(Image by NEIVANMADE)
I’ll go through the butcher’s bill from Russia’s drone, missile, and bomb strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets after the jump, but I wanted to start with the Cost:
This is Maryna. Russia murdered her in the latest attack on Khmelnytskyi region.
Her parents are injured too, and her grandmother is in intensive care.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Today is International Missing Children’s Day. As a result of russia’s full-scale invasion, 2,243 Ukrainian children have gone missing. Every child must be returned home to their families, and russia must be brought to justice — for every life stolen; every family torn apart.
— UNITED24 (@u24.gov.ua) May 25, 2025 at 10:59 AM
President Zelenskyy issued a very appropriate official statement for Memorial Day in the US:
Which is much more appropriate than what the President put out on his own social media site.
“Over 900 attack drones against Ukraine in just 3 days, plus ballistic missiles, plus cruise missiles — there is no military sense in this.”
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
We Can See from the Information Obtained by Intelligence and from Open-Source Data That Putin and His Entourage Do Not Plan to End the War – Address by the President
26 May 2025 – 20:39
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. There were intelligence reports – very thorough ones. We discussed the overall situation: the war, Russia’s intentions, the capabilities of Russia’s troops and its military and industrial complex, as well as our ability to pressure Russia and disrupt its plans. We can see from the information obtained by intelligence and from open-source data that Putin and his entourage do not plan to end the war. There is currently no indication that they are seriously considering peace or diplomacy. On the contrary, there is ample evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations. Russia is counting on a prolonged war. And on their part, this is a blatant disregard for all those around the world who seek peace and are trying to make diplomacy work. I am confident that our partners’ intelligence services are having the same information, seeing the same facts – and it’s important that they do not turn a blind eye, but report to their leadership. The only thing that is needed now is absolutely honest conclusions and appropriate joint pressure on Russia.
All the more so as Russian strikes are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night. Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice – the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia – the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives. Recently, a meeting was held in Istanbul. Now the Russians are supposedly drafting proposals for a memorandum on peace. They’ve already spent over a week on this. They talk a lot about diplomacy. But when, in the midst of all that, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, relentless assaults, and even preparations for new offensives – this is clearly a diagnosis. Russia deserves full-scale pressure – everything that can be done to limit its military capabilities. I thank everyone around the world who understands this. New and strong sanctions against Russia – from the United States, from Europe, and from all those around the world who seek peace – will serve as a guaranteed means of forcing Russia not only to cease fire, but also to show respect. They all must respect the world. Putin must start respecting those he talks to. For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. That must change.
Today at the Staff meeting, we thoroughly analyzed the consequences of Russian strikes, their drone tactics, and our responses. I instructed a significant increase in the production of our interceptor drones, and we will be engaging more funding from our partners to support this. Relevant updates are being prepared. I also ordered dedicated funding for Ukraine’s ballistic missile program to accelerate missile production. There was also a detailed report from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Maliuk. There are some good results. Thank you.
And one more thing.
Today, I want to recognize our defenders of the sky. Over the past few days, our combat aviation pilots – flying F-16s and Mirages – have performed very well. A significant portion of the cruise missiles were shot down by them. Thank you! Also, the 11th Shepetivka Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 96th Kyiv Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 138th Dnipro Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, the 208th Kherson Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, and the 301st Nikopol Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade – thank you for your precision! And my thanks also go to all units defending our skies – mobile fire groups, army aviation helicopters, and electronic warfare specialists. Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! And thank you to everyone who helps.
Glory to Ukraine!
President Congratulates Warriors of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection on Their Professional Holiday and Presents State Awards
26 May 2025 – 16:41
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to servicemembers of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, who recently celebrated their professional holiday.
The Head of State emphasized that thanks to the warriors of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, Ukraine maintains reliable and systematic communications. In addition, these servicemembers actively contribute to national defense on the front lines alongside all other components of Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces.
“Servicemembers of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection are involved in our combat operations across the entire active front – from the Mykolaiv region to the Kursk region. We thank you – and I personally thank you – for the combat achievements of the strike drone units of the Service. I thank you for restoring communications in combat zones and frontline areas. I thank you for carrying out tasks to protect our country in cyberspace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President underscored that Ukraine will remember every man and woman who gave their life in battle for our country. Those present observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the warriors of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection with the Orders of Danylo Halytskyi, as well as the medals “For Military Service to Ukraine,” “For Impeccable Service” (III class), and “To the Defender of the Motherland.”
Georgia:
“The labyrinth of stolen elections,” culminating in Putin. 😅
It’s Independence Day in Georgia, and day 180 of our daily protests!
The crowd is large on Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters have organized 6 marches, 7 public discussions, and 13 exhibitions.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Tens of thousands in Tbilisi cry out
“UNTIL THE END!”
At Georgia’s Independence Day, and Day 180 of uninterrupted protests.
New, free and fair Parliamentary elections!
Release of the political prisoners!
✊🏻🇬🇪🇪🇺 #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Day 180. 🇬🇪’s Independence Day.
6 months of daily #GeorgiaProtests for free, fair Parliamentary elections and the release of the regime prisoners.
We won’t stop.
Friends can make it easier for us through sanctions, regime non-engagement, and ways to aid the civil society.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
🇬🇪 Happy Independence Day!
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
🔴 On Georgia’s Independence Day, the country marks the 180th consecutive day of #GeorgiaProtests.
Following the various marches and activities in #Tbilisi, crowds gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, where President
Zourabichvili and MEP @rjukneviciene.bsky.social addressed them.
#Georgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Lithuanian MP Rasa Juknevičienė is in Tbilisi, attending a rally that is both a protest against the Georgian Dream party and a demonstration in defense of Georgia’s independence.
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 180— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:55 PM
At 21:00, Salome Zurabishvili will address the citizens, and Rasa Juknevičienė will attend her speech.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:58 PM
📷 Mindia Gabadze/Publika
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
President @Zourabichvili_S is addressing the public gathered for Georgia’s Independence Day.
I’ll provide key messages below.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Part 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 2:14 PM
1/ From Shevardeni gymnasts in 1919 to women honoring their legacy in 2025.
📸 May 26, 1919: Female athletes from the Shevardeni Sports Society, founded in 1918.
📸 May 26, 2025: Georgian women wear the uniforms of female gymnasts from the Shevardeni sports society.— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:51 AM
2/ 107 years ago, on May 26, 1918, the National Council of Georgia adopted the Act of Independence of Georgia and established the Democratic Republic of Georgia.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:51 AM
🔴 “May 26 is the Day of Restoring Georgia’s Independence. Congratulations!” – This was Batumelebi’s first front-page headline, 24 years ago today.
🔴 For the first time, the anniversary comes without its founding CEO, Mzia Amaglobeli – unjustly jailed, facing 4–7 years in prison.
www.freemzia.com— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 26, 2025 at 7:46 AM
1/ A “Mzia Amaglobeli” corner has been set up on Rustaveli Avenue, where citizens can write letters to Mzia. May 26 also marks the birthday of the newspaper Batumelebi. Twenty-four years ago, on this date, Mzia Amaglobeli and Eter Turadze published its first issue.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
2/ Mzia Amaglobeli was arrested on the night of January 11–12, 2025, after slapping the head of Batumi Police, Irakli Dgebuadze. He is accused of assaulting a police officer and faces four to seven years in prison.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This, versus the rows of bodyguards the illegitimate PM had this morning at the “Independence Day March” that resembled more a GD family breakfast.
Legitimacy has no necessity of being armed.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 9:46 AM
“The people of 🇬🇪 should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country’s European path.”
On Georgia’s Independence Day, the leaders of the Weimar Triangle: Germany, Poland and France reaffirm their support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Thank you very much, @EmmanuelMacron, @donaldtusk, @_FriedrichMerz! We greatly appreciate and are inspired by your support. We also hope for the coalition of the willing led by WT for targeted sanctions to check & balance the regime. Sanctions work, but not after the regime has fully consolidated.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 7:30 AM
President Zelenskyy also made an official statement for Georgian Independence Day:
I congratulate the people of Georgia on Independence Day and sincerely wish for Georgia to be strong and prosperous. Ukrainians have always felt a warm emotional bond with Georgia.
Our country supported Georgia’s sovereignty and defence during the difficult time of Russia’s invasion in 2008. And we will always stand alongside you in our shared aspiration for a free and dignified life of peoples — all peoples of Europe, which cannot be imagined without Ukraine and Georgia.
I thank everyone who supports our people. Long live independent Georgia! Glory to Ukraine!
Germany, Britain, France, and the US:
Better late than never!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Germany’s Merz backs Ukraine’s long-range missile strikes on Russia
https://www.ft.com/content/808cb107-1330-42e0-8af2-13ba67a24f50
— Financial Times (@financialtimes.com) May 26, 2025 at 1:55 PM
From The Financial Times:
Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed Ukrainian military strikes deep into Russian territory, following his earlier commitment to supply Kyiv with German long-range missiles.
Germany, Britain, France and the US have removed all range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine, Merz said on Monday.
Paris, London and Washington have supplied long-range missiles to Kyiv and have already allowed strikes in Russian territory.
But Merz’s stance contrasts with that of his Social Democratic predecessor Olaf Scholz, whom he replaced this month.
The former chancellor repeatedly rejected pleas from Kyiv and its allies to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with German Taurus missiles, which have an intelligent warhead system that can inflict huge damage to structures such as bridges and bunkers.
While Merz has decided to stop disclosing weapon deliveries since taking office — a stance in line with the “strategic ambiguity” approach of French President Emmanuel Macron — he had previously said he favoured deliveries of Taurus missiles to Kyiv if they were co-ordinated with European allies.
“There is no longer any range restriction on weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the British, nor by the French, nor by us, nor by the Americans,” Merz said at a conference in Berlin on Monday.
He added: “This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example by attacking military positions in Russia. It couldn’t do that until some time ago, it did do that with very few exceptions. [Ukraine] can do that now. In jargon we call this long range fire.”
The centre-right chancellor made his comments after three days of Russian air attacks on Ukraine that involved more than 1,000 drone and missile strikes.
Dmitry Peskov, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, said that decisions to give Ukraine longer-range missiles were “potentially dangerous” and could frustrate “attempts to reach a settlement” in Ukraine, according to state newswire Tass.
The 500km-plus range of the Taurus cruise missile is further than the Storm Shadows and Scalps supplied by the British and French and the Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) provided by the US.
Those British, French and American missiles were first used against military targets inside Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions in November, when the respective governments quietly lifted geographical restrictions on their use.
Separately, Kyiv has also developed its own Neptune long-range missiles, as well as drones that target Russian territory.
Merz’s comments come as European leaders are racing to come up with a plan to increase pressure on Moscow, after US President Donald Trump signalled he is inclined to leave them to sort the conflict among themselves.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Merz in Aachen in western Germany on Thursday, where EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen is receiving the Charlemagne prize.
British officials said Starmer would talk to Merz about increasing economic pressure on Russia and ensuring Ukraine has the financial and military support it needs to maintain the fight.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to travel to Berlin on Wednesday, according to Der Spiegel.
More at the link.
Holland:
🇳🇱🇺🇦 The last batch of F-16s of the Netherlands Air Force departs for Ukraine.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🇳🇱The last Dutch F-16s destined for Ukraine have left the Netherlands. The aircraft left Volkel Air Base for Belgium today, where they are being prepared for delivery. In total, the Netherlands has donated 24 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieu…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
The US:
I know I covered the statement in last night’s update, but this is an apt analysis in the second and third skeets.
Trump seems to be unable to put out a statement that criticizes only Putin. “Likewise,” he says of Zelensky, whose country is the victim of unprovoked Russian invasions,” the Ukrainian president “is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does.”
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) May 26, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Trump appears to be referring to Zelensky’s remarks yesterday about Trump’s “silence” and lack of decisive action as Russia continued bombing civilians across Ukraine. The line was: “Silence of America, silence of others around the world only encourage Putin.”
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) May 26, 2025 at 1:31 AM
It took Trump 24 hours after the biggest Russian air attack on Ukraine ever began to release a statement. When he did, he still managed to criticize the president of the country being bombarded.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) May 26, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Also, he is not helping.
Back to Ukraine:
The Air Force of Ukraine reports that last night, the Russians launched a record number of drones against Ukraine — 355 in total.
Of these, 233 were destroyed by firepower, and 55 were either lost due to location failure or suppressed using EW. Additionally, 9 X-101 cruise missiles were shot down.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 5:06 AM
A brief summary of our weekend here in Ukraine. How was yours?
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) May 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Talks won’t bring peace.
Crippling russia’s ability to wage war will.
Amid all this buzz, Europe is being lulled into a false sense that peace is just around the corner.
But if you look closely, you won’t see peace — only the beast baring its teeth, preparing to strike and devour.— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Vasyshcheve, Kharkiv Oblast:
At least 13 russian Geran-2 drones struck an industrial site and warehouses in the suburbs of Kharkiv last night, the prosecutor’s office reported. As of this morning, firefighters are still battling the blaze.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Police have launched an investigation into a war crime after a series of drone strikes hit a private enterprise in Vasyshcheve, outside Kharkiv, between 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on May 26. The attack, suspected to involve at least thirteen Shahed UAVs, caused significant
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 7:44 AM
damage to buildings and sparked a large fire that is still being extinguished.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Kyiv:
The warhead of an X-101 missile was found in the yard of a private house in the Kyiv region, according to the Mobile Rescue Center of the State Emergency Service.
Explosives experts transported the munition to a special site for disposal.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 6:02 AM
🐶🙏 A dog shelter in Kyiv during a nighttime orc air attack.
— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM
A different animal shelter in Kyiv was hit last night. The woman who ran it was sheltering and at least ten cats, as well as her disabled adult son. I’m not posting the skeet or the pics, but it appears the surviving animals have been taken for treatment, though the woman, her son, and an unknown number of the cats they were sheltering were killed. Evacuating even for temporary safety during the genocidal Russian strikes on civilian targets last night was difficult because the woman was sheltering the cats and because of her son’s disabilities.
Kyiv residents spend the night in the metro as heavy shelling continues.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Kupyansk:
Only 10% of Kupyansk’s infrastructure remains intact, says the mayor
Kupyansk has been relentlessly targeted, with Russian forces dropping over 200 aerial bombs on the city in May alone. This includes eight super-heavy bombs, each weighing
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:32 AM
1.5 tons, according to Andriy Besedin, head of the Kupyansk City Military Administration.
Just in the last 24 hours, ten aerial bombs struck the city, one of them a super-heavy munition. These attacks killed two people, wounded three, and damaged over 40 homes.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Since the beginning of the month, the toll has climbed to nine dead and 40 wounded. More than 500 private homes and 40 apartment buildings have been destroyed. In total, 90% of the city is either destroyed or damaged.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:32 AM
🫡🇺🇦 A GUR driver evacuated an MRAP MaxxPro hit by the occupiers in the Kupiansk direction from the battlefield.
The scouts of Timur’s special forces unit went on a combat mission where the enemy hit the armored vehicle, but it drove to a safe place on 3 wheels, saving the lives of all the defenders.— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Somewhere in/along the southern front:
🇺🇦🦾 Images of the destruction of russian “Shaheds” in the South from our border guards.
Combat work took place in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions during another air attack of orcs.— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Bucha:
Just another morning when your neighbor is Russia: in the Bucha region, the engine of a Shahed drone fell right in the yard of a private home.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Belgorod Oblast, Russia:
An airstrike directly hit a Russian military outpost in the Belgorod region 👀
There are whispers that FSB officers may have been present at the location.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
In Russia’s Belgorod region, a train was blown up by a bomb planted under the tracks in Novooskolsky district. Rail traffic is suspended, according to local officials.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Yelebuga, Tatarstan and Ivanov Oblast, Russia:
According to the head of the CCD, Andriy Kovalenko, despite Russian attacks, unidentified drones struck Yelabuga in Tatarstan, where “Shaheds” are produced, as well as a chemical plant in the Ivanovo region that manufactures components for Russian equipment and weapons, including missiles.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 4:57 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material:
Dear Ukraine: please know that the world is watching. We see the horror of the recent drone attacks. We love you.
— The Spirit of Lorenzo the Cat (@lorenzothecat.bsky.social) May 26, 2025 at 8:03 AM
May 20 – 21
My favorite soldier and i had a request to rescue 10 cats from the blockpost, from NGU military who couldn’t take care of adult female cats and didn’t TNR them on time.2 adult ladies and 8 kittens delivered to the cat lady in Dnipro. 🐱💓
PayPal: [email protected]
— Windy🇺🇦 (@sayravem.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Open thread!
karen gail
The difference between the clown in Oval Office and a true leader of people is as big as the Grand Canyon and as easy to spot. After all the Ukraine has gone through time is still taken to remember those who pay the price with their lives by a leader who shows his people come first.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
https://nitter.poast.org/Gerashchenko_en/status/1927069222682636509#m
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: @AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Lily
Adam, I remember you like this song. I just heard this great 3.5 m intro to it and the energy hit me as worthy of Memorial Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSCd7t2gB_w nu
MountainBoy
Thank you Adam!
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
I hope all Americans had a joyful but respectful Memorial Day. As the daughter of a veteran, I have great respect for all who serve.
Re:The missiles. About bloody time!😠 This has taken far too long and Ukraine has paid a high price for all this dithering. Maybe now Kharkiv will finally get some sleep.
Thank you Adam. Hope you’re fully rested after the long weekend.