing concern over the escalating conflict.
- Reports suggest that India has resolved a dispute with Russia over allegations of coercing Indians into joining the Russian army, resulting in Indian citizens being discharged.
- NATO predicts that Russia can maintain its war economy for another three to four years, despite heavy losses in the Ukraine conflict and international sanctions.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, faces a challenging situation as his country continues to endure heavy military operations and cyberwar attacks from Russia, with NATO and the international community providing support.
