(Image by NEIVANMADE)
Air raid alerts are up for almost all of northern and central Ukraine at 3;20 AM local time/8:20 PM EDT. The focus, as it was last night, seems to be Kyiv, which was hit very hard by the Russians this morning.
My city after the attack
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Putin and the Russians are emboldened to escalate their strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets because the US has very publicly stopped supplying weapons to Ukraine. We now know that this has been done unilaterally by Hegseth despite being informed sending the weapons would not impact US readiness. From The Kyiv Independent:
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally halted a weapons shipment to Ukraine on July 2 despite internal military assessments showing the aid would not compromise American military readiness, NBC News reported on July 4, citing three U.S. officials.
The pause in aid, which included critical air defense systems and ammunition, reportedly caught the State Department, members of Congress, Ukraine, and key European allies off guard.
Ukraine suffered one of the largest attacks on July 4, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for more air defense to protect civilians in the cities. The attack on Kyiv killed one person and injured 23 more.
A senior U.S. military review had concluded that while some munitions stockpiles, including precision weapons, were low, they had not fallen below critical thresholds, according to NBC. Despite this, Hegseth opted to stop the shipment. This is reportedly his third such move since February.
“We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than we’ve been in the three-and-a-half years of the Ukraine conflict,” Congressman Adam Smith the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said. Smith, who said his staff reviewed the Pentagon’s figures, called the justification “disingenuous.”
The shipment reportedly included dozens of Patriot interceptors, 155 mm artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, guided missile systems (GMLRS), Stinger and AIM air-to-air missiles, and grenade launchers.
Two sources told NBC that some of the weapons had already been loaded onto trucks in Poland when the halt was ordered.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described earlier the decision as part of a broader “capability review” to ensure U.S. forces remain equipped.
The halt has initiated debate over the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.
Lawmakers from both parties, including Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, expressed frustration at the lack of advance notice. “Now is the time to show Putin we mean business,” McCaul wrote on X.
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson also reacted to the halt, warning of its consequences amid Russia’s ongoing strikes.
“As Americans begin to enjoy the sounds of fireworks in celebration of our Nation’s Independence, war criminal (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who is losing his pathetic war, resorts to scorched earth tactics across Ukrainian cities that predate Moscow’s existence,” Wilson wrote.
Wilson said he is “confident the Department of Defense will advance President Trump’s objectives stated at The Hague to send additional air defense and approved weapons to help stop this absolute depravity, as allies have and must continue doing at a rapid pace.”
Trump has denied that the U.S. paused shipments on July 3, contradicting both Pentagon confirmation and reporting.
“We haven’t,” Trump told a reporter. “We’re giving weapons.” He also claimed the Biden administration had “emptied out our whole country” and insisted Washington must prioritize its own defense.
More at the link.
This is what Hegseth and Colby, the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, as well as Trump, whether he is in or out of the loop, have wrought:
On the eve of America’s Independence Day, Putin unleashed over 500 drones and dozens of missiles on Kyiv.
A message, perhaps — not to Ukraine, but to Trump and his illusion of influence. To show him: dictators don’t take cues from those who seek their favor.— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Just hell
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Morning in Kyiv. No sleep. Air quality is extremely bad. City is covered in thick smoke.
This is Russian terror, aimed at people who chose to stay, resist and fight.
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Map of routes of weapons fired at Ukraine by fascist Russia overnight. Shahed drones circled the Ukrainian capital and then converged to subject Kyiv to a massive bombardment, followed up by a missile attack in the early hours.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:39 AM
550 aerial weapons used against democratic Ukraine by fascist Russia in last night’s massive air attack – that’s a new record, up from 537 used in the Russian attack on June 29. Air alert in Kyiv still on – just got warning on my phone of increased air threat in Kyiv.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Dozens of Shaheds Were Taken Down Specifically by Interceptor Drones Today; We Are Scaling This Up to the Hilt – Address by the President
4 July 2025 – 19:39
Dear Ukrainians!
A very brief update on today. It was a rocky start to the day, with more than 500 Russian attack drones and missiles. Difficult, but a significant number were shot down. Regrettably, some struck their targets. Interceptor drones demonstrated important performance today. Dozens of Shaheds were taken down specifically by interceptors. We are scaling this up to the hilt: increasing production of such types of drones – the interceptor ones – and expanding training and preparation for our drone operators. The mission is clear.
Today, I also spoke with President Trump. It was an important conversation. We agreed to arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defense capabilities. We had an in-depth discussion about joint production – something both us and the United States need.
Today also marks an important decision in Europe, in Denmark: our first agreement on weapons production for us in Europe, coproduction between Ukraine and Denmark. This is paramount both in terms of security and investment.
Also today, I extended my greetings to our Ukrainian police officers on Ukraine’s National Police Day. I congratulated the guys and presented them with state awards, including the titles of Hero of Ukraine for four officers – sadly, one of them posthumously. Police units, alongside all our Defense Forces, are fighting on the frontlines.
And today, there was also another exchange. Our warriors returned home from Russian captivity. We are preparing further exchanges.
I thank everyone who is helping us!
Glory to Ukraine!
President Zelenskyy also spoke with Trump today. Here’s the Ukrainian side’s readout:
President of Ukraine Holds Phone Call with President of the United States
4 July 2025 – 17:39
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of the United States of America Donald Trump.
The Head of State congratulated the U.S. President and the entire American people on the U.S. Independence Day and expressed gratitude for all the assistance provided to Ukraine, which helps safeguard the country’s independence and save lives.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump discussed Russian strikes on civilians, including the consequences of the massive attack last night, during which the number of drones alone reached 539. Detailed attention was given to the frontline developments. The U.S. President is well-informed about the situation and fully understands what is happening.
The Head of State emphasized Ukraine’s need to strengthen air defense to protect Ukrainians and save lives. The leaders discussed additional practical enhancements to air defense and agreed to work on increasing the protection of Ukrainian skies, as well as holding a corresponding meeting between Ukrainian and American teams in the near future.
The Presidents paid special attention to the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry and prospects for joint production. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready for direct projects with the U.S., primarily regarding drones and related technologies. The leaders also touched on mutual procurement and investment.
The Presidents exchanged views on diplomatic efforts and the joint work of Ukraine with the United States and other partners. The Ukrainian leader once again confirmed Ukraine’s support for American proposals aimed at restoring a sustainable and dignified peace.
Trump told Zelensky he wants to help with Ukraine’s air defense and said he’d check whether any U.S. military aid had been halted — Axios reports. He also said he was aware of recent Russian escalation, including airstrikes and increased activity on the front line.
www.axios.com/2025/07/04/t…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 11:27 AM
From Axios:
President Trump told Ukrainian President Zelensky in a call on Friday that the U.S. wants to help Ukraine with air defense, due to escalating Russian attacks, a Ukrainian official and a source with knowledge of the call said.
Why it matters: Earlier this week the Pentagon paused a weapons shipment, including air defense interceptors and ammunition, to Ukraine’s army.
- The decision caught Ukraine and many Trump administration officials surprise.
Behind the scenes: The two sources said the call between Trump and Zelensky lasted around 40 minutes, with a major focus on Ukraine’s air defense needs.
- One source said Trump was aware of the recent Russia escalation, including both air strikes on Ukrainian cities and on the frontline.
- “Trump said he wants to help with air defense and that he will check what was put on hold if anything,” the source said.
- The Ukrainian official said Trump and Zelensky agreed that teams from the U.S. and Ukraine soon will meet to discuss air defense and other weapons supplies.
- The White House didn’t respond to a request for comment.
What they are saying: Zelensky wrote on X that he spoke to Trump about “opportunities in air defense” and that they “agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies.”
- “We – in Ukraine – are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble agreement for peace is needed,” Zelensky wrote.
More at the link.
Georgia:
🇬🇪🇺🇸 A massive rally in Georgia today to mark the 4th of July — once again, we thank the US, our longtime ally, for standing with the Georgian people. We hope to see the MEGOBARI Act pass in Congress soon.
Day 219 of daily protests in Georgia ✊
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The 🇺🇸 Independence Day celebration by the Georgian protesters! 🇬🇪
God Bless America!
We hope in our friendship for freedom!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July to our American friends!
🇬🇪 Today, Georgians gathered in a massive rally to say thank you — and to show how much we hope the MEGOBARI Act becomes law soon.
The people are ready for deeper US-Georgia ties. The regime is not.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Sanctions hit differently in small countries like Georgia. Elites don’t hide behind massive economies — their money, homes, kids, and passports are all in the West.
That’s why the MEGOBARI Act in US Congress matters.
📷 From today’s massive July 4 rally.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Former Minister of Defense Irakli Okruashvili has been sentenced to 8 months for non-cooperation with the “Parliamentary Commission” that “investigates crimes of the UNM rule.”
Okruashvili fought in the Battle of Kyiv. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Just like others, his sentence will be prolonged. They have already dug up an incident in which he verbally abused his neighbour two years ago. 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 7:07 AM
🧵1/ At yesterday’s hearing in Saba Jikia’s case, the court heard the defence’s closing statement.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
2/ The defendant is also expected to address the court with a final statement. The hearing was postponed to July 10. The verdict is likely to be announced at that day as well.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
3/ After the hearing, a letter from the detained protester, who turned 19 in jail a few days ago, was released:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
4/ “This 19th birthday was the coolest one yet, I turned 19 in jail as a political prisoner. I’m gonna be that cool uncle with wild stories. I’ll do everything I can not to let you down. I’m sorry I can’t do more”. – Saba writes.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
5/ Saba Jikia is accused of assaulting a police officer during a pro-European protest. According to the prosecution, he allegedly kicked a riot police officer who had fallen to the ground.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
6/ The officer identified as the victim, Beqa Gotiashvili, stated that he was knocked down and kicked during the protest, but did not sustain any injuries.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
7/ Jikia was 18 at the time of his arrest and turned 19 while in detention.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
8/ Illustration: Nika Khabelashvili.
Since photography and videography were banned in court, illustrations are the only solution.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:11 AM
So, a 28-year-old Georgian comedian faces six years in jail for throwing a water bottle and not hitting anyone, and in the video evidence presented against him in court, special forces are shouting “kill them!”
Hundreds were hospitalized during crackdowns. Zero officers punished.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 9:24 AM
⬛️On June 26, Gela Tskhadadze, Onise’s father, passed away. His elder son learned about the tragedy while attending Onise’s court hearing.
Three prisoners of conscience have lost a parent while in detention.
Onise Tskhadadze faces 4 to 6 years imprisonment.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 4, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Internal dissent and targeted Western sanctions build up pressure for corrupt judges in Georgia. Lately, their salaries tripled and media coverage of court proceedings were banned. All to make them feel more comfortable at doing their dirty job.
More sanctions needed!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 7:34 AM
⭕️ #Batumi City Court, hearing on Mzia Amaglobeli’s case: the defense requested to submit as evidence a request to question GD MP Nino Tsilosani and a video where she accuses Amaglobeli of slapping the police chief “on orders, for money, as a hired (agent), and as part of agentic activity.”
#FreeMzia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 4, 2025 at 6:51 AM
⭕️On July 4, the Batumi City Court is holding a hearing in the criminal case against Mzia Amaglobeli – journalist, CEO and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti.
Today, the defense witness being questioned is @eturadze.bsky.social, editor-in-chief of Batumelebi.
#RepressionInGeorgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 4, 2025 at 8:36 AM
🔻 Sketches from today’s court hearing of Mzia Amaglobeli – Mzia Amaglobeli – journalist, CEO and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti.
✍️ Illustrator: Ana Janelidze
#RepressionInGeorgia
#MediaUnderAttack
#FreeMzia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 4, 2025 at 11:27 AM
📢Georgian Dream-appointed president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, is promising pardons to imprisoned politicians – but under one condition:
‼️He wants opposition parties to agree to participate in the upcoming local elections.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 4, 2025 at 12:25 PM
It’s not just a political change that’s happening in Georgia. It’s a complete mental liberation struggle from post-colonial & post-Soviet prisms of thought. It’s a new social contract in the making. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The Georgian Dream is a collective face of filth accumulated in Georgian society over centuries.
And, as great Georgian thinker Levan Ghambashidze said, the Georgian culture will vomit the GD out. 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Kyiv is burning. Trump is apparently discovering that “Putin doesn’t look like he wants to end the war.” New drones have already been launched at Ukraine as we still fighting fires from last night.
Please, I can’t make sense of this world.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Ukrainian FM Andriy Sybiha called last night’s Russian strike on Kyiv one of the worst and said Putin deliberately launched it after Trump’s call.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Entire day, I feel so incredibly exhausted and shattered — and all I did last night was shelter.
Now think about the air defenders. The soldiers in the trenches. The first responders on the scene.
They don’t sleep and don’t stop.
They carry our survival on their shoulders. Every single day…— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 10:31 AM
It’s a tragedy that the coalition of tyrannies — China, North Korea, Iran — is far more committed to helping russia destroy Ukraine than the coalition of democracies is to supporting Ukraine’s survival. As if their own security didn’t depend directly on it. History teaches people nothing.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Our people are home!
New prisoners of war exchange! Welcome home, heroes!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Ukrainian drones on their way into fascist Russia tonight. Map from t.me/dronbomber
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Ukrainian drone update.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Chuhuiv, Kharkiv Oblast:
Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast is on fire following russian drone strikes!
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
One killed and three injured in russian shelling in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region.
A 52-year-old local woman was killed. 56-year-old man and two women aged 66 and 56 were wounded.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Kyiv:
The moment one of the russian drones strikes the building in Kyiv tonight was captured on video🤯‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Unfortunately, tonight’s Russian attack on Kyiv was not without fatalities. One person was found dead near one of the impact sites.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that Poland’s consulate in Kyiv was damaged during Russia’s overnight attack on the city.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Kyiv, after being terrorized all night.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Families with small children are hiding in basements and metro stations. Russia is trying to get them even there
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Kyiv right now.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Hearing lots of helicopters overhead this morning – a very unusual sound here in wartime Kyiv – following massive air raid by fascist Russia on the Ukrainian capital overnight. Likely it’s these fire-fighting helicopters, helping to douse the numerous fires around the city caused by the attack.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Night of terror continues into morning: Just 15 minutes after the all clear sounds, an air raid alert again in Kyiv.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
The SBU found Chinese-made components in Russian Geran drones used in the July 4 attack on Kyiv. The parts were marked as produced by Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing in Jiangsu, China. The SBU is investigating the strike as a war crime and gathering evidence.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Kryvyi Rih:
Russian glide bombs struck Kryvyi Rih, likely using a Hrom-1 missile. The attack hit civilian infrastructure, sparked a large fire, and injured three people. Power outages were also reported in the city following the combined strike.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Belgorod Oblast, Russia:
Chemical plant on fire after drone attack in Belgorod region of russia.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
More footage from the site of a Ukrainian drone strike on the Selena chemical reagents plant in Shebekino, Belgorod region, Russia.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Moscow Oblast:
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports a strike on a facility in Sergiyev Posad, Moscow region, involved in producing thermobaric warheads for Shahed drones. The attack aimed to reduce Russia’s ability to carry out air strikes.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Moscow:
This morning, Andrey Badalov, Vice President of the Russian state-owned company Transneft, fell from the window of his apartment on Rublyovskoye Highway in Moscow and died. Transneft is the country’s largest operator of oil transportation infrastructure.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Ukraine launched overnight drone strikes on Russia, hitting an electrical substation near Moscow and the Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant in Rostov, which produces key components for Russian tanks, ships, and aircraft. Explosions were also heard in Udmurtia; 2,000 homes lost power.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 3:44 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
A new video from Patron’s official TikTok!
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Here’s the machine translation of the caption:
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Open thread!
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
Funny thing, ruZZian authorities say that Andrey Badalov committed suicide by jumping out a 17th floor window.
Andrey Badalov and his family live on the 10th floor.
funlady75
Thanks Adam.
Gin & Tonic
One of our expat friends posted a sarcastic comment about “bombs bursting in mid-air.”
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: @funlady75: You’re welcome.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Gin & Tonic
“Speka” (see Patron’s comment) means heat wave.
Maccheerful
Thanks Adam.
Today I was at Edmonds, a city just north of Seattle, walking in the 4th of July parade there holding a banner for Ukraine Defense Support, a local group that raises medical and nonlethal military aid for Ukraine. We got a warm welcome from the crowds, and passed out a lot of flyers.
I encourage everyone to find any Ukraine support group near them, and expand it to the extent possible so that everty damn day it’s clear that this tragedy has gone on too long. And there’s only one way of its stopping – making Russia stop.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
Scamp Dog
Okay, is this grift-mode Trump saying what the other person wants to hear, or is it demented old man not knowing what’s what? Or something else entirely? I honestly have no idea.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Jens from Denmark is currently one of the most famous people in the world. I hope he can handle it.
I’m not kidding about Baba Yaga. 😠
Thank you Adam. Don’t eat any hot dogs this weekend, even if they’re kosher.