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You are here: Home / Foreign Affairs / War for Ukraine Day 1,211: Another Drone Swarm in the Small Hours

War for Ukraine Day 1,211: Another Drone Swarm in the Small Hours

by Adam L Silverman|  June 19, 20258:57 pm| 11 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

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Painting by NEIVANMADE. It has a white background an in the center are Soldiers in green doing air defense by firing at incoming Russian missiles in the upper right. The missiles are red and yellow. In the upper left, written in green, is the text: "SAVE THE BRAVEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!" Below the Soldiers, also written in green, is "SUPPORT FOR KHARKIV"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Russia has unleashed more drone swarms on Kharkiv tonight/this morning.

❗️Russia is attacking residential areas of Kharkiv with drones!

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM

Explosion in Kharkiv ‼️ it’s the second Russian drone attack on our city tonight.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:50 PM

One of the Russian drones that struck Kharkiv tonight ignited the roof of the apartment building

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM

These drone strikes follow Russia spending much of the day attacking Kharkiv with drones.

They also hit more civilian facilities in Odesa this evening:

Apartment building is on fire following the russian attack on Odesa

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:39 PM

President Zelenskyy returned from the G-7 meeting. He went to pay his respects to those murdered by the Russian strikes on civilian residences in Kyiv on 17 June.

After returning from Canada, Zelensky paid tribute to the victims at the site of the strike on the apartment building in Kyiv.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:08 AM

President Honors the Memory of Those Killed in the Russian Attack on Kyiv

19 June 2025 – 11:20

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of those killed at the site of the Russian attack on a residential building in the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv.

The Head of State laid flowers at the destroyed section of the apartment building that was struck by Russia in the early hours of June 17. The attack claimed the lives of 23 residents.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported to the President that search operations at the site had been completed. More than 400 rescue workers and over 200 units of equipment were involved in responding to the aftermath of the attack. According to him, 500 residents have submitted applications to document the loss of their homes.

Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, reported that more than 1,000 people had sought assistance from the district headquarters. All necessary support is being provided to them.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration – Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, reported that technical inspections of the building are currently underway. If a full reconstruction proves impossible, residents will receive compensation for the destroyed housing.

That night, Russia launched a combined massive strike against Ukraine, using 440 Shahed drones and 32 missiles. In Kyiv, buildings in eight districts were damaged as a result of the attack.

The strike killed 28 people in the capital. 142 residents were affected, including six children.

Here is his address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

Russia Must Continue to Suffer Entirely Justified Losses for Its Aggression – Address by the President

19 June 2025 – 20:52

Dear Ukrainians!

This morning, I visited the site where a Russian missile struck a residential building in Kyiv. An ordinary apartment building. The missile went through every floor, all the way down to the basement. 23 people were killed by this single Russian strike alone. My condolences to their families and loved ones. The rescue operation lasted nearly 40 hours – until the very last moment, rescuers were trying to pull people out alive from under the rubble. In total, with that massive strike on Ukraine, the Russians killed 30 people and injured 172. There was no military purpose to this strike whatsoever. It brought Russia absolutely nothing in military terms. It was deliberate terror, the same thing Russia’s army under Putin has done everywhere, from Chechnya to Syria. This is the only thing Putin and his Russia truly know how to do well – kill and destroy. And this is exactly the dimension that unites Russia with regimes like those currently in Iran and North Korea. Right now, Russia is trying to save Iran’s nuclear program, there’s no other way to interpret its public signals and behind-the-scenes activity. When one of their accomplices loses the ability to export war, Russia suffers, and tries to intervene. This is cynicism at its worst. And this, time and again, proves that aggressive regimes must not be allowed to unite and become partners. When Iranian Shahed drones – now significantly upgraded – and ballistic missiles from North Korea – also modernized – kill our people in Ukraine, it is a clear sign that global solidarity and global pressure are not enough. Sanctions must be ramped up significantly. We must greatly enhance our cooperation – especially in the technological sphere – among all those around the world who are defending life. This is exactly what we agreed on with partners recently in Canada – at the G7 Summit. And we will continue discussing it next week through other formats of our cooperation in Europe, particularly within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.

I held a meeting on sanctions today. A very important meeting. I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the intelligence services, and the entire team of our state to propose to our partners new formats of sanctions coordination – and this will be done. I also instructed to step up all the efforts necessary to synchronize sanctions – the sanctions of partners against Russia within our jurisdiction, and Ukrainian sanctions within jurisdictions around the world. The task is clear: everything that reduces Russia’s ability to finance the war simultaneously increases the chance for real peace. There were also meetings today with our military and Ukraine’s Minister of Defense: Syrskyi, Hnatov, Palisa, Umerov. Separately, I also met with the team of the Security Service of Ukraine and General Horbatiuk regarding deep strikes. Russia must continue to suffer entirely justified losses for its aggression. I thank all our warriors, every unit of ours that makes this possible.

Today I also signed a decree appointing the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov, who had been carrying out tasks in Wiesbaden, Germany, coordinating with our NATO partners. All the positive experience of coordination and all the real combat experience of our warriors must now be implemented within the Land Forces of Ukraine. Change is needed – and it is a must.

And one more thing.

The return of Ukrainians from Russian captivity. For the fifth time in a few weeks. Men from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, our State Border Guard Service. Many of them had been in captivity since 2022, including since the defense of Mariupol. We must bring back every single one of our men – and we will. We are working on every name. What is needed is an “all-for-all” exchange – so that every family is reunited with their loved ones. So that there are no ultimatums. A real ceasefire is needed. A real end to the war is needed. Ukraine is ready to meet at the highest level – that is the level where actual decisions are made. I am ready to meet in any format with those who make decisions and hold the proper authority, including Putin, even though he has overstayed his constitutional term limit by at least three terms. And hopefully, the war can be brought to an end during President Trump’s current term. I count heavily on his help. I count heavily on the influence of the United States. That is something that can make a difference. Sanctions are needed. Diplomacy is needed. Security is needed.

Glory to Ukraine!

First Lady Zelenska attended the first high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations “Soft Power and Geopolitics,” which was held in Vienna for First Ladies and Gentlemen.

First High-Level Training Program on Diplomacy, Protocol, and Geopolitics for Spouses of World Leaders Held in Vienna

19 June 2025 – 19:50

The high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations “Soft Power and Geopolitics” was held in Vienna for First Ladies and Gentlemen. The program was organized by the Global Platform of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen at the initiative of the First Ladies of Ukraine and Austria, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of the Austrian capital.

Participants included the First Ladies of Ukraine – Olena Zelenska, Austria – Doris Schmidauer, Albania – Armanda Begaj, Estonia – Sirje Karis, Guatemala – Lucrecia Peinado, Serbia – Tamara Vučić, Finland – Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the First Gentleman of Slovenia – Aleš Musar, and the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia – Anna Hakobyan.

The program consisted of four thematic sessions dedicated to modern public and diplomatic leadership. Participants discussed the role of soft power and public diplomacy, the practical importance of international protocol, current geopolitical challenges, and women’s participation in peace and security matters.

The program was led by experts, diplomats, scholars, and representatives of international organizations. Among the session speakers were:

  • Ambassador Emil Brix, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies;
  • Konrad Jagodziński, Place Branding Director at the British company Brand Finance;
  • Barbara Zehnder and Daniel Senn from International Courtesy Competence Ltd;
  • Former President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová;
  • Dr. Robert Schuett, Chair of the Austrian Political Science Association;
  • Melissa Dobner-Mujanayi, Specialist in International Crisis Management at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense;
  • Ursula Gamauf-Eberhardt, Senior Program Manager for Peace Education at the Austrian Center for Peace and Director of the OSCE Summer Academy.

During the event, participants discussed tools for strengthening their countries’ humanitarian initiatives, fostering international cooperation, and contributing to the resolution of global issues through partnerships and knowledge exchange.

The aim of the high-level training program on diplomacy and international relations is to enhance the capacities of First Ladies and Gentlemen and improve their practical skills in public diplomacy, international relations, and understanding the role of gender in geopolitics.

Georgia:

Day 204 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia. Rustaveli Avenue is blocked once again. Protests continue in 8+ cities. ✊🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM

JUST IN: a whole new level of terror in Georgia – the regime IMPRISONED the MOTHER of an activist as a revenge!

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:44 AM

1/ Judge Marina Fomaeva found Mzia Amaghlobeli guilty of an administrative offence for putting up a sticker and fined her 1,000 GEL. The hearing took place today at Batumi City Court, though Amaglobeli was not present.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

2/ The Ministry of Internal Affairs was accusing the detained journalist of putting up a sticker on an auxiliary building near the police station on the day of her arrest.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

3/ It was precisely this action that led to Mzia Amaglobeli’s detention on the night of January 11.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

4/ According to her lawyers, since the legislation did not permit detention for this type of administrative offence, the case was fabricated, and she was instead charged with insulting and disobeying the police—charges for which she has already been fined by the court.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

5/ That same night, Mzia Amaghlobeli was arrested again by the police, this time under the Criminal Code. She faces 4 to 7 years in prison for allegedly slapping the head of Batumi police.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM

🟥 The @europarl.europa.eu adopted a resolution condemning the detention of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli (Batumelebi&Netgazeti co-founder) as politically motivated. It calls for her immediate release, denounces media crackdown in #Georgia & urges sanctions on those responsible.
#FreeMzia

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 19, 2025 at 6:09 AM

📢“Solidarity with the Media” – read the sign 19yo Saba Jikia held in court today.

In a message to his friends, Saba wrote: “We won’t break. I am in good spirits. I am ready.”

The young prisoner of conscience, arrested during the #GeorgiaProtests in #Tbilisi, faces 4 to 7 years in prison.

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 19, 2025 at 10:10 AM

Back to Ukraine:

Our people are home and safe after years of torture in russian captivity.
It’s one of the rare and so much needed good news.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 11:04 AM

Our people are home‼️

Ukraine returns of AFU soldiers, National Guard members, and border guards from Russian captivity — most of whom had been in captivity since 2022.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:07 AM

Every release of Ukrainians from russian captivity is like a breath of fresh air these days. A lot of those who returned today are seriously ill. Many defended Mariupol ❤️‍🩹 welcome home, welcome!

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:58 AM

Disregarding the Geneva Conventions, fascist Russia systematically abuses Ukrainian prisoners of war.

While released Russians look fit and healthy, returning Ukrainians resemble Belsen victims.

There’s no clearer demonstration that democratic Ukraine is the side of good.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

“A surgeon did this,” — said a medic about the inscription “Glory to Russia” carved into the body of a soldier freed from captivity.
t.me/c/1377735387…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM

“Typical Ukrainian Windows”

by Oleksiy Kustovsky

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM

The russians destroyed the warehouse of “Ukrainian Priority” publishing house. In this video: its founder, Volodymyr Shovkoshytnyi, also co-author of Ukraine’s Constitution, stands among the ashes of their books. How is this not genocide, when russia deliberately burns everything Ukrainian to ashes?

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 4:59 AM

+2 interceptions of Russian Gerbera drones. 24 total in June 2025 . t.me/ssternenko/4…

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM

5 Shahed kamikaze drones launched by Russians intercepted by FPV.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 5:17 AM

“An evening meditative video” of combat operations by the pilots of the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson.”

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Kharkiv:

School in Kharkiv region destroyed by russian attack today.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Above Kharkiv’s Central Railway Station, the black-and-white “Flag of Hope” was raised as a symbol of faith in the return of captured defenders and the missing, and a tribute to those who perished in captivity.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 7:11 AM

Odesa:

Odesa right now ‼️

Fuck russia!

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:18 PM

Russian drone strikes an apartment building in Odesa tonight.

I remember the time when we called this terrorism.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:25 PM

Odesa right now ‼️

Russia is a terrorist state!

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM

Dachi, Kherson Oblast:

The occupiers attempted to bring in additional reserves to the village of Dachi across from Kherson, but this didn’t align with the plans of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

As a result, all the Russian junk was destroyed before it could even reach the positions.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM

St. Petersburg, Russia:

In St. Petersburg, at the economic forum, Russians displayed the flag of the Taliban. Yes, Taliban, a terrorist organization.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM

Orenburg, Orenburg Oblast, Russia:

“What should I do? Where should I run?” — Meanwhile, in Orenburg, 1000 kilometers from Ukraine, unidentified drones were flying, sirens were wailing, explosions were heard, and local social media pages were spreading horror stories about “sabotage groups” and urging people to stock up on water.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 3:13 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

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    11Comments

    1. 1.

      AlaskaReader

      June 19, 2025 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks Adam

      Reply
    2. 2.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 19, 2025 at 10:02 pm

      @AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.

      Reply
    3. 3.

      Jay

      June 19, 2025 at 10:06 pm

      Thank you, Adam.

      Reply
    4. 4.

      LNNVA

      June 19, 2025 at 10:40 pm

      Adam – i rarely comment on anything on this site, but I have been reading your Ukrainian War reports ever since you first started them. I cannot understand how very hard continuing to do this every day must be. The horror is overwhelming, as is the growing lack of interest by so many in what happens to this bravist of countries, Ukraine. Thank you so much.

      Reply
    5. 5.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 19, 2025 at 10:42 pm

      @Jay: You’re welcome.

      Reply
    6. 6.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 19, 2025 at 10:42 pm

      @LNNVA: Thank you for the kind words. You are most welcome.

      Reply
    7. 7.

      Westyny

      June 19, 2025 at 11:25 pm

      Thank you, Adam.

      Reply
    8. 8.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 19, 2025 at 11:29 pm

      @Westyny: You’re welcome.

      Reply
    9. 9.

      Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom

      June 19, 2025 at 11:42 pm

      Thank you Adam.

      Reply
    10. 10.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 20, 2025 at 12:17 am

      @Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom: You’re welcome.

      Reply
    11. 11.

      Adam L Silverman

      June 20, 2025 at 12:25 am

      Sleepy time!

      Reply

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