Two quick housekeeping notes. First, I’m going to be very busy – not bad busy, just busy busy – for the next two weeks, so unless something really major happens I’m just going to be running through the basics.
Second, Rosie had her monthly post-chemo check in today. This is the sixth one since her last treatment. The vet is thrilled with how she’s doing. The lymph nodes are all normal, her weight is good, and despite being 14 and 1/2, her hips are hanging in there.The vets was also thrilled to hear that she wants to and does go for a 1.5 mile every night and wants plenty of attention. Thank you all again for the good thoughts, well wishes, and the donations last year to help cover the cost of her chemo.
Air raid alerts are up at 10:15 PM EDT/5:15 AM local time in Ukraine for almost all of eastern and north/north central Ukraine as Russian drone swarms move across Ukrainian skies.
What Ukraine is doin ova der is setting a new first in the annals of war:
And now it’s official: for the first time ever, Ukrainian naval drone destroyed warplane.
Magura sea drone struck Russian Su-30 near Novorossiysk — where Moscow hides what’s left of its Black Sea fleet.
Estimated loss: $50 million.
No place for Russia in the Black Sea.
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 6:30 AM
/2. A map shared by Russian sources indicates that the Russian Su-30, which was shot down, had taken off from the Saky airbase in Crimea on a mission to search for and destroy naval drones.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:51 AM
**UPDATE**
Significant that a Ukrainian Magura maritime drone (USV) has shot down a Russian Su-30 FLANKER jet. The first time a jet has been shot down by an uncrewed vessel.
Info on Ukr HUR’s ‘FrankenSAM’ USV:
www.hisutton.com/Ukraine-USV-…— H I Sutton (@covertshores.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 7:56 AM
From Covert Shores:
Footage has emerged, taken from the Russian side, of a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) armed with an improvised air-defense system. This is the first time anything like this has been observed. (UPDATE: The vessel was subsequently confirmed to be a Magura design used by GUR).
The system uses repurposed air-air missiles in an arrangement often termed a ‘FrankenSAM’. The USV was engaged by Russian helicopters.
The USV is armed with two AA-11 ARCHER (R-73) air-air missiles. They appear to be on their aircraft pylon rails but mounted upside down at a fixed elevation. This arrangement is simple and straightforward. The AA-11 is a late-Soviet dogfighting missile which is still used by both Ukraine and Russia today. It has an air-air range of 30-40km although theoretical surface to air range would be around half that. And the actual engagement ranges would be limited by onboard sensors, so likely much shorter. All the same it is likely generally effective as a surface to air missile.
More at the link.
Zelensky said Kyiv would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere” on May 9, when some foreign leaders are due in Moscow for WWII commemorations.
— The Moscow Times (@themoscowtimes.com) May 3, 2025 at 7:29 AM
From The Moscow Times:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed a three-day truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics but said Kyiv was ready for a full ceasefire.
Moscow said the truce, set to coincide with its World War II commemorations on May 9, was aimed at testing Kyiv’s “readiness” for long-term peace and accused Zelensky of making a “direct threat” to events on the holiday.
The Kremlin rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington in March, and has since made only slim contributions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the three-year Russian invasion.
“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader was speaking on Friday to a small group of journalists, including AFP, in remarks embargoed until Saturday.
Some in Ukraine have criticized the truce as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from disrupting the World War II anniversary celebrations with foreign leaders due in Moscow to watch a grand military parade on Red Square and an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky said Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the ceasefire was aimed at testing “Kyiv’s readiness to seek ways to achieve long-term sustainable peace.”
Leaders of around 20 countries, including China’s Xi Jinping, have accepted invitations to join this year’s celebration, according to the Kremlin.
Zelensky said some countries had approached Kyiv, warning they were traveling to Russia and had requested safety.
“Our position is very simple towards all countries that have travelled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 — we cannot take responsibility for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he answered.
“They are ensuring your safety,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia “may take various steps on its part, such as arson, explosions, and so on and then blame us.”
Zelensky did not say what Ukraine would do during the truce, but Russia jumped on the comments, accusing Kyiv of making a “direct threat” to its May 9 commemorations.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
We Are Ready to Move Toward a Ceasefire as Soon as Possible, Even Starting Today, If Russia Is Ready to Take Reciprocal Steps – Address by the President
3 May 2025 – 21:53
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
We are preparing for important foreign policy events – meetings and negotiations. The key issue is whether our partners can influence Russia to accede to a full ceasefire – a durable silence that would allow us to seek a way out of this war.
Right now, no one sees any such readiness from Russia; on the contrary, all of their internal rhetoric is increasingly mobilizing, and Russian propagandists continue to threaten not only Ukraine but also other neighbors – Lithuania, the other Baltic states. This is exactly what we have been saying for a long time: without pressure on Moscow, Russia will continue to wage war.
Now, of course, the economic conditions in Russia are indeed less favorable – because of the oil price, which has dropped. However, these are still not the kind of conditions that would make Russia see the war as a fundamental problem for itself. That is why global sanctions – sanctions on Russian energy, on banks – can definitely help establish peace.
We have discussed this with our partners, and we know that our partners have heard us. We are moving toward action. We are preparing our sanctions packages – particularly targeting entities and schemes in third countries that, unfortunately, help Russia evade some of the sanctions. At the same time, we continue to strengthen our defense: we expect significant defense packages for Ukraine soon, along with decisions on further cooperation – cooperation with key countries during the war and in the post-war period. We are laying a solid foundation for reconstruction.
And at the same time, we are ready to move toward a ceasefire as soon as possible – even starting today – if Russia is ready to take reciprocal steps – to establish complete silence, a lasting ceasefire of at least 30 days. This is a fair timeframe to prepare the next steps. Russia must stop the war and halt its assaults and shelling.
Currently, the intensity of Russian strikes indicates nothing but Russia’s desire to continue fighting. Every night, nearly a hundred “Shahed” drones are launched. This week alone, from Monday to Saturday, over 950 Russian aerial bombs have already been used. Intense fighting continues every day in the Pokrovsk direction and in other areas of the Donetsk region. We are responding along the entire frontline and also on the territory of the Kursk and Belgorod regions, where our activity remains ongoing.
I thank all our warriors; I thank every unit of ours for their bravery and resilience. I thank our guys who are enhancing Ukraine’s long-range capabilities – both in the skies and at sea. The downing of a Russian military aircraft by our naval drone was brilliant – a testament to Ukraine’s capabilities. Our army also carried out a highly accurate operation against military targets in Crimea: one more, a second Russian aircraft eliminated in one day. Military depots were also destroyed.
Everyone who is working to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself against the occupier, everyone who is developing and implementing new technological capabilities for Ukraine – I thank every one of you. I also thank all those around the world who stand with us, with Ukraine.
It is very important that all our partners not remain silent but continue to call on Russia to cease fire. And just as important is that not only public diplomacy, but also quiet work in the offices of key capitals helps – helps to strengthen the understanding that pressure on the aggressor and defense of Ukraine are essential preconditions for the onset of peace. We definitely must protect our independence, our state, and the future for all Ukrainians.
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
“The illegitimate government must step down! Freedom to the regime prisoners!” A central street in Tbilisi partially blocked.
New activist groups are emerging & women double down on outlawed non-violent actions since they is still hesitant to arrest women en masse. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Natia Gabrava
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Now Aghmashenebeli too.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 11:39 AM
A protest by parents of prisoners of conscience is underway near the High School of Justice, where judges are reportedly holding a conference. Activists have formed a “corridor of shame” for judges accused of making unjust rulings against pro-European protesters.
#GeorgiaProtests
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:06 AM
A judge in Georgia can no longer move around without getting called a regime puppet, a slave, a sellout. And for a good reason. Happening now👇🏻#GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 6:25 AM
⚠️On #PressFreedomDay #Georgia marks a dark year: a female journalist imprisoned, reporters beaten with no accountability, critical TV channel broadcast shut down, critical voices silenced at Public Broadcaster, several repressive laws threatening journalists..
#MediaUnderAttack
#RepressionInGrorgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM
📣Today, on World Press Freedom Day, Georgian media united for a joint live broadcast.
🗣️The program opened with an audio message from journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who remains unlawfully imprisoned.
#PressFreedomDay
#mediaunderattack
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 3, 2025 at 12:37 PM
1/ Journalists’ persecution, imprisonment, fines—this is how Georgia is set to mark World Press Freedom Day in 2025.
#WorldPressFreedomDay #TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
2/ The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics writes: On May 3, 2025, Mzia Amaglobeli—publisher of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, whose contribution to Georgian media is invaluable—will be in prison on fabricated charges and falsified evidence.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
3/ The Mtavari Channel, a critical TV station that has exposed the truth hidden by propaganda for 6 years, has gone off the air.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
4/ The Public Broadcaster, which fires journalists for holding different opinions and shuts down programs critical of the government, will be in a new building on May 3—but without the programs that matter to the public.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
5/Journalists tirelessly covering protests are being fined for “artificially blocking the road.” Others are prosecuted and fined for their Facebook posts.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
6/ Based on false testimony, journalists beaten by law enforcement while doing their jobs—some requiring medical attention—are receiving verbal warnings for “disobedience.”
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
7/ The disinformation network built by Georgian Dream brands critical journalists as “enemies” and “agents,” attempting to isolate and silence them.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
8/ Public information and spaces are closed off. Officials avoid critical questions behind barricades. Online media are blocked from parliament and often barred from covering local government sessions.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
9/ Judges arbitrarily deny access to trials of high public interest. Foreign journalists reporting on human rights violations are denied entry to Georgia—while propaganda figures are welcomed with open arms.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
10/ Meanwhile, the Georgian Dream parliament continues to pass one repressive law after another.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Seems like international sanctions against the regime in Georgia are beginning to work!
In addition to rumours that the Georgian Dream is having internal clan clashes and purges, demonstrated by several high-profile resignations such as that of ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili, 1/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
regime representatives openly complain about practical hardships caused by sanctions, even in their propaganda media.
Most recently, today High Council of Justice member Dimitri Gvritishvili complained that sanctions against families are unjustifiable. 2/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
This is no time to re-engage with the regime, now it’s time to double down on non-engagement and targeted sanctions.
If sanctions are going to work anywhere, it’s Georgia TODAY. Taking steps while the autocracy is still consolidating as opposed to after a fair accompli makes all the difference. 3/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
And if the EU and the US cannot hold a country like Georgia accountable, with a small population, few resources, and mass dependence on the West, then it doesn’t speak well of their credibility in more major issues either. 4/4.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The US:
Divorced from actual history.
— Michael Derby (@michaelsderby.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Oh goody, he’s doing pobiedobesie stuff.
Estonia:
Estonian M142 HIMARS load onto a Ukrainian An-124-100 Ruslan for delivery. 6 systems transferred via cooperation with DASA DE&C, SAMD, DSCA, and LMCO.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Back to Ukraine.
According to Russian sources, Ukrainian drones, including uncrewed naval drones, launched a massive attack on Crimea, Rostov Oblast, and Krasnodar Krai. Drone attacks were also reported in Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk oblasts.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Kyiv:
Kyiv is under the russian drone attack right now ‼️ there is several fires in the city
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Cherkasy, Cherkasy Oblast:
Cherkasy is also under the russian drone attack tonight‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Velykyi Burluk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Firefighters rescued this little one from the flames after a Russian strike hit Velykyi Burluk in the Kharkiv region.
Every life is worth saving. Hope the kitty will live.— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Borova, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia dropped four glide bombs on Borova village in the Kharkiv region this morning, killing an elderly man and destroying several households.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
With the direct strike of a glide bomb, Russia destroyed the State Emergency Service building in Kupyansk.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Russian occupied Crimea:
President Zelenskyy announced in his evening address that a second Russian fighter jet was destroyed in Crimea today 👀
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 2:56 PM
👻The Prymary unit of the HUR MO pleases with a new video of long-range drone strikes on Russian valuable equipment in Crimea. This time, Russian P-18 radar positions were targeted.
P.S: Just appreciate how low the operators fly their drones more than a hundred kilometers from the front.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!
The police have released bodycam footage capturing the first moments after the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia on May 1st. Working alongside the State Emergency Service, they fought to rescue people from the fire and rubble.
It’s a difficult watch, but I urge you to see it.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
ALL CLEAR!!!!
That’s enough for tonight.
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Open thread!
Gin & Tonic
The fact that world leaders worry about what might happen to them in Moscow is delightful.
Adam L Silverman
@Gin & Tonic: Yep. Apparently Vucic and Fisco are now unable to attend for health reasons.
Adam L Silverman
I’m going to rack out.
Everyone is most welcome.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
@Gin & Tonic:
@Adam L Silverman:
Funny how so many are “noping out” after saying they would attend.
Even Indians.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam. And wonderful to hear about Rosie.
Nukular Biskits
Interesting development WRT to the shooting down of the SU-30.
The ingenuity of Ukrainians should not be underestimated.
As always, Adam, thanks for the round-up.
Jay
@Nukular Biskits:
2 SU-30’s.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
NotoriousJRT
So glad to hear that Rosie is getting great reports from her vet. Thanks, Adam!
way2blue
Great to hear news of Rosie’s continued good health. Thanks for sharing. And let us know if additional donations toward her veterinary bills would be helpful.
Torrey
Great news about Rosie! Extra pets to the brave lady from me, if you’d be so kind, Adam.
Also very good news about Ukraine’s (at this point unsurprising but nonetheless impressive and thrilling) ingenuity and achievements on the battlefield, as well as the growing note-from-the-doctor list for russia’s big event. Interesting that the Georgian protesters hold pictures of the judges’ faces, when apparently it’s illegal to post pictures of ICE agents’ faces here in the US.
And, as always, thank you, Adam for your work in putting together these posts. I can appreciate the stress. (You’ve already said you’re welcome, above, so no need to repost that.)
wombat probability cloud
Thanks, Adam, as always. I’m so glad that Rosie is thriving.
Bill Arnold
@Nukular Biskits:
The Russians were warned in early March (?) 2024.
via Adam’s update 2024/03/06 (bold mine)
As usual, they ignored the threat until it became very real.