(Image by NEIVANMADE)
As Russian drone swarms move across Ukraine in the small hours, Kharkiv has been hit especially hard once again.
🇺🇦President Zelenskyy: Kharkiv has been hit by dozens of “Shahed” drones. There were no military targets, nor could there have been. Russia is striking residential areas precisely when Ukrainians are at home, when they are putting their children to bed.
— 24Hours Ukraine (@24hoursukraine.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 5:36 PM
It was such a beautiful day in Kharkiv—feathery clouds in the sky, spring bloom everywhere. Then, Russia struck our city with 18 drones, setting everything ablaze and injuring at least 40 people.
This is our reality now. Anything beautiful is shattered and burned simply for existing in Ukraine.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Russian forces struck four residential neighborhoods in Kharkiv with 12 drones! As of now, 36 people reported injured!
Russia is a fcking terrorist state!— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
❗️UPD Kharkiv. Russian massive drone attack injured 46 civilians, including a child!
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Ukraine under heavy drone attack by fascist Russia tonight. Video shows hit on residential building in Kharkiv – fires in four districts of city, 47 reported injured, including 11-year-old girl. Most of east/north-central Ukraine currently under air alert.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Kharkiv right now ‼️ Russia is attacking our city with drones.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
The Task Is to Accelerate the Creation of Ukrainian Ballistic Systems as Much as Possible – Address by the President
2 May 2025 – 21:05
Dear Ukrainians!
A brief update for today. I held a meeting of the Staff. Reports were made on supplies for our brigades and the staffing of our units. And also, in great detail, on Ukraine’s missile program, our missile developments, and our production capabilities. The task is to accelerate the creation of our Ukrainian ballistic systems as much as possible. Our long-range capabilities are a clear and effective guarantee of Ukraine’s security.
I also held a meeting today regarding the development of our military aviation, focusing primarily on Ukrainian F-16s. The aircraft that are already in Ukraine. The aircraft that will arrive in Ukraine shortly. The long-term supply plans. Personnel decisions were made to strengthen the management of military aviation. These were decisions for both the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. And we see now that there are some good results, and I want to thank everyone contributing to the development of our military aviation.
The Commander-in-Chief reported several times today, with particular focus on the situation in the Donetsk region, especially the Pokrovsk direction and several other areas. We continue to operate in the territory of the Kursk and Belgorod regions as well. Russia continues to reject a full and lasting ceasefire – all our partners are already tired of these Russian manipulations. We are defending our positions and will act accordingly, both on the frontlines and in our actions on Russian territory. The war must be felt where it came from.
Today, I held two conversations with our partners. I spoke with the Prime Minister of Denmark. As always, my discussion with Mette was very meaningful and friendly. I informed her about the situation on the frontlines and our contacts with key partners. We discussed our joint steps, our joint work in Europe – diplomatic efforts, as well as efforts to increase investment in arms production here in Ukraine. The Danish model works effectively. I also spoke with the President of Ecuador – I congratulated him on his re-election. I thanked him for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We greatly value the support from Latin America and other parts of the world, where people may have less access to accurate information about Russia’s war and Russia’s refusal to even cease fire. Every leader and every country that takes principled and value-based stances in their regions represents the real foundation of the international order based on rules. We also discussed with the President of Ecuador the economic relations between our countries. We are very interested in increasing our trade, and this will happen. Ukrainian diplomacy is working in all directions for the benefit of our state, for our independence. I thank everyone who stands with us, who stands with Ukraine!
And today, I would like to express particular gratitude to Ukrainian prosecutors and investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine, who are handling the case of embezzlement of assets from the Ukrainian state company “Motor Sich” and the sale of Ukrainian weapons to Russia. One of the suspects has been detained in Monaco, and it is important to note that this is a signal: they will not hide abroad. Everyone must be held accountable for their actions. I have also instructed the heads of law enforcement agencies to pay special attention to such cases and to the search for misappropriated Ukrainian funds that have been transferred abroad. This is a matter of principle.
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lady Zelenska visited a resiliency center in Zhytomyr today.
218 Resilience Centers Are Already Providing Free Assistance Across the Country – Olena Zelenska
2 May 2025 – 17:14
First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska visited a Resilience Center in the Zhytomyr city territorial community.
The Center was established by the BGV Charity Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. It is part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How are you?”.
This is a barrier-free space where every member of the community can receive professional assistance and support free of charge. For example, to cope with anxious thoughts and conditions, to write a resume and prepare for a job interview, to process loss, to find resources and activities that help overcome emotional and physical burnout.
The Center offers programs for veterans and their families, children, and people who have lost their loved ones. Last year, services were provided to 4,800 individuals, and this year – to 1,800 individuals.
“Nearly 15 million Ukrainians will soon need, or already require, mental health support – including servicemembers, veterans, children, older adults, and IDPs. This is the estimate of the National Institute for Strategic Studies. To ensure that such assistance is as accessible as possible, 218 Resilience Centers – supported by the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program ‘How Are You?’ – are already operating in 23 regions of the country,” Olena Zelenska said.
Georgia:
Look at Georgians, protesting in pouring rain, on Day 156!
I wasn’t able to attend today and now I feel so guilty :(
And let me prevent your thought that there are only few people – the minute there’s some incident, like them not allowing us to close the road, it’s thousands.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 2:54 PM
1/ Yesterday, on May 1, a protest rally took place in Chiatura, where participants expressed solidarity with four miners who were arrested and sentenced to prison, demanding their immediate release. They also voiced support for the six individuals currently on hunger strike.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
2/ In addition, the miners’ primary demand is for a government representative to visit the town, engage with their concerns, and for the state to take direct action in resolving the ongoing crisis.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
3/ Since February 28, Chiatura has been the site of continuous protests, but the situation intensified after the April 23 announcement from the “Chiatura Management Company,” which stated that a reorganization had begun in order to resume production.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
4/ The miners have rejected the company’s proposed reorganization and argue that the company is conducting mass layoffs illegally, coercing employees to voluntarily request their own dismissal in an attempt to cover up the process.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
5/ Photo: Nino Kikvadze, Alexandre
Keshelashvili/“Publika”— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
After my recent trip to #Tbilisi, it’s clear Europe must act fast. The window to support dialogue and halt Georgia’s authoritarian drift is closing. The Weimar Triangle + UK are best placed to lead. My latest for @ecfr.eu
— Tefta Kelmendi (@teftak.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:36 AM
1/ Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili upheld preventive detention for eight individuals detained during the protests: Nikoloz Javakhishvili, Tornike Goshadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhvia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, and Insaf Aliev.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:28 AM
2/ The prosecution had requested that the detainees remain in custody. Prosecutor Vazha Todua stated that no new circumstances have emerged in the case. He also argued that there is still a risk of the accused fleeing or committing new offenses.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:28 AM
3/ Defence attorneys argued that the prosecution’s position was unfounded, formulaic, and lacked justification. They said the grounds cited by the prosecution were merely formal and that there was no real basis for continued detention.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:28 AM
4/ The defence also proposed alternative measures to pretrial detention. However, the judge deemed the risks cited by the prosecution—flight and reoffending—as still present and relevant, and decided to uphold the pretrial detention.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:28 AM
This is how regime court proceedings now look in Georgia👇🏻
The hearing against Coalition for Change member Ani Kavtaradze, mother of 3 young kids.
Her crime?
Get ready! 🥁
She told false witness policeman Mirian Kavataradze that he’s “the most embarrassing Kavtaradze.” 1/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Together with Ani, it’s also a hearing against regime prisoner Saba Skhvitaridze’s brother Tornike who’s also accused of “insulting a policeman.” Saba was tortured by the regime in detention – to the point that even the state had to admit it.
Going after prisoner families is now a new norm too. 2/2.— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Friends, fellas, we have a new fund HELPING PROTESTERS in Georgia!
The regime confiscated previous ones and went after their founders, but this one is based in the UK and there’s nothing they can do about it.
It’s as trustworthy as it can get too.There’s Gofundme or PayPal.
Please amplify!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 7:06 AM
There’s Gofundme and PayPal:
gofund.me/4d10bba1
Or
PayPal.Me/tavisuplebispondi
Thank you for all your support and efforts!
Please amplify!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 7:07 AM
The US:
As Putin digs in, Trump approves F-16 training deal for Ukraine
Pentagon greenlit a $310 million package for Ukraine, as peace talks with Russia stall.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/05/03/a…
— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
From EuroMaidan Press:
The Pentagon announced that the US State Department has approved a potential $310.5 million sale of F-16 training, sustainment, and related equipment to Ukraine.
According to a Pentagon statement, the proposed sale “will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its pilots are effectively trained and by increasing its interoperability with the United States through comprehensive training with the US Air Force.”
The package includes aircraft modifications, personnel training, spare parts, ground handling equipment, software support, technical documentation, and logistics services.
The Pentagon noted that the sale supports international coalition efforts to establish Ukraine’s F-16 program and contributes to the broader modernization of its air force.
Principal contractors include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pratt & Whitney, BAE Systems, AAR Corporation, Valiant Integrated Services, Top Aces Corporation, Snap-on Inc., and Comsetra, LLC.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has submitted the required certification to Congress, notifying lawmakers of the proposed sale.
Despite continued US support, the future of military aid to Ukraine remains uncertain. In March 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a suspension of all US military assistance after a contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The pause aimed to pressure Kyiv into engaging in peace talks with Russia, citing frustration with Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
Military aid resumed after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown little willingness to compromise.
Additionally, the US is providing decommissioned F-16s to Ukraine for spare parts to support its expanding fleet of European-donated jets.
So we are back to where we were three months ago: the war will be over when the Russians stop fighting
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20…
— Anne Applebaum (@anneapplebaum.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 5:57 PM
From EuroNews:
The State Department announcement marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach and comes after months of stalled diplomatic efforts to get Kyiv and Moscow to agree to a deal to end Russia’s three-year war.
The United States says it remains committed to peace efforts in Ukraine but intends to scale back its role as mediator, the US State Department has said.
“We are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings; that is now between the two parties, and now is the time that they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach and comes after months of stalled diplomatic efforts to get Kyiv and Moscow to agree to a deal to end Russia’s war, now in its fourth year.
In April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington may be ready to “move on” from ceasefire efforts if no progress was made soon.
After weeks of efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire failed to end the fighting, Rubio said the US administration wants to decide “in a matter of days whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks.”
I’m not sure that is a bad thing.
Canada:
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has spoken to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy yesterday.
🇺🇦Slava Ukraini. Heroiam Slava🇺🇦
❤️🇨🇦🇺🇦🇪🇺🇬🇧 WE STAND WITH UKRAINE🇨🇦🇺🇦🇪🇺🇬🇧❤️
#canada #canadastrong #ukraine #elbowsup #markcarneypm #tariffs #tradewar #never51state #buycanadian— 🍁🇨🇦Team Canada Forever🇨🇦🍁 (@teamcanadaforever.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Big Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea and SW fascist Russia tonight: Red arrows – drones, purple – sea drones. Explosions reported in Kerch, Rostov. Crimea Bridge closed. Map: t.me/dronbomber.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Ukrainian Mi-24 hunting a Russian Shahed t.me/TyskNIP/15948
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Russia’s grinding away in Ukraine, capturing just 68 sq miles in April at a cost of 36,600 casualties & 4,800 vehicles. At this rate, it’d take till 2256 and 101M losses to seize the country. Yet Putin’s doubling down, recruiting 30K troops monthly, fueled by cash and war hype. Forbes
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Russia isn’t winning. The question is can they be made to lose more quickly.
Kharkiv Oblast:
In Kharkiv region today, Russia struck the home of a 75-year-old woman, reducing it to rubble and injuring her.
This is what they do daily—indiscriminate destruction and murder without military justification.
It happens so often that it has long stopped to make the headlines.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
A Ukrainian Su-27 took out a Russian command post and assault units in the Kharkiv region using GBU-62 JDAM-ER bombs, hitting key targets with precision.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Russian occupied Crimea:
Something was on fire in Crimea this morning 👀
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Overnight, Crimea faced a massive drone attack. Airfields in Novofedorivka, Belbek, Kacha, and Hvardiiske were hit. Explosions echoed in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Dzhankoi. Flashes and air defense activity reported in Saky district.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Russian SAM air defense systems active in Kerch, in the east of Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Crimea, near the illegally constructed Crimea Bridge. Seven explosions reported.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts:
Russian forces once again struck civilian apartment buildings in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Donetsk Oblast (I think):
Russian supply base destroyed from the inside by fiber optic FPV of the Birds of Magyar unit.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Demolition of the bridge on Russian supply road.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Russian occupied Bakhmut:
In the Russian-destroyed Bakhmut, occupiers prep for May 9, hanging Russian and Soviet flags on ruins. Footage shows a “festive” vibe in the empty city, with only soldiers left.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Rostov Oblast, Russia:
Explosions in Rostov, SW Russia. In this video, sound of jet engine, possibly from one of Ukraine’s new jet-powered attack drones or cruise missiles. Explosions also reported in Kerch, in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Crimea. Crimea Bridge closed.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Stavropol Krai, Russia:
Per Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, drones struck Russia’s “Zvezda” space intelligence facility in Stavropol Krai. A GRU station since the 1970s, it intercepts satellite signals and conducts cyber-espionage. One hit confirmed from three drones.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Ukrainian drones strike Russian military facilities in Stavropol Krai #Ukraine
— AmplifyUkraine 🔱🇺🇦 (@amplifyukraine.eu) May 2, 2025 at 1:08 PM
From UAWire:
Ukraine’s military intelligence conducted a drone strike on a pivotal Russian military facility, according to reports from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR). The operation targeted a site of paramount importance: space reconnaissance facilities operated by Russian forces in the Stavropol Krai region. The aerial attack was executed on Military Unit No. 33443 “Zvezda,” stationed in the village of Moskovskoye, Stavropol Krai, as reported by Ukrinform citing internal sources.
This particular military facility falls under the Russian electronic reconnaissance system and is a part of the GRU of the Russian General Staff. Local authorities in Stavropol have corroborated the occurrence of the assault, noting thankfully that there have been no casualties reported. It’s worth mentioning that Ukrainian forces previously targeted this military unit, leveraging drone technology during their attacks last year.
In a separate but related effort, GUR’s cyber specialists recently launched an attack on the infrastructure of major Russian internet service providers, leaving thousands of Russians without internet access.
Taman, Krasnodarsky Krai, Russia:
What looks like part of a downed drone or missile, and a fire on a piece of open ground in Taman, Krasnodarsky Krai, Russia, Geoloc: 45.213820, 36.714758, about 5km east of eastern end of Crimea Bridge.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Dageston Russia:
In Russia’s Dagestan, the pre-May 9 Victory Day fanaticism forces kindergartners into mock military parades, dressed in tiny uniforms and waving flags, shamefully exploiting young children to fuel patriotic propaganda.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 6:28 AM
More pobiedobesie.
That’s enough for tonight.
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Open thread!
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
Adam L Silverman
I need to rack out. Everyone is most welcome.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Bupalos
If you listen to a variety of actual country and military experts (like Adam) you come to understand that you can’t fit this conflict neatly in to U.S. politics. Biden had a particular stance that was certainly better than Trump but really did amount to “make sure Ukraine doesn’t lose… but also that Putin doesn’t lose.” With maybe a slight emphasis on the second part of that.
In terms of this conflict, Trump is simply a nutball. One that really admires Putin and detests Zelenskyy, to be sure. But it really is possible (as I’ve said before but created a lot of animosity) that Ukraine ends up better off on this timeline. Not particularly likely, but not that unlikely either. They may be better off aligned to a Europe that has a sense of independence than they were aligned to the United States, even a United States with a more stable and rational foreign policy. And Trump… who knows. He’s not Putin’s puppet, that’s a real misapprehension. He’s basically a stalker. And sometimes admiring stalkers end up killing their beloved out of pique… which…. feels like that’s on the table.
Parfigliano
Russia targets apartment buildings, cars. Gas stations. Ukraine targets missile launchers. artillery. troops.
Parfigliano
I don’t get why Ukraine doesn’t lose is even a starting point
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
@Parfigliano:
Kyiv in 3 Days was the starting point for the pundit class.
Gloria DryGarden
@Bupalos: trump is a stalker? Guess I need someone to say more, spell it out for me.