A quick housekeeping note: Today was a long day, but I was able to move some stuff around. So tonight’s update is at a normal time, but will be mostly just the basics while tomorrow’s is likely to come late in the evening.
Putin’s Victory Day “ceasefire” that isn’t a ceasefire continues to see fighting all along the front lines.
Leaders of France, Germany, Poland and UK on their way to Kyiv. No launches of Russian/Iranian Shahed killer drones reported, no enemy aviation in the air, and no threat from Russian warships in Black Sea – but fighting continues along the front during Putin’s false “ceasefire.”
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Russia paraded Shahed drones today—the same ones it uses to bomb Ukrainian cities and kill civilians. This parade wasn’t about WWII or modern weapons. It was about glorifying terror and war crimes.
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 11:23 AM
If I were a certain Western democracy entangled in a reckless tariff war, actively undermining my own economy, this video would be deeply alarming.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Xi and Putin pledge to stand together against US, — Reuters
At talks in the Kremlin, the two leaders cast themselves as defenders of a new world order no longer dominated by the U.S.
In a lengthy joint statement, they said they would deepen relations in all areas, including military ties.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 4:14 AM
I’m doing the following by memory. I don’t have time to pull the citations right now, but I’ve written enough on this topic for different US military elements over the past eleven years, that I could probably draft the next three paragraphs in my sleep.
Today he spent celebrating the end of World War II. Everyone else celebrates Victory Day, or Victory in Europe Day if you’re in the US, on 8 MAY, but in Russia it is celebrated on 9 MAY. This is a legacy of the Soviet revision of the history of World War II, which Russians call the Great Patriotic War. The academic and popular history of World War II in the Soviet Union was written to present the Soviets, especially Soviet Russia, as the real victim of the NAZIs, not Europe’s Jews. Moreover, this history was written to present the Soviet Union, especially Soviet Russia, as also being the real heroes of World War II who largely defeated the NAZIs single handedly. When the Soviet Union fell, this factually incorrect and heavily mythologized revisionist history was brought into post-Soviet Russia by a number of ideologues including Putin. You can see it throughout Dugin’s work, as well as threaded through Putin’s 2021 essay on the “historical unity of Russians and Ukrainians.” That’s the archive version, so you don’t have to go to the Kremlin’s English language website to read it.
Putin, as well as others, have been adding to this inauthentic history of World War II. One of the most major new innovations/additions to Russia’s history of World War II was the creation of the Immortal Regiment. This was originally intended to get the relatives/descendants of Russian World War II veterans who had died to come to Victory Day celebrations and march with pictures of these veterans. By 2012 two things happened. One was that Putin had latched on to it and the second was a concerted effort to make it a global event with Russian expats and Russophiles holding Immortal Regiment marches wherever they lived around the world. There was also a concerted effort to inject all of this into Russian education, which is why you see pictures on social media of preschoolers, in some cases toddlers, dressed up like Soviet soldiers from World War II and paraded around in strollers and prams made up to look like tanks and planes, as well as Russian schoolchildren doing Immortal Regiment marches throughout the year. Russian civilian education injects and reinforces this martial mythology as part of Putin’s governments attempts to propagandize and indoctrinate Russian children from as early an age as possible. Hence the following:
In Vladivostok, 1,500 first-graders were paraded as soldiers. From a young age, they are being conditioned to worship violence and nationalism, to be ready to kill and die for the twisted ideas in Putin’s broken mind.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 4, 2025 at 1:34 PM
All of this can be bundled under the term pobiedobesie, which translates as victory mania or victory fervor. And that’s what today, as well as the last week or so, has been about in Russia. It is also why Putin, other Russian officials, and Russian apologists state that one of the strategic goals for Putin’s/Russia’s genocidal re-invasion of Ukraine is de-NAZIfication. Anyone who opposes Russia is a NAZI.
President Zelenskyy addressed the foreign ministers of the EU today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Russia Must Be Held Accountable for Its Aggression Just as the Nazis Were – President’s Address at the Meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers
9 May 2025 – 13:38
Dear friends!
Thank you to all of you who represent countries that believe in international law!
I’m glad to see you all here in Ukraine – not just supporting us from afar, but actually standing with us. It shows that we’re all Europe, all democracies – united not just by borders or institutions, but by shared values and hopes. You’ve come with strong decisions, real support for our people, and a readiness to increase pressure on Russia for the sake of true peace.
I know that today a decision is prepared for new support for our defense – for producing weapons in Ukraine – worth one billion euros. In total, it’s about four billion euros in new support decisions from Europe as of today. Thank you very much for this.
Russia must feel our shared – and most importantly, growing – strength. That’s what’s needed for peace. The desire to end this war has to grow inside Russia, and that begins with a feeling – the feeling that they are losing, losing from this war as any aggressor should – that is what is needed. I ask you to keep working for exactly that. And it’s very symbolic that our meeting is taking place during these days when we honor the memory of those who defeated Nazism 80 years ago, and when we celebrate Europe Day – the day of a new Europe, a day directly linked to the victory of the Allies in World War II. Our continent has a long and rich history, but today we are most proud of our new Europe – a Europe that knows how to live and stands up for the right to life. We must save this Europe. We’re proud of a Europe that does not kill. That is united. That stands for international law. A Europe that respects the individual – and if we ask who that individual is, it’s definitely not some ruler or a tsar. At the heart of today’s Europe is respect for every human being, for each person’s individuality and identity – the character of each nation, each individual, and each family. A united Europe together with our democratic friends around the world stands for exactly that. And it must be protected. Europe has been shaken and even broken more than once by reckless, misguided changes throughout the centuries. And now, at this turning point in history, it is vital for all of us – for every nation – that Europe does not break again. Not this time.
Our Europe – the one that has achieved so much in the years since World War II – must now simply become stronger, able to stand up for all people across Europe. We must protect this Europe – the Europe of human dignity, and therefore of law, human rights, and accountability for crimes against people and nations. Without accountability, declared rights are not truly real, and respect for human dignity begins to fade. This is the greatest moral legacy of the 20th century – there must be accountability, especially accountability for war. Because if even one war goes unpunished, more wars will follow. That’s exactly why Putin started a full-scale war against Ukraine – he got away with his earlier wars like a thug who never had to answer for anything. That must never happen again. And today, right in front of you, is a decision – a decision to create a mechanism that can help prevent future wars – through accountability. A decision to create a tribunal. And I urge you to give this decision your political support. Russia must be held accountable for its aggression just as the Nazis were. A strong tribunal for the crime of aggression can – and must – make any potential aggressor think twice. And we can make it happen if everyone who values human life stands up for life – not just here in Europe, but also in the United States and other nations just as we already see here with representatives from Japan and Australia.
I thank you and your countries for working together to build the justice infrastructure we need – to ensure accountability for this war, Russia’s war against Ukraine. I especially want to highlight the efforts of the Council of Europe – true leadership. Thank you to everyone working to make this tribunal an effective tool and to help strengthen the work of the International Criminal Court. My thanks also go to the Netherlands and the city of The Hague for being ready to become the home of justice – justice that Ukraine deserves in the face of this war. We all understand there is a lot of work ahead, both political and legal. We all understand how hard it is to actually bring war criminals to the courtroom. But we’ve already chosen the path. Russia will be held accountable for this war. This is a moral duty for Europe – and for everyone in the world who values human life.
Thank you for your support. Thank you so much. Let justice prevail.
Слава Україні!
President Zelenskyy also addressed the Joint European Force’s (JEF) member state’s summit today. Video follwoed by the English transcript.
Diplomacy Needs Silence – President’s Address at the JEF Member States Summit
9 May 2025 – 15:31
Dear colleagues, dear friends!
First of all, I want to greet you – these days we’re marking Europe Day and saying thanks to all the generations that defeated Nazism. Our Europe is the result of the choices and actions made by the generations before us – and the Europe we’ll pass on to our kids depends a lot on the choices and actions we make now. It’s really important that we stay strong and keep working together – just like we’re doing now. That’s the whole point of formats like JEF – and of our cooperation – Ukraine with Northern Europe, with the UK, with the Netherlands, with the Baltic states, and with all our other partners. Thank you all.
Recently we have had so much communication with the United States – and not just a lot, but really positive and productive. We’re working together to get to a ceasefire, one that’s solid and lasting, at least 30 days. Ukraine is ready. I spoke with President Trump – as you said, Jonas – yesterday. You also had a talk with him. We’re all in touch, and our teams are working together – and that’s how it should be. We’re all on the same page – there has to be a full ceasefire. And if Russia keeps dragging out the war, we’ll need stronger sanctions – especially if they break the ceasefire when it finally happens. The U.S. and all of you in Europe know what hurts Russia the most – what really puts pressure on Moscow to think about peace and stopping this war. Moscow should accept the ceasefire, because that’s the only way real peace can start. Diplomacy needs silence. Thanks for backing us in this – and let’s keep coordinating closely with the United States.
We’re also getting ready in Ukraine for a meeting with the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing – serious work ahead. We need this Coalition – and we need it to be strong enough to guarantee security the way we all agree on. I’m sure Europe will only benefit from this kind of teamwork – it’ll help strengthen the whole security setup we already have. Tomorrow – the meetings.
And one more thing.
Ukraine truly values its involvement in JEF – thank you so much to all of you for giving us the opportunity to connect the security efforts of our parts of Europe. These days, no region can stay isolated, living by its own rules – everything’s connected. Especially when it comes to war or other threats. And especially now, after Russia’s war against us, against Ukraine, changed the whole level of threats. Drones – we’re seeing a whole new scale of drone warfare. Infrastructure – we need to team up like never before to protect key infrastructure – energy, communication, transport. Cyber – every day we’ve got to keep up with those trying to break into systems and wreck security.
We’re already doing a lot together. But there’s still more we need to do. Thanks for investing in Ukrainian weapons production, in different models – that’s helping us scale up and keep our tech sharp. It’s also great that you’re boosting production in your own countries. We’ve got training programs, intelligence cooperation, political coordination. And when we finally get that ceasefire – we’ll need proper monitoring. All of this is the foundation for long-term cooperation. The Baltic and North Seas’ security depends so much on the security of the Black and Azov Seas to my mind. Our countries rely on each other – and that’s not a weakness, it’s our strength. I’m grateful that today we are receiving – I hope we will have it – the status of Enhanced Partnership within the JEF. And let that be part of our deeper integration – a symbol that once we’ve secured lasting peace for Ukraine, there will be no more new wars.
Thank you so much, Jonas. I’m ready for discussion. Thank you to all of you, friends.
Слава Україні!
Georgia:
“Putin Khuylo”
#GeorgiaProtsests
Day 163— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:56 PM
⭕️The EU anthem played at #Tbilisi’s Europe Square as people marched from various locations to celebrate #EuropeDay. Families of political prisoners addressed the crowd, with some sharing voice messages from prison.
“Fight to the end,” the crowd chanted.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 9, 2025 at 1:43 PM
year ago almost to the day, on May 11, 2024, it was likely the largest rally in the history of Georgia, and a man climbed the Vakhtang Gorgasali statue in the rain to put 🇬🇪 in his hand. The regime later took the flag down.
Today, on May 9, 1/3
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:41 PM
relentlessly protesting Georgians again hoisted the 🇬🇪 flag on the Vakhtang Gorgasali statue.
It is all deeply symbolic. #GeorgiaProtests 2/3
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:41 PM
3/3.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:41 PM
A citizen raised the Georgian flag on the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali.
Photo: Aleksandre Keshelashvili/ Publika
#GeorgiaProtsests
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Yet another proof that the emotional weight alone that the Rustaveli Avenue carries has served similarly for continuity of protests as tent towns and barricades have done elsewhere.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🗣️📢”- Euro-integration!
🗣️🗣️ – More sanctions for Qotsebi (*Georgian Dream members*)” – people chant as they march in the streets of #Tbilisi.🇪🇺🇬🇪 May 9, on #EuropeDay, citizens are marching from several locations toward Europe Square.
#GeorgiaProtests #Georgia
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 9, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The largest rally in at least five weeks, and it’s Day 163 of daily protests against the illegitimate regime.
Reminiscent of the last year’s awakening days.
And if the much less hyped Europe Day attracted this many people, I imagine what the Independence Day on May 26 will be like. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
If our friends could come and stand with us, that would be very appreciated, by the way. #GeorgiaProtests
P.S. I have a soft spot for protests with Old Tbilisi in the background.
📷 MOSE
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Georgia celebrates Europe Day in Tbilisi.
#GeorgiaProtsests
Day 163More pictures to come.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Today in Tbilisi, someone tried to hang a Russian flag over a bridge. Passersby immediately pulled it from his hands and trampled it.
Georgia will never be Russia.
Keep an eye on us for today’s massive Europe Day rally for our 163th day of protests. 🇪🇺🇬🇪
🎥 Giorgi Aladashvili
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Hungary:
Hungarian foreign minister reacts to exposure of Hungarian spy network in Ukraine
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) May 9, 2025 at 8:16 AM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has said that Budapest has not yet received official reports from Kyiv about the exposed network of Hungarian spies, but also recalled the alleged “anti-Hungarian propaganda” in Ukraine.
Source: European Pravda with reference to 444.hu
Details: When asked by the media to comment on the Security Service of Ukraine’s statement about the exposed network of Hungarian military intelligence spies operating in Zakarpattia Oblast, Szijjártó said that he had not yet received such reports from the Ukrainian side.
Quote: “We will be able to say something only if we receive some details or official information. Until then, this should be seen as propaganda and should be treated with caution.
Anti-Hungarian propaganda is often used in Ukraine, and in many cases it has been completely unfounded.”
Background:
- On the morning of 9 May, the Security Service of Ukraine announced the exposure of a Hungarian military intelligence network that had been conducting espionage activities in Zakarpattia Oblast, including “testing the waters” on the mood of local residents and their reaction to the potential appearance of “Hungarian peacekeepers” in the oblast.
- Hungary continues to block the start of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations because of its demands on the rights of Hungarians in Zakarpattia.
- This has created a risk that Ukraine and Moldova will go through this process separately.
The plan all along was for Hungary to either be rewarded with or allowed to take Zakarpattia for running interference on behalf of Putin and Russia in the EU and NATO.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Things have begun to escalate:
The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims it expelled two individuals who allegedly worked as spies under diplomatic cover at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 8:54 AM
A war of spies and military intelligence between Hungary and Ukraine is not going to end well for Orban and Hungary. The smart money will be on LTG Budanov and the HUR.
The US in Ukraine:
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has issued a warning about a “potentially significant” air attack on our country in the following days.
It is a very russian thing to do to consolidate their parade and demonstration of force by burning a few families in their beds.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Rare warning from US Embassy Kyiv that it “received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next several days.” It doesn’t name Russia, in line with a policy change under Trump. Similar Nov & Dec statements specified threats of Russian attacks.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) May 9, 2025 at 4:10 PM
France:
Completely missed that France has started publicly attributing cyber attacks last week
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-f…
— Ciaran Martin (@ciaranm.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 9:09 AM
From the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Russia – Attribution of cyber attacks on France to the Russian military intelligence service (APT28) (April 29th 2025)
France condemns in the strongest terms the use by Russia’s military intelligence service (GRU) of the APT28 attack group, at the origin of several cyber attacks on French interests.
Since 2021, this attack group has been used to target or compromise a dozen French entities. These entities are working in the daily lives of French people and include public services, private enterprises as well as a sport organization involved in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the past, this group was also used by GRU in the sabotage of the TV5Monde broadcasting station in 2015, as well as in attempts to destabilize the French elections in 2017.
APT28 is also being used to exert continual pressure on Ukrainian infrastructures amid Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly when it is operated out of GRU Unit 20728. Many European partners have also been targeted by APT28 in recent years. In this regard, EU imposed sanctions on the individuals and entities responsible for the attacks conducted with the assistance of this group.
These destabilizing activities are not acceptable or worthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Moreover, they are contrary to the UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, to which Russia has adhered.
Alongside its partners, France is determined to use all the means at its disposal to anticipate Russia’s malicious behaviour in cyberspace, discourage it and respond to it where necessary.
The French Cybersecurity Agency is publishing a report today on this APT28-linked threat in order to prevent future attacks : https://www.cert.ssi.gouv.fr/cti/CERTFR-2025-CTI-007/
Poland:
In 2025, Ukraine will receive 100+ Oncilla armored vehicles from Poland’s MISTA. The latest Oncilla-Shturm variant boasts a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun, enhanced armor, and a 700 km range, bolstering frontline mobility and protection.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Estonia:
On May 9, Narva Museum, Estonia, near the Russian border, hung a banner: “Putler – war criminal.” Earlier, Russia set up decorations and a screen opposite, broadcasting a parade today.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 5:13 AM
The EU:
Kaja Kallas commented on the creation of a special tribunal for Russia’s crimes against Ukraine. She also criticized Robert Fico for attending the Moscow parade, stating he’s on the wrong side of history.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Intelligence reveals unmanned drone carriers used to attack targets in Crimea.
This beauty 😍…, i mean naval platform can carry between 500 and 3,000 kilograms of various types of weaponry, including air-to-surface, surface, and underwater ordnance.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The system employs cutting-edge technologies integrated with artificial intelligence based on NATO standards.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM
“The problem that Putin is simply saying he wants a partial, at least, capitulation of Ukraine, and then there may be peace,” said Andreas Umland, an analyst based in Ukraine, from the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies, in an interview with TVP World.
— TVP World (@tvpworld.bsky.social) April 12, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Lviv:
In Lviv, Denmark, France, and Italy signed a deal to direct €1 billion from the EU’s Peace Facility—money made from frozen Russian assets—towards buying Ukrainian-made weapons for Ukraine.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Delegations from 35 states and the Council of Europe visited Lviv. Ministers honored fallen Ukrainian heroes at Lychakiv Cemetery, discussed strengthening Ukraine, Russia sanctions, EU accession, and a Special Tribunal for Russian aggression.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Kupyansk:
Kupyansk—a once vibrant town of nearly 30,000, now reduced to ruins and emptiness, with only a few thousand remaining, mostly the elderly. Everything they have, everything they’ve ever known, is in Kupyansk, so they stay.
The most heartbreaking part?
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 8:30 AM
After enduring occupation, the town was liberated—almost untouched, given a second chance. If only Russia had chosen not to erase that hope with glide bombs and relentless artillery.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Ukrainian drones from the 77th Brigade, using fiber optics, entered a hangar in the Kupiansk area and destroyed all Russian equipment by setting it on fire.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
Ukrainian flag flying on May 9 over the small village of Gornal in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, just over the border from Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast. Despite Kremlin claims to the contrary, Ukraine still controls small footholds in Russian territory.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Shostka, Sumy Oblast:
With Putin’s parade over, reports of possible ballistic missile attack on Shostka in the north of Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, along with reports of glide bomb and rocket attacks as well.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Belgorod Oblast, Russia:
Attack by unidentified (possibly Ukrainian) drone on Belgorod Regional Administration building on May 9. Deputy Governor of Belgorod Region Alexander Lorenz was injured in the blast, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on his Telegram channel
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 7:23 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
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Here is some adjacent material.
It was three years ago that my friend Eugene Kibets rescued this cat in Ukraine. And guess what? He’s still rescuing cats. We love you, Uncle Eugene. @eugenekibets.bsky.social
— The Spirit of Lorenzo the Cat (@lorenzothecat.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Yesterday new rescue mission started. Team went East. There are a lot of cats that will not survive there. I will take as many as possible. But unfortunately I cannot do it alone. I know that I can do more but I need your help – my followers-family. Every dollar, euro or uah can save one extra life
— Eugene Kibets (@eugenekibets.bsky.social) April 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Please support this mission
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— Eugene Kibets (@eugenekibets.bsky.social) April 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Open thread!
Jay
As always, thank you Adam.
Ohio Mom
I knew youth indoctrination was a thing in the old USSR but did not know it was still going strong in Russia. I suppose every culture had its dysfunctional aspects but is there anything functional about Russian culture?
That may be a rhetorical questions because I’m about to go to sleep.
Jay
@Ohio Mom:
They are forcing Ukrainian kidnapped children and those in the Occupied Territories to go through that as as well.
Rand Careaga
@Ohio Mom:
My late wife and I were friends with a woman born in then-Leningrad in the fifties, a resident stateside for over twenty-five years now, and her two sons. Both the boys grew disillusioned with life in San Francisco, and both returned to Russia 15-20 years ago. When Uncle Vladdy called, the younger—speaking of indoctrination—joined up to “fight the Nazis” in Ukraine. He went missing in action in December; his mother learned recently that his remains were recovered in March. I imagine the dog tags were helpful in making the ID.
I remember the kid as a skinny, engaging teenager. I regretted it when I learned a couple of years ago that he was putting himself in harm’s way in an evil cause; find that I will probably not again be able to watch videos of Russian troops being blown up with the same unalloyed relish.
Jay
Latest Canadian/US travel alert.
Disable your facial or thumb print unlock, on your phone, laptop, they cannot legally make you use your passwords to search your phone or laptop.
They are denying entry to people who don’t praise DJTdiot.
People who haven’t are getting hit with hostage crypto scams, which can only be coming from US CBS “officers”.
Aziz, light!
@Rand Careaga: I will continue to enjoy the death of any and all of the occupiers.
I have a close friend from Russia; she has been in the states for 20 years since coming here for college. She has always said that she hates Russia and will never return, but is tight with her family back in Khavarovsk despite not seeing them for 20 years. On the first day of the invasion she surprised everyone in our mutual circle by spouting on FB all the absurd Kremlin propaganda about denazifying Ukraine and liberating its people. She caught a lot of flak for it so since that day she has refused to say a word about her country or its war because she doesn’t want to talk about “politics.” She loves her life here, but my takeaway is that you can’t take the Russian from a Russian.
bjacques
Russians were certainly serving up the pobiedobesie last Saturday in Amsterdam. I was riding my bike along the palace on the Dam and heard someone singing “Katyusha” in chorus. It was three young Russian women on a platform next to a van and a screen showing footage of Soviet and American soldiers sharing cigarettes on the Elbe. There was a small crowd, some waving banners of a Russian flag with an additional stripe at the bottom—red with the hammer and sickle. Some held up black and white photos of Red Army soldiers like icons, which must have been that Immortal Regiment malarkey.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)
Thank you, Adam.
Rand Careaga
@Aziz, light!:
That, alas, is the impression I have taken from mother and sons—it’s noble, righteous, cruelly misunderstood Russia versus the corrupt wider world, which is jealous of its virtue. The mother, BTW, has openly gloated about Trump being Putin’s puppet: “Our revenge for Yeltsin” (who was, in her telling, a CIA plant who destroyed the USSR at the bidding of his masters in Langley). We learned some years back to avoid talking geopolitics with her.