22:52 Russia launches agitation for the US election
Russia began attempts, according to US intelligence sources, to influence certain American voter groups. Additionally, certain politicians were targeted, an unnamed source claims. Russian preferences regarding candidates have not noticeably shifted compared to previous elections, the source explains further, without mentioning Democrats Joe Biden or Republicans Donald Trump by name. This statement suggests that the Russian government, according to US intelligence assessments, prefers a Trump victory.
22:08 USA: New NATO command for Ukraine coming to GermanyThe NATO is expected to announce in the coming days the establishment of a new command in Germany for Ukraine. It will be led by a Three-Star General and focus on the training and equipping of Ukrainian troops, says Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the US Presidential Cabinet, at a conference on the arms industry organized by the US Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, a high-ranking NATO representative will be appointed to deepen Ukraine's relationship with the alliance in Kiev.
21:34 Pistorius appeals to NATO: More Ukraine aid neededDefense Minister Boris Pistorius calls on NATO partners to provide stronger military support to Ukraine. According to the budget plans, there is "no gap in this sense," but there is a smaller amount than this year, says SPD politician Pistorius 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 also appeals to all other European partners: "But this is also to be understood as a plea for all other partners in Europe to do more to help Ukraine get through this year and the next."
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, attacked a children's hospital - and it makes me cold to even say this sentence," says the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, during an emergency session of the most powerful UN body in New York. Russia will assume the presidency of the council in July on a rotating basis. 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 Shuang 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 have rather intensified and there have been frequent brutal attacks that caused heavy casualties. China is deeply concerned about this."
20:05 In Russian army, Indians lured are to be dischargedIndians allegedly attracted to the Russian army under false pretenses are reportedly being discharged, according to Indian External Affairs Minister Vinay Kwatra in Moscow. The Indian citizens were to be released, Kwatra informed. Prior to this, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Kremlin chief Putin had 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 recruited in this manner. The men were trained for combat and subsequently sent to the war in Ukraine against their will, where some of them were severely injured.
19:16 NATO circles: Russia can sustain war economy for another 3-4 yearsAccording to a high-ranking NATO representative, Russia is allegedly capable of maintaining its war economy for another three to four years. Furthermore, the Russian government can reportedly endure significant losses on the battlefield, the unnamed insider stated. The reason for this is that approximately 30,000 soldiers are being 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 attempting to undermine Ukraine's support in Europe through acts of sabotage, arson, and assassinations.
18:36 Retired Colonel: Ceasefire in Ukraine expected by 2025What would happen if Donald Trump were to win the election with Ukraine's support? And what role would NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg play in this scenario? Military expert Ralph Thiele answers these and other questions.
17:58 Kremlin: Air strike on children's clinic "just a PR stunt"The Kremlin denies responsibility for the air strike on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev. "This is obviously a PR stunt, in this case, a blood-based PR stunt," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the propaganda television. The Ukrainians were so clumsy in the use of their air defense systems that one of these missiles hit the hospital, he claimed. Now, Kiev is trying to exploit this tragedy as a backdrop 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 following its own attacks.
17:22 Marine Inspector: Russians are superior to us in many areas
Marine Inspector Vizeadmiral Jan Christian Kaack of the German Navy warns of a significant Russian build-up in the Baltic Sea region. "It's a misconception that Russian military forces in the maritime sector have weakened from the Ukrainian conflict above the water," Kaack says at the Marine Arsenal Warnowwerft in Rostock. While there have been losses for Russia in the Black Sea, "we are also seeing that the construction rates, the delivery of ships with high-potent weapons in particular, have not decreased." In addition, Russia has significantly invested in communication, navigation, and attack capabilities underwater over the past ten years. "They are superior to us in many areas," warns the Vice Admiral. Russian research vessels have also been moving 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"
The NATO is discussing further support for Ukraine in Washington. The former head of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, warns against deviating from the course, as suggested by Viktor Orbán. A bid for NATO membership for Ukraine could also backfire.
16:12 Faeser: Russian attack on children's clinic is a war crime
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemns the Russian air raid on Kiev, which damaged a children's clinic, sharply. "The rocket attack on a children's clinic is a heinous war crime that once again shows how inhumanely Putin is waging his war against Ukraine," she states in a press release. "When we see this cruelty of war, it becomes clear how important it is that over 1.18 million people from Ukraine have found shelter in Germany from Putin's rockets and tanks." The SPD politician continues, "We are protecting 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: "When innocent children are murdered, it hurts the heart"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for dialogue to achieve peace during his meeting with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Moscow. As a "friend," he told Putin that peace is of "paramount importance" for the next generation. "War cannot solve problems," Modi says while sitting next to Putin. "We must find a way to peace through dialogue." "When innocent children are murdered, when you see them dying, it hurts the heart and this pain is unbearable," Modi says 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," Modi said. He was "happy" that "we were able to openly and in detail present our views on the Ukraine issue."
15:10 Expert: Russia's "Barbarism is no collateral damage"
At 15:10, the expert stated: Russia's "Barbarism is no collateral damage."
14:37 Volkswagen ordered to pay millions in damages 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), as reported by the Interfax agency. GAZ had initially demanded 28.4 billion Rubles (approximately 308 million Euros) in compensation for lost profits due to Volkswagen's exit from the Russian market. GAZ had acted as a contractor for Volkswagen and produced Volkswagen vehicles in its plant in Nizhny Novgorod. Volkswagen ceased cooperation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
13:59 Modernest fighter jet allegedly damaged? Ukraine reportedly successfully attacked targets in Russia
The Ukraine reportedly retaliated against the previous 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 Service (HUR) successfully attacked the military airport in Achtubinsk, a power station near Rostov-on-Don, and an oil depot in the Volgograd region during the past night. In the 450-kilometer-distant Achtubinsk, it is reported that two models of the most modern Russian fighter jet, the SU-57, have been damaged. Russia has not confirmed the damage, but Russian authorities reported the interception and destruction of several Ukrainian drones.
13:26 Report: Germany's budget for arms deliveries is exhausted for 2024
Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius, according to "Spiegel," sees a need for an additional 4 billion Euros for further arms deliveries to Ukraine in 2024. It is reported that the approximately 7 billion Euros allocated in the current federal budget for supporting Kiev are largely depleted or contractually bound. Only about 200,000 Euros remain for new deliveries in the second half of the year. Pistorius has therefore requested additional funds of 4 billion Euros from Bundesfinanzminister Christian Lindner. With the new funds, Pistorius intends to provide more ammunition, urgently needed spare parts, and possibly also Leopard 1A-tanks to Ukraine. "We are currently working on freeing up additional funds to be able to continue being active this year as well," said the SPD politician during a troop visit to Alaska.
13:07 US Correspondent: Doubts about further Ukraine support grow.
12:39 Intelligence service and UN: Kinder hospital directly hit by Russian rocket - Moscow denies
Following the impact of a projectile into a children's hospital in Kiev, Russia and Ukraine are disputing ownership. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims, based on their own evidence, that the children's hospital was directly struck by a Russian Kh-101 Kalibr rocket. The analysis of the flight path and the type of damage suggest a direct hit, according to the SBU. The SBU also 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 hospital suffered a direct hit and not damage from an intercepted weapons system," explains the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission leader in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, approximately 670 children were being treated in the clinic, and around 1000 employees were present, according to Bell. However, Moscow claims that a Ukrainian ground-air missile defense system of the NASAMS type was responsible. The USA and Norway developed this western air defense system. Even if the Russian claim is true: Ukraine uses these western air defense systems to counter permanent Russian air attacks on civilian targets.
11:50 "Friend of India": Modi courts Putin in Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the relationship between his country and Russia and praised President Vladimir Putin. Modi made these statements during a visit to Moscow. "Our bilateral relationship is based on mutual trust and respect," Modi said. He also highlighted Putin's leadership qualities. "Every Indian sees Russia as a friend of India, in good times and in bad." 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 already stated regarding the Russian rocket attacks on Kiev: "It is a great disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts that the leader of the world's largest democracy embraces the bloodiest war criminal of 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 its own statements. Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized this and referred to the fact that NATO declared Russia an enemy and that it is necessary to defeat it. The Russian government considers NATO involved in the Ukraine conflict, according to Peskov, speaking to journalists. The heads of state and government of the 32 NATO countries are meeting today for a three-day summit in Washington. Support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack war is a key issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected in the US capital.
10:39 Europe not prepared for Trump re-election: Expert
10:05 Awakening against Russia: Poland receives a Two-Billion-Dollar-Credit for US Weapon PurchasesPoland is one of the most political and military allies of Ukraine and at the same time the borderland of NATO: Thousands of kilometers of its territory border the Russian exclave Kaliningrad and the Russian vassal state Belarus. According to US government announcements, Poland is to receive a two billion US dollar special credit to support its defense program. With this, the government in Warsaw plans to purchase F-35 combat jets, Patriot air defense systems, and Abrams combat tanks. Washington assumes responsibility for the up to 60 million dollars in interest costs. In this way, the US government supports the Polish large orders in its own defense industry.
08:42 Attack on Kiev: Body of a Boy Recovered, Number of Killed Children RisingRescue workers have found 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 by the Russian air raid on Monday has risen 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 RailwayThe Ukrainian partisan group Atesh reports that it has disrupted an important railway connection between Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories. A switch box was destroyed, according to the group's announcement on its Telegram channel. A video is also shown, which shows a burning switch box next to a railroad track. The sabotage action is said to have taken place near the Russian settlement of Schachty. The rails lead, according to this, from Rostov am Don in the direction of the occupied Mariupol. The railway lines are essential for the supply of the Russian troops with new equipment. Both the Ukrainian army and Ukrainian partisans therefore regularly target railway lines. Atesh reports that it is active not only in the occupied territories but also within Russia.
07:55 Ukraine Claims to have Eliminated over 1200 Soldiers in a DayIn its daily reports, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that it has inflicted losses of 1220 soldiers on the invaders. In addition, seven Russian tanks, 19 armored personnel carriers, 49 artillery pieces, 29 drones, and 36 missile systems were destroyed from Russian territory. These figures cannot be verified. The number of 553,410 Russian military personnel killed, wounded, or otherwise rendered ineffective, however, is significantly higher than the more cautious estimates of Western services and think tanks.
07:37 Russia Reports Four Dead after Ukrainian AttacksAccording to official announcements, at least four people have been killed in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border region Belgorod within 24 hours. Another 20 people were injured, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram. The past 24 hours were "restless" and "difficult", Gladkov added further. Of the injured, 17 had to be hospitalized, two were seriously injured, he explained. Attacks by Ukraine were also reported from other western Russian regions, such as Kursk and Volgograd.
07:22 Over 2000 Children Seek Refuge from Russian Attacks in Kiev's SubwayDuring the massive rocket attacks on Kiev on Monday, the city administration reported that 32,000 people sought shelter in the low-lying 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 gotten through due to the limited ammunition of western air defense systems and their increasing inability to effectively counteract.
06:50 "Dirty Bastards": At least two dead after attack on children's hospital in KievThe strikes on 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 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 rocket attacks, allegedly targeting Ukrainian munitions factories and military airfields. However, videos from Kiev showed that the damages were caused by a Ukrainian air defense rocket, it was reported without proof. The Moscow Military dismissed the Ukrainian reports of damage to another hospital on the other side of the Dnipro as "hysteria of the Kiev regime."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denies Russian claims that the attacks were due to a Ukrainian air defense error. "What cynicism the scumbags in the Kreml are spreading, that it was allegedly the Ukrainian air defense and not a targeted rocket attack that killed and injured many people," he said at a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Zelenskyy thanked all those who had posted videos online "on which it is clearly visible that it is not just a part of one or another rocket, but a direct rocket attack that killed and injured many people."
06:19 Germany provides Ukraine with additional ammunition and air defense systemsThe German government has made additional military supplies available to Ukraine for its defense against the Russian attack. According to the updated list of delivered military goods, the promised third Patriot air defense system 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: Power plant in Rostov-on-Don is on fire.
In the South Russian region of Rostov, according to Russian reports, a fire broke out at an electricity substation due to a Ukrainian drone attack. "Two transformers have caught fire," Governor Vasili Golubev reported via the Telegram short news service. The Russian air defense allegedly shot down "numerous" Ukrainian drones. Golubev did not mention the exact number of drones deployed or intercepted. The border region with Ukraine has been a target of repeated attacks in the past.
04:31: FDP Politician Faber Defends Defense MinistryFDP politician and new chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, refutes criticism of the modest increase in the Defense Ministry's 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. "It 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 the attacks on a children's clinic in the Ukrainian capital Kiev as "reprehensible." They severely damaged the Intensive Care, surgical, and oncology departments of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital, according to Turk. 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 announced new measures to strengthen Ukraine's air defense following attacks with Russian rockets that killed 36 people. The US and its allies would 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: Bundeswehr Disappointment for SoldiersIn the debate over defense spending, CDU defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter calls for a new definition of prosperity. "The fact that the German government cannot prioritize the Bundeswehr in the budget planning is bitter and a disappointment for the soldiers," 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 spend more on defense in the face of the threat situation. "It is 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 country's economic output. "It is possible to prioritize if the political will is there," Kiesewetter said. A continuously increasing defense budget should aim for three percent of the gross national product.
00:01 Green and FDP announce increase in Pistorius-Estate budget
In light of the budget negotiations in the Bundestag, Green budget politician Sebastian Schäfer, who is also the deputy chief of the Bundestag committee for the Federal Defense Special Fund, has announced adjustments to defense spending. Although the coalition's leaders from the Traffic Light coalition provide a "decent basis for parliamentary budget negotiations," Schäfer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), there will be numerous and significant changes. Particularly in the area of security and defense policy, there are great needs that will be taken into account in the parliamentary proceedings, the Green politician added. Defense policy spokesperson Alexander Müller of the FDP is also 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, killing 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 summitThe NATO summit from Tuesday to Thursday, according to German government sources, will send a "clear message" of support for Ukraine. Bundeskanzler 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, the government representative said.
21:56 Schmyhal: Looking for alternative location for hospitalThe Ukrainian government is looking for an alternative location for the attacked children's hospital. Premier Minister Denys Schmyhal made the announcement. The attack will be a topic at the next cabinet meeting. "We hope our international partners will draw their own conclusions," Schmyhal was quoted as saying by "Kyiv Independent." "We need effective responses to Russian terror."
You can read about earlier developments here.
- In response to the alleged Russian influence in American politics, the NATO is establishing a new command in Germany to train and equip Ukrainian troops, as announced by Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to the US Presidential Cabinet.
- The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russia accused of heavy attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, such as a children's hospital in Kiev, which was targeted by a Russian rocket, causing significant damage and casualties.
- Amidst these tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking support from international allies, including NATO, in his efforts to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
- In a bid to reinforce Ukraine's military capabilities, certain NATO members, such as Germany, are providing additional military aid and support to Ukraine, including the training of Ukrainian troops and the provision of military equipment.
- The cyberwar against Ukraine has also intensified, with reports of Russian cyber attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, including government websites and critical infrastructure. NATO officials have warned of the potential for such attacks to cause significant damage and disruption to Ukrainian society.
