Last night pieceofpeace asked:
Adam, for some time now, my choices are made with the results of questioning “Is it appropriate,” which is similar to suitable, yet causes more self-inquiry in my way of thinking (works well for me, but mostly in non-urgent situations). To me, the implication involves personal responsibility? Is the FAS test purposely more “just the facts, ma’am!”?
Here’s my default translation from doctrine of what feasible, accessible, suitable (FAS) means:
FAS is the default evaluatory criteria for whether a policy or a strategy may be effective. Feasible, in regard to policy and strategy, refers to the ability to accomplish the policy or strategy within established time, space, and resource constraints. The acceptable metric balances costs to be paid, including human and physical resources and potential risks, with the advantages or benefits that will be accrued by adopting a given policy or implementing a given strategy. For a policy or strategy to be suitable, it must be achievable while also conforming with the law, norms, and customs. In short feasibility asks if a proposed policy or strategy is affordable, acceptability deals with risks, costs, and benefits. Suitability asks if the proposed policy or strategy will actually achieve the objectives and do so in a legal manner.
The cost:
In the early hours of this morning, during a large-scale enemy aerial attack, Maksym Ustymenko, a First Class pilot born in 1993, tragically died in his F-16.
The pilot skillfully deployed all his onboard weaponry, successfully shooting down seven airborne targets.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 7:20 AM
While engaging the final target, his aircraft was hit and began to lose altitude.
Maksym bravely managed to steer the damaged plane away from a residential area, but he was unable to eject in time. He died a hero.
The fallen pilot was an alumnus of Kharkiv Air Force University.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 7:20 AM
He leaves behind a four-year-old son.
RIP hero.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
I Have Signed a Decree Awarding the Title of Hero of Ukraine to Maksym Ustymenko, One of Our Best Pilots – Address by the President
29 June 2025 – 19:49
Dear Ukrainians!
I have just signed a decree awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Maksym Ustymenko – a Ukrainian pilot and one of our very best. Sadly, the award is posthumous. Today, he was killed while defending our skies, defending our people from yet another massive Russian attack – more than 500 strike drones and missiles were launched just last night alone, most of which were shot down. Maksym Ustymenko had been fighting since the ATO period. He mastered four types of aircraft, and his record includes truly significant achievements for Ukraine. Losing people like him is deeply painful. My condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, and brothers-in-arms. May his memory be eternal!
Today, I also signed a decree enacting the decision of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council regarding the Ottawa Convention – the convention banning anti-personnel mines. Russia has never been a party to this convention and uses anti-personnel mines with extreme cynicism. And not just now, in its war against Ukraine – this has long been a trademark of Russian killers: to destroy life by every means available. They use chemical and ballistic weapons, including medium-range missiles, and various types of mines, including anti-personnel ones. Unfortunately, that is the reality. Of course, we see how our neighbors in Europe are reacting to this threat. We are also aware of the complexities involved in withdrawing from such a convention, especially during wartime. But we are taking this political step and sending a signal by it to all our partners – this is where attention must be focused. This concerns all countries along Russia’s borders. It is anti-personnel mines that very often have no alternative as a tool for defense.
And one more thing.
Our institutions have begun implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on synchronizing European and Ukrainian sanctions. The 13th and 14th EU sanctions packages are now fully synchronized – and are also one hundred percent Ukrainian sanctions. I have formalized this today. We are also fully aligning the European sanctions package targeting the regime in Iran, which includes numerous entities and numerous companies, not only involved in military production and external terror schemes against neighboring countries in the region, but also in internal repression within Iran itself. It is one of the most brutal regimes in the world. No surprise that Putin found common ground with it. We will continue all these synchronization efforts, and I expect every one of our state institutions to act quickly. Sanctions must now be one of the top priorities – global sanctions against Russia. They are a real tool for limiting Russia’s strategic development capabilities and potential, and they must, day by day, increasingly and painfully restrict Russia’s ability to continue this war – the war against our independence. Next week, we are preparing new joint decisions with our partners on our defense and our resilience. I thank everyone who is helping us. I thank everyone who cares for Ukraine as they would for themselves.
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
“Stand with your people! Stand for Georgia!”
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 214— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Today, students at the stage of the big Tbilisi rally mentioned a revolution and that the public immediately cheered for it.
Lately, the big R is increasingly used openly.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Two years ago, the stereotype that Georgians don’t have endurance span to protest beyond a couple of days was almost a scientific fact for most people.
This is tonight, after exactly 7 months of daily #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Bachana Sajaia
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Day 214 of uninterrupted #GeorgiaProtests. A large rally again.
For 7 months, we haven’t stopped. It might plateau and spike again, but we will not surrender our country to a Russian takeover.
Friends can help us avoid costs through tangible steps such as targeted sanctions.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 12:47 PM
JUST IN: Elene Khoshtaria responds positively to the question whether she’d stop the hunger strike if the democratic forces stand united and refuse to participate in the local elections.
Essentially, she’s sacrificing herself to prevent the formation of “systemic opposition.”
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 10:06 AM
It’s day 3 of Elene Khoshtaria’s hunger strike and she already fell unwell yesterday. She has fragile health as it is.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Elene Khoshtaria’s statement on her hunger strike👇🏻
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 12:04 PM
These days, it’s a very important milestone for democratic forces in Georgia.
I see two outcomes from here: 1/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Either we all stand united, not cooperate with the regime and put all resources into demolishing the regime, or the democratic forces will, in domestic politics, demonstrate a huge discrepancy in actual contribution in demolishing the regime. 2/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
We will, however, all still be united around our key requests and demands from our Western partners.
I’m not just a party member, I’m a commentator on the social processes and dynamics in Georgia. 3/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I try to refrain from commenting about internal political struggles, but there are times when you can no longer ignore this because then you just leave the audience uninformed. 4/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I am more than sure that those who invest fully in demolishing the regime will be the victors over those who take a more passive stance, because, unlike 🇷🇺, it’s not only about democracy – it’s also about our national identity & national liberation, which gives us an inexhaustible fuel to persist. 5/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Lack of clarity which comes from the inability or unwillingness of some to communicate what we do domestically and how we do it frustrates the public the most.
There must be clarity and then we will be able to proceed with what we’ve got. 6/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This is also what democratic leader Elene Khoshtaria asks for with her hunger strike. 7/7.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The US:
Hours later, Putin unleashed his largest air attack on democratic Ukraine yet. No, Putin does not respect Trump.
He knows exactly how to play him, however.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Hungary says the U.S. has lifted sanctions blocking the Russian-backed Paks II nuclear plant project. The deal with Rosatom dates back to 2014. FM Szijjártó thanked the Trump team and called the project crucial for Hungary’s energy security.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Over 450 drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic aeroballistic missiles russia launched at Ukraine tonight.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 28, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The massive Russian strike overnight hit multiple regions across Ukraine: injuries in Cherkasy and Ivano-Frankivsk, civilian infrastructure damaged in Sumy, Dnipro, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Lviv. Targets included homes, colleges, churches, and critical infrastructure.
— NOELREPORTS (@noelreports.com) June 29, 2025 at 2:40 AM
One single night out of a thousand
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 1:42 PM
537 aerial weapons fired at Ukraine, biggest attack yet.
Time for my mantra again – intone along with me:
“The war will continue to rise in intensity and expand geographically until the West gives democratic Ukraine enough military and economic support to defeat fascist Russia.”
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 4:50 AM
🕸️🐝 Ukrainian FPV drones with a pneumatic nets from Ptashka Systems are hunting Russian FPV drones.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:51 PM
The first confirmed debris of Russia’s Geran-3 jet-powered kamikaze drone has been found. The drone is believed to be based on the Iranian Shahed-238, with production recently launched at Russian domestic facilities.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Ukraine has initiated its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines. A presidential decree has appeared on the official website. Although it takes immediate effect, the exit will become official six months after the UN is formally notified, according to media reports.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Kyiv:
People shelter in the Kyiv Metro as fascist Russia launches its biggest air attack on democratic Ukraine yet (537 weapons). With Kyiv having suffered two murderous attacks by Russia in the last two weeks alone, many were taking no chances.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia shelled Kupyansk again. 54-year-old man has died, and a 32-year-old man was injured. The injured man was hospitalized and is in serious condition.
Russia kills people in Kharkiv region every single day.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Smila, Cherkasy Oblast:
Cherkasy region, Ukraine. Today.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 6:30 AM
The number of people injured in the attack on Smila in Cherkasy region has risen to 11, including two children, according to local authorities.
Preliminary data indicates that three missiles and eight drones impacted within the city. The enemy deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
The Russian military struck an apartment building in Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia Region, this morning, according to the Regional Military Administration.
Occupying forces reportedly used guided aerial bombs, MLRS, artillery, and drones. Information regarding casualties is still being clarified
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Kherson Oblast:
An unexpected turn in the development of precision artillery shells.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Marynivka, Russian occupied Donetsk Oblast:
🛰️The first satellite image of the aftermath of the drone strike on the Russian military airfield in Marynivka, which reportedly destroyed or damaged four Su-34s. The satellite image was taken two days after the attack.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 7:54 AM
/2.Because two days had passed since the strike and weather conditions allowed satellite images to be taken, the Russians were able to slowly evacuate most of the debris. But a huge black spot and even damage to the runway from the detonation are still visible where Russian Su-34 are usually located
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 7:54 AM
The Pokrovsk front:
On the Pokrovsk front, Ukraine’s Defense Forces destroyed a Russian UAV command post. All documentation, cash, FPV and reconnaissance drones were destroyed. Ammunition and technical equipment used by drone operators were also wiped out.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Astrakhan Oblast, Russia:
Russia has begun building reinforced concrete shelters at Akhtubinsk airbase in the Astrakhan region. A year ago, the base was hit by Ukrainian drones in a strike that damaged Su-57 jets. At the time, the aircraft were parked in the open next to painted decoy silhouettes.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Krasnodar Oblast, Russia:
Ukrainian drones attacked the Kushchyovskaya military airfield in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight on June 25. An electrical substation on the base was damaged, according to ASTRA, citing its sources.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 2:50 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.
Here are some puppies being rescued in Poltava:
Rescued from the rubble puppies in Poltava region.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 29, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Open thread!
Medium Cool – Music: Like Cinematherapy, Only Different
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Gin & Tonic
“Ptashka,” as mentioned in the MAKS post up above, is the diminutive of “bird” in Ukrainian.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
spoot
Long time lurker and I have been obsessed with the Ukraine War since the beginning. I check with Twitter (X), and bluesky daily, reading the latest reports and watching videos from Ukraine posters such as Noel Reports, War Translated, David D, Andrew Perpetua, Rob Lee, et al.
I also read your blog reports every evening, Adam, and appreciate your dispassionate style and professional expertise very much.
I have no idea whether Russia or Ukraine is winning, I cannot tell if the posters I read are objectively reporting the news on the Frontline or on the casualty figures or on the hideous bombing of Ukraine civilians and cities. I pray daily that Trump will finally admit that he cannot prop up Putin anymore but I suspect that day will never come, and that Trump admires and look up to the dictators of the world. wants the absolute power that they enjoy, and wants to join their company in a New World Order.
Can Ukraine prevail without the US? Can Ukraine and the European Union actually produce enough weaponry and arms to hold off the Russians Until their economy starts to crumble? Are all these narratives I read mostly just social media copium?
I admire the indomitable will of the Ukrainian people so much and their ingenuity and smarts and inventiveness, their complete commitment to doing whatever it takes to fight every day no matter what. It kills me to think that all that might not be enough to prevail against the ruthless brutality of Russian power.
Adam L Silverman
@spoot: You are most welcome.
Gin & Tonic
@spoot: They have been fighting this fight for centuries. I have friends fighting today whose grandfathers fought the Soviets, whose great-grandfathers fought the Bolsheviks and whose great-great-grandfathers fought the Tsar.
Jay
@spoot:
Yes, if the EU ramps up and treats ruZZia as the threat it is.
GDP (projected) for ruZZia in 2025 is $2.196 trillion. A bit down from 2024.
EU, projected 2025 is$19.99 trillion, $2 trillion up from 2024.
Ukraine, projected 2025 $205.742 billion, $189 billion in 2024.
At the current pace of ruZZian advances, ( mostly fields, small villages and the occasional treeline), ruZZia can conquor all of Ukraine in 714 years.
The EU and other Ukrainian allies, (not the USA) have far outpaced the US in supplied arms and funding, but Ukraine needs more.
The key areas are:
Sanctions, Ukraine and the EU, (and other allies) are working on harmonizing sanctions. More sanctions and better sanctions enforcement. The US has noped out and is lifting some sanctions the current US Admin believes there is a pot of ruZZian gold at the end of the rainbow.
Long Range missiles. The EU doesn’t have them, (the Taurus is medium range, marginally longer legged than the Stormshadows, it’s only real advantage is it can take on hardened concrete), so Ukraine is building it’s own.
ABM air defenses and air defenses. Europe does not have them, (ABM’s) other than US Patriot missiles and the US isn’t delivering them. EU shipments are being diverted to Israel. The EU does produce shorter range air defense systems, has ramped up production, and roughly half are being sent to Ukraine.
The biggest issue is political. From day1, Ukraine was given enough weapons and aid to “not lose” and not enough to win. That is slowly changing.
Aziz, light!
Thank you, Adam.
In the first year of the larger invasion there were numerous reports about how steadily the Russians were expending their stockpile of missiles, with projections made as to when they would run out. Now their supply of missiles seems limitless. I understand they have greatly ramped up production, that sanctions have not affectively impeded access to essential electronics, and that Iran and NK have done their part. Do we have any hope or means of reducing their stockpiles? Many optimists (I am not one of them) seem to be confidently waiting for the Russian economy to collapse, as though that will promptly end the war.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
pieceofpeace
I appreciate the explanation, Adam, and each report you write.