(Image by NEIVANMADE)

All of eastern, central, and a good chunk of wester Ukraine are under air raid alert for drone swarms as of 7:10 PM EST/2:10 AM local time in Ukraine. As of 7:33 PM EST/2:33 AM local time in Ukraine, the air raid alert maps show that Russian strategic aviation is up over western Russia, which means missiles are likely inbound towards Ukrainian targets. These attacks follow Russia hammering Ukraine for most of the day and while Trump continues to bizarrely assert that Putin wants to end his genocidal re-invasion and negotiate a peace agreement. Which is, of course, belied by what Trump’s team of negotiators appear to have given away in Riyadh.

Russia is attacking Kyiv right now. Powerful explosions are shaking the capital. Authorities report air defense in action.

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— Kyiv Post (@kyivpost.com) February 19, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, Podolyak, spoke about what they will insist on during the negotiations with Kellogg.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM

Well, it looks like Putin immediately and harshly flipped the middle finger at Trump’s attempt to quickly and easily achieve a ceasefire, bring the war to an end, and bask in self-admiration as a peacemaker and savior of nations.

— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 8:06 AM

And so, our great dealmaker took the easiest route and is now looking for someone to blame.

Twisting Ukraine’s arm and demanding Zelensky’s removal at Putin’s whim is far easier and safer than actually standing up to the Kremlin as the leader of the global superpower.

— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 8:06 AM

Five days before the grim anniversary of the invasion, and many once again feel the same tension and uncertainty as they did three years ago. The war is far from over, but Putin is more emboldened than ever.

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about Ukraine are raising eyebrows — and spreading misinformation. How do actual Ukrainians feel about Trump’s words? The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova hit the streets of Kyiv to hear their raw, unfiltered reactions.

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— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) February 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM

Here’s the full video:

The cost:

As a humanitarian aid worker, 28-year-old Edward Scott has made multiple trips to the front-line areas to evacuate civilian Ukrainians. But the mission on Jan. 30 to the embattled city of Pokrovsk in southern Donetsk Oblast was different.

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— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) February 19, 2025 at 3:11 PM

From The Kyiv Independent:

It could have been a tragic story costing British volunteer Edward Scott his life.

As a humanitarian aid worker with the Ukrainian NGO “Baza” (the “Base” in Ukrainian), 28-year-old Scott has made multiple trips to the front-line areas to evacuate civilian Ukrainians.

But the mission on Jan. 30 to the embattled city of Pokrovsk in southern Donetsk Oblast was different.

A Russian drone targeted the vehicle of Scott’s crew – though it was marked with a bright sign reading “evacuation.” The car was carrying two civilians and two volunteers. The driver’s seat — where Scott had been sitting – was hit hardest, leaving him severely injured.

As Russian forces continue to rapidly advance in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian government and volunteers have intensified efforts to evacuate civilians from front-line towns in Donetsk Oblast. With Russian forces just mere kilometers away, Pokrovsk remains under constant artillery and drone attacks, making evacuation missions a high-risk endeavor.

“(There was) massive explosion. I see this fireball, and the car is knocked out of gear,” Scott recalls the moment of impact. “I’m trying to force it in gear, but my foot is not working, and at the same time, I’m trying to turn the wheel, and I can feel my shoulder turning, but I can see my arm on the wheel, not turning, so I’m like ‘This is bad.'”

“And then the pain hits me, and I start screaming.”

What happened next was a brilliant coordination of actions that saved Scott’s life. Seconds after the attack, his mission partner, Pylyp Rozhdestvenskyi, was applying tourniquets to his shredded arm and leg to stop the bleeding.

Minutes later, Scott was already in a military car on his way to the neighboring hospital for medical assistance. There, he received a transfusion of about four liters of blood, but severe injuries resulted in amputations of his left arm and leg.

Weeks after the brutal attack, with multiple surgeries behind him and more still ahead, Scott, now undergoing treatment at a Kyiv hospital, thinks about how he can continue helping Ukraine — the country he now calls home.

“I want to primarily help Ukrainians but also show the world that we are fighting people who will happily commit war crimes at the drop of a hat,” he told the Kyiv Independent from his hospital bed.

Much more at the link.

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

I Count on Ukrainian Unity, on Ukrainian Courage, on Our Relations with Partners, on European Unity, and on America’s Pragmatism – Address by the President

19 February 2025 – 21:36

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today we are in Ukraine. The reports about the front and the Kursk operation were given by our military. Our guys are holding their ground, and thanks to this, our country’s positions remain secure. Today, there was a lot of work with new orders for our army. This is our domestic production – we are working on new contracts. And the political aspect – a lot of meetings and briefings were held today: the army command, intelligence, ministers – in preparation for negotiations with the Envoy of the President of the United States – General Kellogg is already in Kyiv. He has already met with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, with our Heads of Intelligence and Special Services, as well as with the Head of my Office. Our meeting with General Kellogg is scheduled for tomorrow, and it is crucial for us that the meeting and our overall cooperation with America be constructive. Together with America and Europe, peace can be more secure; and that is our goal. And most importantly – this should be not only our goal, but a shared one with our partners. Especially as we approach the third anniversary of the beginning of this war – a war that we in Ukraine have wanted to end from the very first second. I am confident that we will end it, and with a lasting peace. And in such a way that Russia will never be able to invade Ukraine again, that Ukrainians will return from Russian captivity, and that Ukraine will have a future. This is a natural aspiration of every nation.

Today, I spoke with NATO Secretary General Rutte. We discussed what has already happened and what may happen in the near future. I am grateful for his advice and support, and of course we appreciate everything the Secretary General does for us. I spoke with Senator Lindsey Graham – who is a very constructive person. I thank everyone in the United States for their bipartisan support. We agreed to continue working together.

Today, I also spoke with President Macron – Emmanuel informed me about his new contacts and new agreements with partners. It is very important to prepare reliable security guarantees. This is a joint effort of partners, and we greatly appreciate the engagement of every leader.

And one more thing. Repair work is still underway in Odesa after the Russian strike: more than 80 thousand people are still without electricity and the same number without heating. We are doing everything to restore normalcy, and it will happen. And I am grateful to everyone who is working for our people and our country. This matters, and this is what I always count on. And we stand firmly on our feet. I count on Ukrainian unity, on our Ukrainian courage, on our relations with partners, on our European unity, and on America’s pragmatism – America, which needs success as much as we all do. Success unites. Our unity is the best safeguard for our future. A future not with Putin, but with peace. And it is a choice for everyone in the world – including the strongest – to stand with Putin or with peace. It is worth choosing peace. I thank everyone for their support.

Glory to Ukraine!

And here is the video of his press briefing this morning:

“We must first and foremost look at what the people who are fighting think. Make concessions to Russia? Only 1% of the population supports that. It may seem like this can be resolved through some agreements. No, it is impossible.” – Zelenskyy at a press conference.
t.me/c/1377735387…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM

Zelensky commented on the figures of his support announced by Trump: disinformation coming from Russia, and we have evidence of this.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:05 AM

Georgia:

Rustaveli Avenue is blocked once again on day 84 of continuous protests.

#GeorgiaProtests

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Day 84. Do we really need to be tortured for free and fair elections? They cannot stabilize a dictatorship here, but they can cause a lot of harm and instability to the region for years. Help us undermine their financial network! #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 1:13 PM

It’s raining cats and dogs in Batumi, but citizen Zurab Chavchanidze is still standing in front of the Constitutional Court building, protesting the GD regime’s behavior and waving 🇬🇪 and 🇪🇺 flags.

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 84

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 11:39 AM

This is Mzia Gabeshia, a 74-year-old solo protester at Martvili City Hall who is there every day regardless of weather conditions. She says she is fighting for political prisoners, for justice, and for accountability. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Salome Kinkladze

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:45 AM

BREAKING: Medical examination confirms President Zourabichvili has physical injuries after the regime thugs attacked her yesterday morning.
The attack against 72-year-old President whom the regime considers a former President was pre-planned since at least one regime propagandist, 1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM

Natia Beridze, posted a warning that the same would happen to her at her arrival from the Munich Security Conference after eggs were thrown at one of the opposition leaders and ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia at Tbilisi Airport. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM

Lawyer and politician Eka Beselia stated that a lawsuit has been filed at the General Prosecutor’s Office. They are requesting the President bear witness and the security footage be obtained from the Airport.
The regime lays its hands on everyone, from systemically torturing private citizens to 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM

physically attacking politicians and the one whom the large majority, both at home and abroad, consider the only legitimate representative of the people of Georgia – this was codified in the last EU Parl resolution.
Sanctions against the key regime figures are long overdue. #terrorinGeorgia 4/4.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM

1/2

🔴 The Kutaisi Court of Appeal has once again declared inadmissible the appeal filed by Mzia Amaglobeli’s defenders. This time, the decision was made by Judge Vera Dolidze. ⤵️

#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) February 19, 2025 at 5:58 AM

2/2

⛔️ In 2011, Judge Vera Dolidze sentenced Tsotne Ananidze – now a member of GD’s Adjara Supreme Council – to one month of pretrial detention. At the time, Ananidze was a student. The prosecutor alleged that Ananidze and others had inflicted physical harm on police officers during a rally

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) February 19, 2025 at 5:58 AM

This is quite unbelievable, they aren’t even pretending to help. People asked the regime police what they should do since the police aren’t helping them with abductors, and they responded: “I don’t know, form squads.” #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM

The US:

Vital now that Europe steps up support for democratic Ukraine, as fascist Russia can still be beaten. Ukraine has the will to win, and Europe has the economic and military power to help them do it.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:32 AM

If a Ukraine peace deal involves continued US aid & a US backstop to Euro sec guarantees, then there is a high bar for Zelensky to walk away from it. But I fear Trump’s emotional, impulsive & disinfo-fuelled worldview is raising the likelihood of Ukr rejection & US abandonment

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM

Meanwhile, Russian state TV is showing viewers how they would nuke the United States.

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— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) February 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM

Zelensky was elected with a majority of Ukrainian votes. His presidency was extended per the Constitution during the war. It’s odd to hear him called a dictator by someone who led a failed coup and is now expanding the executive branch in violation of American norms and processes

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 1:08 PM

Putting aside the fact that this is nonsense, since Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during wartime and biggest opposition figures are against elections right now, note how Musk is never concerned about democracy in Russia and China. After all, it might jeopardize Tesla sweatshops in China

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM

European Parliament member 👇🏽

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— The Tennessee Holler (@thetnholler.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 2:18 PM

I wonder if engaging Trump on his false claims about Zelensky’s approval rating is missing the point. Trump doesn’t actually care if Zelensky is popular or legitimate. What he’s saying is that he wants Zelensky replaced. That’s Washington’s new position, not that Zelensky has an xyz rating.

— Kevin Rothrock (@kevinrothrock.me) February 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM

The two largest nuclear-weapon states of the world announce to the planet’s other nations:

GET A.S.A.P. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

unless you want your territory and sovereignty to be one day on the menu too.

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— Andreas Umland (@umland.bsky.social) February 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Denmark:

70%

www.wsj.com/world/europe…

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— Philip Gourevitch (@pgourevitch.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM

From The Wall Street Journal:

Denmark plans to significantly increase its military spending as the Russian threat to Europe grows and President Trump demands allies pay more for their security, signaling a trans-Atlantic military rebalance in the wake of peace talks over Ukraine.

Denmark’s $5 billion annual defense budget will get a $7 billion injection over two years, according to the plan, making the country the first European nation outside Poland and the Baltics to commit to spending more than 3% of gross domestic product on its military. Copenhagen will also issue waivers and restructure the defense ministry so it can procure weaponry faster.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization members, including Denmark, have committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defense. Trump has said the level should be as high as 5%. The U.S. last year spent almost 3.4% of GDP, according to NATO. Wednesday’s announcement takes Denmark to 3.2%.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark was in a hurry to strengthen its military to defend itself and avoid a war amid threats from Russia.

“If we can’t get the best equipment, buy the second-best. There is only one thing that counts, and that is speed,” she said in a press conference Wednesday. “Buy, buy, buy.”

“The security situation in Europe demands swift political action. That is what Denmark is doing today,” Jesper Møller Sørensen, the Danish ambassador to the U.S., told The Wall Street Journal.

The new funds will allow Copenhagen to purchase advanced weaponry and transfer additional materiel to Ukraine, Danish officials said.

Trump, like his predecessors, has long wanted Europeans to spend more on defense and protect themselves against an increasingly revanchist Russia. Denmark’s announcement comes after a dramatic meeting in Munich over the weekend, in which Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders of subverting democracy. Trump followed up this week by reaching over the heads of European leaders to begin direct talks with Russia to end the Ukraine war.

Copenhagen also faces a growing challenge in the Arctic following Trump’s insistence that the U.S. take ownership of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark.

“We have had to listen to a lot, in both Denmark and Greenland, and more generally as Europeans,” Frederiksen said.

Lithuania:

Lithuania announced the arrival of a military aid package worth $80 million to Ukraine.

The package includes trucks, thermal imaging sights, and other military equipment.
kam.lt/lietuva-ukra…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 11:49 AM

EU member states:

Following Scholz, other European leaders condemned Trump’s “dictatorial statement.”
Finnish President Stubb backed Ukraine’s Constitution and Zelenskyy.
Norwegian PM Støre called the remark deeply unfair.
Czech President Pavel: “Calling such a country’s leader a dictator takes great cynicism.”

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 2:13 PM

Back to Ukraine.

It’s ironic how Ukrainians can passionately throw mud at each other only to unite in an instant when faced with a grave threat to their dignity, independence, and sovereignty.

And the greater the danger, the fiercer is their response.

— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM

This, in fact, is one of the very few things that will save this country and make it shine in its glory.

— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM

Trump is aiming to oust Zelensky. He said as much publicly, backchannel noises are even worse

Its unlikely to play out the way he wants in Ukraine
🧵

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Why does Trump want this? Most likely – since Jan 20 Zelensky is the first person who said ‘no’ to him (on the reparations deal) that he can’t fire or intimidate out of office immediately.

Maybe a deal with Russia?

But that’s a different question

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Firstly, Zelensky’s approval is fairly high (50s). Pretty impressive after 3 years of daily misery.

That doesn’t mean he would necessarily be favored to win the next election (if Zaluzhnyi, ex armed forces head ran), but Zelensky still has high support (more than Trump btw)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Forcing an election (via sanctions, cutting intel/ satellites.. or just threats) would be seen as the US dictating to Ukraine who their leader should be

That hasn’t played well in the past – Ukrainians ousted a Russia-leaning stooge twice (with much less global support then)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

It would probably increase Zelensky’s ratings.

But yes, Ukrainian are tired, and partners (Europe, Japan, Aust…) could convince Zelensky not to run

Who would step in? Poroshenko, whose negatives are in the 80s? (side note, sanctions on Poro made his case slightly stronger)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Zaluzhnyi? The man who saved Ukraine from foreign aggressors and cares enough about his image to write the 1st tome of a 3 part book while running the counteroffensive

Anyone else is highly unplausible

Taking the role – a governor in the Trump empire – would almost be treason

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Not to mention you might still be sold out to Russia (and face a far worse fate)

The job of president of Ukraine is hardly enviable. Most Western politicians would be broken in months if not weeks (Poroshenko never quite recovered)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

That leaves characters like Tymoshenko, Razumkov, Medvedchuk… or a military coup.

Either way, chaos, revolution and collapse become probable. That’s a disaster for Europe (millions of refugees, Russian victory, more war)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Of course, organizing elections in Ukraine is a legal, technical, civic and operational nightmare. It is close to impossible as long as fighting continues and would take months (likely 3-6)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

That means two things:
– they could potentially be used to buy time and hope Trump gets bored/ stuck in fighting culture wars at home
– Russia would not trust Zelensky and would not stop fighting until he commits to not run and an alternative appears (and maybe not even then)

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Conclusion – this is not a realistic demand. That suggests:
1) US team is so inexperienced they don’t get what is happening
2) it is meant as a threat and to create chaos
3) there’s a deal with RU (and not in US favor)

Personally – leaning to 2

Follow for more

— KI Insights (@ki-insights.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Saying Ukrainians are shocked is an understatement—many call it a betrayal. Keith Kellogg just arrived in Kyiv, but his role in the talks is already weakening.

— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 4:01 AM

Kherson:

Russian army just struck apartment building in Kherson with an aerial bomb!

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM

Russia struck Kherson with guided aerial bombs, destroying a section of a residential building.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:17 PM

The Terrorist Federation randomly dropped a guided bomb on a residential high-rise with civilians in Kherson this evening. In total, they dropped three bombs on the city, one of which hit a residential building. Two children were injured.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM

Kharkiv:

Explosion in Kharkiv ‼️the city is under the russian missile attack right now ‼️

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 5:33 PM

Kharkiv. Bombed out buildings and childhood in the city under attack.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 6:36 AM

Kupiansk:

Rescuers have recovered the body of a man who lost his life beneath the rubble of his home in Kupiansk, destroyed by a russian air strike.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM

Odesa:

Dark Odesa without electricity after the russian attack.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 1:50 PM

Kostiantynivka:

This morning, russian forces struck Kostiantynivka with six FAB-250 bombs. Rescue efforts are still underway. So far, one civilian has been confirmed dead, and seven others are wounded.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:31 AM

Russian forces attacked Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region this morning, killing at least one person and injuring seven others.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 7:29 AM

Syzran, Samara Oblast, Russia:

Several drones successfully attacked the russian Syzran oil refinery in the Samara region overnight.

In the morning, something was still burning there and it is not working.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 9:14 AM

/3. As a result of a drone attack on the Syzran Oil Refinery, the primary oil refining unit was damaged. The drone targeted the AVT-6 unit, after which a fire broke out over an area of ​​30 square meters. The enterprise temporarily suspended operations. t.me/astrapress/7…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 19, 2025 at 3:28 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.

Cats love Ukrainian soldiers 💙💛
youtube.com/shorts/xwvcV…

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— Їryna Buczkowski🇺🇦🇺🇸 (@irynabuczkowski.bsky.social) February 2, 2025 at 1:52 PM

Open thread!