(Image by Olga Wilson)
I saw that a couple of folks where asking for a primer or background reading about what is going on in Georgia. I don’t have time to write one right now, but here are some links to reporting and assessments/analysis that explains what is going on. Here’s an Atlantic Council report that provides background on Russia’s 2008 invasion of parts of Georgia. This European Council on Foreign Relations report goes through how Putin aligned Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili has used his wealth and control over the Georgian Dream party to disconnect what the majority o Georgians indicate they, control of the Georgian government by his political party, and what the Georgian government he controls is actually doing. And here’s another Atlantic Council report that goes through where things were as of 4 DEC 2024 with recommendations for what needs to be done. That should get you all up to speed.
The Ukrainians were able to negotiate the return of 189 POWs today.
189 Ukrainian defenders returned home from Russian captivity. t.me/V_Zelenskiy_…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 10:12 AM
Joy of the Ukrainian defenders reunited with their families after PoW exchange
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:51 PM
More footage of the return of Ukrainian defenders.
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 1:56 PM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Ukraine managed to bring back 189 Ukrainians from Russian captivity, including military service members and two civilians, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 30.
The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) called it one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the start of the full-scale war in 2022.
“We are working to free each and every one from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone,” Zelensky said on Telegram.
The freed captives included soldiers who defended Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the Snake Island, and other sections of the front.
Eighty-seven Armed Forces service members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, and 24 sailors were among those released, according to the headquarters. Azov fighters were also freed during the latest exchange, Zelensky said.
Among the released were two journalists-turned-soldiers: Mariupol journalist Oleksandr Hudilin and former journalist of the Espreso channel Roman Borshch.
More at the link.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
We Simplified the Process of Receiving Officer Ranks for Soldiers and Sergeants with Combat Experience; This Is a Proper Social Advancement within the Army – Address by the President
30 December 2024 – 21:55
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today is a good day.
We have brought 189 more of our men home from Russian captivity. These include warriors of the Armed Forces, the National Guard – defenders of Mariupol and Azovstal, our border guards. Two civilians. I thank the entire team involved in the prisoner exchanges. I am also grateful to the United Arab Emirates for their mediation. And, of course, I want to express my gratitude to all our warriors who continue to replenish the “exchange fund” for Ukraine. This is the most important task – to bring all our people home from captivity – all warriors and civilians, every single person waiting to return. We will keep working on it.
I have signed a decree appointing a Commissioner for the protection of the rights of our warriors and their families. Olha Reshetylova, a well-known Ukrainian human rights advocate, will now focus on drafting a bill on the Military Ombudsman. This is the institution we need to create, and it’s not just one person. A systemic work is needed, so that the Ombudsman has an apparatus and all the real possibilities to influence the situation and help. And it is very important that each of our military feel that it is really possible to ask for support and receive it. The role and responsibilities of the Military Ombudsman must be developed with input from our warriors – and we must ask them directly. We are doing this through the Army Plus platform. We are launching a survey about the Military Ombudsman, and I urge every soldier and every officer to share their views on what the priorities should be.
Today, an important decision was made to help our army become more modern and to apply the experience gained in defense operations during this war. We have simplified the process for soldiers and sergeants with combat experience to receive officer ranks. This is a proper mechanism for social advancement within the army.
Today, I would also like to thank the team from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food for organizing our delegation’s visit to Damascus – to the new Syria. I look forward to receiving reports from the ministers on the negotiations and the initial results. This demonstrates Ukraine’s leadership and agility in foreign policy – qualities that can deliver the positive outcomes we need. We have the opportunity to help restore stability in Syria after years of Russian interference, and this will undoubtedly support our own efforts to restore peace for us. It would be the right step to restore our diplomatic relations and economic cooperation with Syria. And I really hope that post-Assad Syria will respect international law – something Assad couldn’t and didn’t want to do. He was dependent and simply didn’t understand what it means to respect his own people and the international community.
And one more thing.
Today, Ukraine has received significant support packages from the United States – packages worth several billion dollars. This assistance will strengthen the frontlines in the near future, help us repel Russian assaults, and support Ukraine in saving lives. I am grateful to the President of the United States, to Congress – both parties and both chambers – and to every American heart that desires more space for freedom in the world.
Glory to Ukraine!
The cost:
Oleksandra Pascal lost her leg due to a russian missile attack. Here she is at the Rizatdinova tournament yesterday🥰 She is the embodiment of determination, skill, beauty and extraordinary willpower❤️
Bravo!— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 8:01 AM
Resilience is why we will win this war against the russian evil
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 8:08 AM
“Hold on until evening, brother. We’ll pick you up in the evening.” – these words, along with a bundle, water, and medicine, were dropped by our pilots to the wounded soldier of the 47th Brigade, Maloy. He was injured by a drop from an enemy drone.
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 12:23 PM
The reason:
Residents of the Rivne region welcomed Azovstal defender Artur Niverchuk with the national anthem. He spent nearly 900 days in Russian captivity, and before the exchange, the Kremlin regime had “sentenced” him to life imprisonment.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 29, 2024 at 1:46 PM
Georgia:
December 30 – #Tbilisi
Day 33 of #GeorgiaProtests
Demands:
1. New parliamentary elections
2. Unconditional release of all those detained or charged in connection with the protests, and dropping all charges.#Georgia
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 30, 2024 at 2:09 PM
This despite new laws put into place.
Mikheil Kavelashvili signed GD’s repressive laws yesterday, which ban any kind of fireworks and also the covering of faces. These laws were demonstratively violated in Zugdidi today.
#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 11:51 AM
From today, December 30, the dictatorial laws signed by puppet President Kavelashvili also imply various fines on banners and graffiti, up to GEL 2,000, twice more than what an average individual makes per month. Outlawing protests continues. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 10:15 AM
The dictatorial laws in Georgia now have this signature, which is such an on-point and ridiculous grotesque. The main point still stands: how can a man accidentally have the worst swear word as his signature and not even see that that’s the case? That’s Georgia’s phony president.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 4:33 PM
Day 1 of the dictatorial laws coming into force. Fireworks and any face cover are strictly outlawed. First, Zugdidi defied the usurpers. Late at night with only few protesters remaining, so did Tbilisi. They could be snatched off on the spot! #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 4:55 PM
The newly installed Georgian Dream puppet president has pulled the de jure and de facto legitimate President Zourabichvili’s security.
The puppet removes the security of the legitimate one, which she deserves for a year after her presidency, even. They’ll be a day when Kavelashvili is removed from the list and numbering of the Presidents of Georgia. Already listed as a disputed one in Wikipedia, and I love it.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 3:26 PM
The idea here is to leave her exposed so that she can be arrested on a bogus charge, threatened into exile, or killed in a way that the Georgian Dream can blame on the protestors and other external opponents of Georgian Dream and what they’re doing. I expect other security arrangements have been made.
On Dec 30, in #Tbilisi, President Salome Zourabichvili received a lapel pin inscribed with #Megulebi (a 🇬🇪word meaning “I count on you to be there”).
These pins are part of the “ForSet” campaign, where citizens share them with those they rely on during the #GeorgiaProtests.
Video: Anastasia Raik— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 30, 2024 at 12:00 PM
1/ Mikheil Kavelashvili also signed amendments to the Law on Public Service. This law is also repressive.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:19 AM
2/ Before the changes:
For example, department heads and their deputies were appointed indefinitely and held the status of public servants.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:19 AM
3/ After the changes:
They will no longer be considered public servants but will become employees under administrative contracts.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:19 AM
4/ Additionally, the termination of a Manager’s authority will also result in the termination of the authority of employees hired under administrative contracts.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:19 AM
5/ For example:
If a minister is dismissed, employees hired under administrative contracts, such as heads of primary structural units and middle-level managers, will also be dismissed.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:19 AM
Yes, the regime is sacking lots and lots of people from the public sector immediately before the New Year’s, which in Georgia is like Christmas in the US, and people have more expenses than they can even afford. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 3:38 PM
🏀 Former Georgian national basketball player Giorgi Tsintsadze reported his family is receiving threatening phone calls.
Tsintsadze, an active participant in #GeorgiaProtests, is openly critical of pro-Russian policies. However he hasn’t talked about the details behind threats.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 30, 2024 at 1:13 PM
Back to Ukraine.
Bucha:
Bucha tonight
— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) December 29, 2024 at 2:52 PM
Ukrainian police establish identity of Russian soldier responsible for murder of “red manicure” woman in Bucha, as well as 12 other civilians killed by invading Russian troops on the town’s Yablunska Street.
hromadske.ua/viyna/237056…— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 4:21 AM
The Kyiv Independent has the details in English:
The Ukrainian police on Dec. 29 named the Russian commander who is suspected to be responsible for the murder of Iryna Filkina, the Ukrainian woman who came to symbolize the mass murder of civilians in Bucha in 2022.
The photo of Filkina’s hand with brightly painted fingernails went viral around the world, becoming one of the most well-known symbols of the massacre that Russian forces carried out against Ukrainian civilians in the Kyiv Oblast town in the early stages of the full-scale war.
Russian officer Artyom Tarieiev, commander of the 234th Airborne Assault Regiment of the 76th Division of the Russian Airborne Forces, gave orders on March 5, 2022, to kill all civilians who appeared at an intersection during the occupation of Bucha, according to a statement by the Bucha City Council.
On the same day, Filkina was shot by more than 15 Russian bullets while riding a bicycle. Filkina was an employee of the Ukrainian hypermarket chain Epicenter.
According to the National Police’s investigation, 13 civilians were killed on the same street as a result of Tarieiev’s order.
“Identifying the suspect is an important step in the investigation of war crimes on the territory of Ukraine,” said the Bucha City Council statement. “All those involved in the killings of civilians must be brought to justice internationally.
More at the link.
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
9A310M1-2 of the BUK-M1-2 air defense system bombarded by “NEMESIS” unit. Zaporizhzhia front.
t.me/usf_army/319— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 7:49 AM
The destruction of the headquarters building of the Russian Armed Forces in the Zaporizhzhia region by a HIMARS strike.
As a result of a joint operation by the GUR and Tavria Operational-Strategic Group, enemy personnel losses amounted to: 6 killed in action (KIA) and 3 wounded in action (WIA).
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 5:54 AM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
New Year is coming to Sudzha which remains in Ukrainian control for 150 days
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 3:44 PM
In Lgov, Kursk region, something hit a gathering of Russian military personnel, according to Oleksiy Kovalenko, head of the NSDC Center for Strategic Communications.
Yes, something)
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 2:06 PM
Russians complained about the shelling of Lgov, Kursk region. At least five explosions were heard.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 1:02 PM
Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russian artillery attack killed this woman while she simply walked the streets of the village of Kivsharivka in the Kupiansk district.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 12:02 PM
A woman walking down the street was killed in the village of Kyvsharivka, Kharkiv region, as a result of a russian shelling.
A multi-story residential building was damaged.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 11:59 AM
Kherson Oblast:
In 2024, Russia attacked the Ukrainian-controlled part of Kherson region with
🛑212,000 shells
🛑10, 300 drones (approximately 2,700 attacks/month in spring and fall)
💔251 killed
💔1,838 injured, including 50 children– Kherson military administration, via @vgorunews
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Kyiv and Poltava Oblasts:
These are, at least, some of the personnel changes that President Zelenskyy referenced last week.
⚡️ Governors of Kyiv and Poltava oblasts dismissed amid position reshuffles.
Ruslan Kravchenko, the governor of Kyiv Oblast, and Filip Pronin, the governor of Poltava Oblast, were dismissed on Dec. 30 and are expected to be appointed to new positions soon.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 30, 2024 at 2:07 PM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Ruslan Kravchenko, the governor of Kyiv Oblast, and Filip Pronin, the governor of Poltava Oblast, were dismissed on Dec. 30 and are expected to be appointed to new positions soon.
According to a Telegram post from lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the two are slated to be appointed heads of the Tax and Financial Supervision Commissions, respectively.
The move comes shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his team is “preparing several important personnel decisions” that will be “announced soon.”
Kravchenko served as governor of Kyiv Oblast since April 2023. Prior to his appointment as governor, he was the chief prosecutor of Kyiv Oblast’s Bucha District
Pronin has been governor of Poltava Oblast since October 2023. He previously held anti-corruption roles at various government agencies.
Their dismissals were approved by the government a few days ago before the official decrees were signed.
President Zelenskyy also appointed a military ombudsman, which was the focus of last night’s address that was posted on the President of Ukraine’s website after I’d done the earlier than usual update yesterday. Here’s the video followed by the English transcript.
We Must Launch the Military Ombudsman’s Work Shortly – Address by the President
29 December 2024 – 21:10
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Briefly about today.
There was a request from our military, and it is an objective necessity — to create a special institution of a Military Ombudsman. We need a person who can effectively protect the rights of our warriors and such a systemic capacity so that the ombudsman, together with the Ministry of Defense and all the others who are needed, can really influence the situation and really help warriors and the families of our warriors. We discussed the creation of this institution with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, the military command, and representatives of civil society. Many perspectives were considered. Now, the first decision has been prepared — a decree on appointing the President’s Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and their Families – to initiate the process and prepare for the launch of the ombudsman’s institution. I have selected a candidate – a strong candidate. The decree will be published tomorrow. Together with the new commissioner, the human rights community, and the Ministry of Defense, we will draft a corresponding bill on the Military Ombudsman and establish the institutional framework for its operation — powers, finances, and everything else. I urge the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Government to promptly support the innovations that will be proposed. We must launch the Military Ombudsman’s work shortly. I thank everyone who helps.
I also want to acknowledge the Ministry of Defense team for the Army Plus application, which is already helping to address some problematic and sensitive issues faced by our military. In particular, this is a transfer issue that has not been resolved for a long time. Now it is already working in the Armed Forces of Ukraine – more than five thousand positive transfers have been made – reports have been approved. It is also working for the National Guard of Ukraine and will soon be available for our border guards. We will continue developing digital services – tools that not only eliminate the “paper-based” army but also genuinely help people feel greater appreciation from the state and more respect for themselves.
I know that an important decision from the United States in support of Ukraine is being prepared – we expect the official announcement as soon as tomorrow – significant aid packages for our warriors. These are measures that have been effectively protecting Ukraine throughout these years of war. This support is aimed at strengthening stabilization efforts on the frontlines right now – the more comprehensive the supplies from our partners, the more lives of our troops will be saved. We are also working to ensure that our other partners maintain their support at the necessary level.
I spoke today with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Next year, Canada will hold the G7 presidency, and it is important to ensure that international cooperation for the protection of our values and the lives of our people is strengthened. Justin and I discussed specific matters – weapons, additional air defense systems, investments in our defense industry, as well as our economic cooperation and sanctions against Russia – all the measures that help bring peace closer.
Glory to Ukraine!
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron tweets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
Before 2024 ends, we wanted to share some updates of Hachiko’s work to help the innocent, furry victims of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. With attention & funding low these days, we are ever more grateful for your donations that keep this work going: mailchi.mp/hachikofound…
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:58 AM
You can support efforts to help Ukraine’s homeless and injured pets on the frontline here: hachikofoundation.org/donate 🙏
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 12:11 PM
Open thread!
KatKapCC
The videos of the Ukrainian POWs coming home are incredibly moving. I hope they are able to heal from the hell they must have been put through.
I also pray for the safety of President Zourabichvili, because it seems she now has a very large target on her back.
(Adam, it looks like a tweet was repeated — the one with the puppet president’s signature. Not sure if you meant to put something else in place of one of them.)
MomSense
Watching Olexandra brought tears to my eyes. I coached competitive gymnasts for years and what she was performing is not easy but with a prosthetic leg is absolutely unimaginably difficult. The mental strength, determination and discipline required to deliver that performance is extraordinary. Dearest, Olexandra. You are beautiful and brave and I feel honored to be able to see your performance.
Adam L Silverman
@KatKapCC: Was not intended. It’s a problem with how WP handles the embeds. All I can see in the dashboard are the words, not the images and it’s all too easy to lose track.
YY_Sima Qian
Thanks Adam!
Adam L Silverman
@YY_Sima Qian: You’re welcome.
Nukular Biskits
The Bluesky posts by George Melashvili and Marika Mikiashvili sound a lot like the wet dreams of the DOGE cult here in the US.
KatKapCC
@Adam L Silverman: That must be frustrating with these long posts!
tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)
Thank you, Adam. I hope the new year brings some kind of resolution to the situation in Ukraine, but it seems wishful thinking more than anything else.
The performance of that young gymnast is amazing and heart wrenching.
Re Georgia, one of my instructors left to travel there on Christmas Day because Georgia did not require a visa. She is from India. I wondered about the security situation but she seemed to think it was okay. I guess we’ll see.
Gin & Tonic
@MomSense:
A quick linguistic note – as with all such notes I post, intended as explanation, not criticism.
The young gymnast’s first name is transliterated in the BSky posts as “Oleksandra,” not “Olexandra.” Phonetically the latter is not necessarily wrong, but the former is closer to the Ukrainian/Cyrillic original. Ukrainian does not have a single letter that corresponds to the English “x” (pronounced “eks.”) In Cyrillic it is actually spelled Олександра – the к is just like your k, the с is your s, so Oleksandra. And the ks is phonetically a little “softer” than the x, although that’s a subtle difference. In any event, the current preferred Romanization of either the male or female variants of the name use “ks.”
To confuse things, there is a letter in Cyrillic that is *typographically* an “x,” but it derives from the Greek chi, and is phonetically what’s called a voiceless velar fricative, as you’d find in the Scottish “Loch.”
MomSense
@Gin & Tonic:
Thank you for the correction. Probably my poor eyesight that saw an X instead of the k. She absolutely deserves to have her name spelled and pronounced correctly.
funlady75
thanks Adam.
KatKapCC
@Gin & Tonic: Transliteration always leads to little bits of confusion like this. I’ve answered numerous people over the past few days about the difference between “Hanukah” and “Chanukah”. (Not to mention the roughly two dozen other spellings.) I appreciate your info posts! Ukrainian is a beautiful language.
Geminid
Ragip Soylu, Middle East Eye’s Istanbul bureau chief, posted a picture of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha meeting with Syria’s “de facto” leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.* They sat in the same reception room and chairs Iranian Foreign Minister Araungchi and Syrian President Bashar Assad were photographed in only five weeks ago.
Syria’s new Foreign Minister attended these meetings, and so did their new Intelligence Minister who I expect had a lot to talk about.
* As of one month ago , Ahmed al-Sharaa was known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, but he has shed his nom de guerre and traded his military uniform for a dark suit and tie. A sharp dressed man.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Bill Arnold
Threadreader rollup of a twitter thread, mostly about Russian “patriots” (young and old), who are at least as gullible as our “patriots”.
By popular demand, as promised, I compiled a short thread of the funniest and most absurd of Russia’s recent arsons (with a bit of a bonus something at the end). Do enjoy!
One particularly funny one:
Here’s a meduza piece with the same theme: Police blame Ukrainian scammers for wave of arson attacks and explosions in cities across Russia ahead of New Year holidays(December 23, 2024)