(Image by NEIVANMADE)
This is 8-year-old Oleh Antonov. russia killed him yesterday near the village of Odnorobivka in the Kharkiv region.
He was returning home with his mother, father, and 4-year-old brother when a russian kamikaze drone struck their car. Oleh died instantly.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 10:22 AM
His younger, 4-year-old brother is currently in critical condition in the hospital. Their father sustained injuries, and their mother is suffering from severe shock.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 10:22 AM
I am so tired like you don’t understand I’m tired did I mention that I’m tired
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
I Have Just Signed a New Sanctions Package – Special Sanctions Targeting Numerous Russian Financial Schemes – Address by the President
6 July 2025 – 16:00
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
I have just signed a new sanctions package – and these are special sanctions targeting numerous Russian financial schemes, particularly cryptocurrency-related ones. The sanctions were introduced at the initiative of the National Bank of Ukraine. This is both a synchronization with our partners and our own initiative. Just through one single company, now included in the sanctions list, and only since the beginning of this year, that is, prior to the sanctions being imposed, the Russians funneled several billion dollars, primarily for the needs of their military-industrial complex. Of course, we will shut down all such schemes. Right now, with many of Russia’s traditional financial channels blocked, they are increasingly shifting to cryptocurrency transactions. Today’s package includes sanctions against 60 legal entities, and for each of them, we will work with our partners to synchronize sanctions – Ukrainian and European, Ukrainian and from other key global jurisdictions. The package also includes 73 individuals – all citizens of Russia. We will also synchronize sanctions against them. It’s a challenging task – sanctioning regulations vary around the world – but we all share a common goal: to compel Russia to stop the war and to severely restrict its capabilities. Sanctions are already depriving Russia of its future, and they must significantly complicate the daily functioning of the Russian system. Next week, we are also preparing new Ukrainian decisions on synchronization with EU sanctions – every European sanctions package against Russia must be implemented in Ukrainian jurisdiction. Just as our Ukrainian sanctions must be implemented in EU jurisdiction. One more important point. Today’s reports – primarily from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi – on the frontlines. The Pokrovsk direction, where the highest number of assaults took place over the past 24 hours, along with other areas in the Donetsk region, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Defense against Russian long-range strikes, and our own long-range operations. I am grateful to every Ukrainian warrior for their precision and for the ability to reach even very remote areas in Russia. The joint efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and our intelligence agencies – everything that enhances Ukraine’s long-range capabilities – helps us bring this war closer to an end. This week, I want to give special recognition to the brigades that have delivered the most significant results on the frontlines. The Pokrovsk direction – first and foremost, the 38th Marine Brigade and the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard. Thank you! The Kupyansk direction – the 3rd Assault Brigade. Well done, warriors. In the Kharkiv region – the Southern Slobozhanskyi direction – the warriors of the 92nd Assault Brigade distinguished themselves. The Sumy region – my thanks to all the warriors of the 225th Assault Regiment and the 95th Air Assault Brigade. The Novopavlivka direction – the 37th Marine Brigade and the paratroopers of the 79th. Thank you! And special thanks for their results to the 1st and 425th Assault Regiments. Thank you to everyone who defends our state and works to make Ukraine’s defense possible.
Today, on Ukrainian Navy Day, I also met with our Navy warriors and presented state awards to the best among them. We are proud of our people! We are also preparing new decisions and new agreements with partners that will make Ukraine stronger – both in defense and in recovery. Much of the coming week will be dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery – to new agreements with partners, and, in many ways, to restoring justice.
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
A rally was held today in Rustavi to support prisoner of conscience Giorgi Mindadze, who turns 22 today.
Family members and other participants marched to Giorgi’s house to mark his birthday.
On July 3, Tbilisi City Court sentenced him to 5 years in prison.
📷 Mindia Gabadze/Publika
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 11:21 AM
“Freedom! Freedom!” – passerby children chant during today’s march in Rustavi, Georgia. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 @laszlorobertmezes.bsky.social
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 4:54 PM
For the 221st consecutive day, the main avenue in Tbilisi is blocked. Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia. 🇬🇪
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Today, July 6, businessman Giorgi Ramishvili (“Zarala”), owner of Silknet and other major businesses, was arrested.
According to the MIA, he is under investigation for alleged illegal possession and use of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or explosive devices.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:19 PM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Famous actor Vano Tarkhnishvili was physically assaulted by regime thugs near his home. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Oh, would you look at that 🍿
Internal pressure and international sanctions force the regime to go after their own.
I hope it’s total, chaotic, and finally out of control.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Giga Lemonjava member of the Droa party commented on that their party’s leader Elene Khoshtaria started a hunger strike and a continuous outstaying in front of the parliament, further messaged Western partners when opposition leaders getting imprisoned and making such decisions.
🧵 1/ In an exclusive interview with Radio Liberty, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan said that the non-public letter from the Georgian Dream leadership to President Donald Trump was “threatening, offensive, frivolous, and extremely poorly received in Washington.”
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
2/ Ambassador Dunnigan also said she had wanted to meet with Bidzina Ivanishvili in person because she had a response to the letter from Secretary of State Rubio, who requested that it be delivered to Ivanishvili personally, but Ivanishvili refused.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
3/ Dunnigan noted that she had traveled to Washington in the early days of Donald Trump’s inauguration to meet with senior officials of the new administration.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
4/ “I came back from these meetings and met with the Foreign Minister [Maka Bochorishvili] and presented very clearly two or three steps that Georgian Dream could take to help get the relationship back on track”
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
5/ „Three days later, and I emphasize, I don’t usually talk about this, but the Prime Minister himself mentioned it, the leadership of Georgian Dream sent me a letter addressed to the Trump administration, a private letter”
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
6/ „This was not a public letter, and frankly, it was threatening, offensive, frivolous, and received extremely poorly in Washington. Extremely poorly,” Ambassador Dunnigan said.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Laos:
The war will continue to rise in intensity and expand in geography until the West provides democratic Ukraine with sufficient military and economic support to defeat fascist Russia.
kyivindependent.com/russia-seeks…— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:03 AM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Russia is seeking to involve Laos in its war against Ukraine under the pretense of humanitarian cooperation, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) claimed on July 5.
According to the agency, Moscow is organizing the deployment of a combined unit of military engineers from the Lao People’s Armed Forces to Russia’s Kursk Oblast, allegedly to help with demining operations.
Ukraine initially captured 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory during a cross-border offensive to Kursk Oblast but lost most of it during a Russian counteroffensive this year, which was supported by North Korean troops.
Laotian authorities have reportedly agreed to send up to 50 engineers to support Russian efforts. In addition, Laos is said to be offering free rehabilitation services to wounded Russian soldiers.
“Russia, under the guise of humanitarian rhetoric, is trying to legalize the presence of foreign military contingents on its territory, effectively using them to wage war against Ukraine,” HUR said.
This comes amid broader efforts by the Kremlin to recruit foreign personnel. Russia has drawn heavily on fighters from Asia and Africa, as well as North Korea.
Ukraine has captured multiple foreigners fighting for Russian forces. an April investigation by Russian independent outlet Important Stories identified more than 1,500 foreign fighters from 48 countries who had joined Russia’s war.
Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian country bordering China, Vietnam, and Thailand, has not commented on HUR’s claim. The country maintains close ties with both Moscow and its ally Beijing.
The US:
Booo get better material
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Just how many times has he said this exact sentence in the past 6 months
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Moldova:
🇲🇩 As of 4th of July 2025, Moldova has opened access to all archival records of Soviet-era repressions. Over 50,000 case files—affecting nearly 100,000 victims of the Soviet regime—are now available for public viewing. nokta.md/100-tysyach-…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:40 AM
The Baltic states:
Baltic states sending 1/3rd of their defense budget to Ukraine for yet another year
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Back to Ukraine.
AASM Hammer air strike on the Russian base
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Azov fighters shot down 24 Russian Molniya drones using their “Wild Hornet” air defense drones. Each Molniya carries up to 5 kg of explosives, posing a serious threat.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Kharkiv:
Last night, russian forces attacked Kharkiv with eight Shahed drones, using a double-tap tactic to deliberately target rescuers at the scene.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 2:56 AM
In Kharkiv, first responders work under constant threat of double taps. Terrorist tactics aimed to kill them.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast:
4 people were killed in today’s russian strike on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region.
1 more person was injured.— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia struck Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region again, injuring an elderly woman.
When Ukrainian forces liberated Kupyansk two years ago, they did it without bombings. The city was 90% intact. Russia has been relentlessly bombing it ever since, and will likely destroy what’s left.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Kherson:
Russians shamelessly sharing an attack on firefighters in Kherson in their tg channels.
A blatant war crime, just like everything the bastards do in this life.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Kyiv:
Bit late today aren’t we
— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The explosion near Kyiv’s CHP-6 was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to district head Maksym Bakhmatov. A fire broke out in a guard’s trailer and spread to an oil tank, which later exploded, producing heavy smoke.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
Russian 152mm Malva self-propelled gun hit by FPV drones in Kursk region
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Pokrovsk, Donestk Oblast:
A video reportedly shows the first confirmed shootdown of a Ukrainian RAM-2X kamikaze drone — a Lancet-type loitering munition — by an FPV drone used in an anti-air role, near Pokrovske in the Donetsk region.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Sumy Oblast:
Russia is moving over 20 trucks with personnel, likely to reinforce forces near the Sumy direction, says Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the mayor of Mariupol. The convoy is moving from the Zaporizhzhia front through Mariupol to Taganrog, with Rosgvardia, Gazelles, and buses.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 7:04 AM
And yes, this is the long way around because Russia only occupies a portion of Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts and none of Kharkiv, Poltava, or Sumy Oblasts.
The northern Slobozhanshchyna front:
Ukrainian drone operators from the Steel Border unit destroyed a Russian electronic warfare station and an SUV carrying personnel on the Northern Slobozhanshchyna front.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Toretsk:
UPD: A Ukrainian HIMARS strike hit a Russian position in Toretsk after milblogger “Walk and Talk” carelessly revealed the location in a video showing troops inside a hangar.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast:
Russia launched a massive drone attack on Kremenchuk, Poltava region, early this morning. Local media report explosions, direct hits, and smoke. Overnight, Russian drones also targeted Mykolaiv, damaging port infrastructure, warehouses, and power lines.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Russia hit a Territorial Recruitment Center in Kremenchuk. Third one targeted recently.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Leningrad Oblast:
/1. An explosion occurred on the ammonia tanker Eco Wizard at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia’s Leningrad Region: «The incident reportedly took place during ammonia loading operations. As a result of the blasts, the vessel’s hull sustained breaches, allowing significant amounts of seawater to enter.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 7:16 AM
/2. This caused the ship to begin sinking and list to port. The 20-member crew was promptly evacuated to shore, and no injuries have been reported. At this time, the vessel continues to sink.»
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Moscow:
Russia’s aviation agency says 171 flights have been canceled at Sheremetyevo Airport, with 56 more delayed by over two hours. Due to the “Kover” airspace lockdown, five Russian airports are currently not operating flights.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Oblast:
Reports say drones and uncrewed surface vessels attacked Novorossiysk in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Russian sources claim footage shows a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel allegedly destroyed during the attack on Novorossiysk. They also report around 120 Ukrainian drones were shot down.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 2:49 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
This brave guy lives in Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region. He lost part of his paw in a Russian strike some time ago, and yesterday, he was attacked again.
He survived, and somehow, he’s very chill about it. I’m jealous.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 6, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Open thread!
Medium Cool – Film Noir
Westyny
I’m in early tonight to thank you, Adam. One thing I’d like your view on is whether a Georgia-style takeover is more or less likely in our country, due to differences in scale and diversity? All of this is heart-rending, and like everyone else, I’m in awe of your fortitude.
pieceofpeace
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Westyny: You’re most welcome.
What we’re watching is what is going on in the US. It was done first in the state’s the GOP has trifecta control of – extreme state level gerrymandering, extreme voter suppression, removal of power and authority from municipalities/municipal leaders, expansion of law enforcement, law enforcement powers, and the creation of special rights and privileges for law enforcement, defunding of anyone or anything that runs contrary to GOP control, furthering GOP control, and GOP consolidation of control and power, etc – and is now being replicated at the federal level with Trump and MAGA/the Trump movement.
We don’t need to have an analog to Georgia happen here, we have our own version, which is both rooted in Jim Crow and the Confederacy, but was also long planned for.
Adam L Silverman
@pieceofpeace: You’re welcome.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
p.a.
Thanks Adam.
I am not a knower-of-international-defense-rankings, but I gotta think looking to Laos for help is not a sign of strength.
ETA: Maybe the N Koreans are refusing their mineclearing role. New blood needed.
Traveller
It is difficult to understand Laos’ role here…Russia is easy to understand, warm bodies not from Moscow or St Petersburg…and Laos is still the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR)….fully a communist state politically.
This troubles me if only because I quite enjoyed motor biking all around the country…it was remarkable to be on the Plain of Jars, breaking bread, (actually rice), with victims of the US War many decades later. And the cities…I just made out well, so it is hurtful to see Laos be aiding Russia in any fashion.
Well…this is especially very sad to me. China I understand walking the tightrope with Russia, Laos I don’t get….Traveller