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You are here: Home / Foreign Affairs / War for Ukraine Day 1,252: Kyiv in the Crosshairs

War for Ukraine Day 1,252: Kyiv in the Crosshairs

by Adam L Silverman|  July 30, 20259:27 pm| 8 Comments

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

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A painting by the Ukrainain artist NEIVANMADE. The upper 1/2 is grey and there are black Shahed drones on it aimed towards the bottom of the painting. The bottom half of the painting has a blood red background and in the center of the bottom is a house, to it's left is a swing set, and to its right is a car. They are charcoal grey on the blood red background background. The drones are targeting the house, swing set, and car. Above the house and below the drones are the words "Russia Kills To Erase Free People".

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

It has been another long, hot day. I’m fried and just going to run through the basics.

While there is currently not an air raid alert up for Kyiv, the Russians struck civilian targets in Ukraine’s capital over the past several hours.

With another night of bombings expected in Kyiv, citizens are gathering in metro stations to take cover.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM

Kyiv is under a massive drone attack now, with ballistic missiles expected to follow.

That unforgettably ugly buzzing of Shaheds and the thunder of air defense remind us once again: russia wants only war.

War.

And more war.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM

A horrifying moment as a Russian drone strikes Kyiv.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM

Kyiv is under russian drone attack‼️ terrorist bastards.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:09 PM

More on Kyiv after the jump.

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

Everyone Who Chooses to Side With the Occupier Must Feel the Just Force of Ukrainian Law and Order – Address by the President

30 July 2025 – 20:16

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

There were several good reports today. Just now, the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported on some of our operations. The details are not public. As we agreed yesterday with the Government, the reboot of ARMA has begun. ARMA is an institution that holds assets worth tens of billions, and it’s Russian property, confiscated assets, and those belonging to sanctioned entities. All assets must work to the fullest extent for Ukraine’s defense and for the resilience of our state. Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal have fulfilled the assignment regarding the 18–24 contracts – we are significantly expanding the pool of people who can join the Defense Forces. These are motivated individuals, young people, and they are being recruited specifically for the technological frontline – for drone operations. It’s a two-year contract, with all the benefits of the 18–24 program, very competitive pay, and full training, exactly as needed. We will work through our brigades. The Government has also expanded opportunities for our arms manufacturers, our possibilities to attract loans, so that production can deliver more and more output, more and more results for our Defense Forces. And a third important point – we continue working with our partners on weapons supply. The Minister reported on communications within the Ramstein format. We have preserved this format, and I’m deeply grateful to all our partners for its effectiveness.

Today, I also approved the main principles of our agreements with America – between Ukraine and the United States – on weapons. These are large-scale agreements. I have discussed them with President Trump, and I am very much counting on us being able to implement them all. This will undoubtedly strengthen both of our countries, and therefore, our allies and our partners. We highly value America’s principled steps to pressure Russia for the sake of peace. It is precisely now that action is needed to force Russia toward peace. Yes, Moscow wants to keep fighting. But the whole issue comes down to potential, the whole issue comes down to resources for war, to money. That’s exactly why sanctions are useful. That’s exactly why pressure can work. We are also currently preparing our new talks and our new meetings with our partners at various levels. The goal is the same: to strengthen the positions of Ukraine and everyone striving for peace.

A few more important things.

A report was delivered by the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. I want to express my gratitude for the efforts to counter Russian agents and Russian saboteurs. There are strong results. Everyone who chooses to side with the occupier must feel the just force of Ukrainian law and order.

There was a report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi: the Pokrovsk direction, our other areas in the Donetsk region, as well as our Kharkiv and Sumy regions, and the southern directions. There are units that deserve special mention. The warriors of the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Airborne Assault Forces, operating exactly in the Sumy region. They are very effective in eliminating Russian forces. The 225th Separate Assault Regiment – this very unit liberated Kindrativka in the Sumy region. The Pokrovsk direction: I also want to thank the warriors of our 25th Separate Airborne Brigade and the 14th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine for their steadfastness. I want to thank everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Each day of our defense is an investment by our people, by many Ukrainians, into Ukraine’s independence. To endure now, to protect our state and to defend Ukrainian national interests, is to guarantee that Ukraine is and will remain independent.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Day 245 of #GeorgiaProtests

It got very hot and people drenched each other with water.

📷 MOSE

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 1:18 PM

Every day for over 8 months, Georgians have been gathering in 8+ cities to protest an illegitimate, pro-Russian government.

This is day 245 on Rustaveli Avenue, in our capital. 🇬🇪

[image or embed]

— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Dear friends, we at Droa party are very grateful for your assistance and kindly request for more donations, since we are at the very frontline of an emerging demcoratic forces political umbrella that aims to channel the protests to victory. 1/2.

📷 AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM

Any funds are welcome for us to diversify protests and make sure that August is an active month for the resistance.

Please text me in messages or comment if you’d like to donate and I’ll reach out.

Thank you! 2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM

🗣️”We, the diaspora organizations and emigrant unions, call on the repressive regime and its representatives: immediately and unconditionally release Mzia Amaglobeli!” – 28 Georgian diaspora organizations and emigrant unions issue joint statement.

#FreeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 30, 2025 at 8:47 AM

Two days before the final hearing in Mzia Amaglobeli’s case, the British ambassador visited the office of Batumelebi – the outlet she founded 24yrs ago.
In the interview, he recalled several statements the UK has joined in support of Mzia’s release and emphasized: “the UK’s position has been clear”.

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 30, 2025 at 2:47 PM

The EU:

The EU has warned Kyiv through diplomatic channels that if it doesn’t revoke the provisions of law No. 12414 and restore NABU and SAP’s independence, financial aid will be suspended, Ukrainska Pravda (Українська Правда) reports.

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 29, 2025 at 5:19 AM

Geneva:

Ukrainian and allied delegates walked out during a speech by Russia’s Valentina Matviyenko at the World Speakers’ Conference in Geneva. Ukraine’s Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk said she was proud of her colleagues. Matviyenko called the protest “mosquito bites” and “clownery.”

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Moscow:

Russian state media:

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Imagine that?

Back to Ukraine.

Even as Kyiv comes under massive Blitz attack by fascist Russian/Iranian Shahed drones, Ukrainian drones are heading into Russia in several directions. Map, based on reports of drone activity from Russian sources, by t.me/dronbomber.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Ukraine’s Security Service has detained Russian agent within the Air Force – a flight instructor and major. He was gathering intelligence to help Russians target airbases with F-16s and Mirage 2000s. He also passed personal data of Ukrainian pilots to Russian intelligence

[image or embed]

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 9:55 AM

A new sound will haunt Ukrainian nights — the roar of russian jet-powered Shahed drones, says EW expert Serhii “Flash”.

They’ve already been spotted over Ukraine. It’s unclear how many will come — but one thing is clear: Ukraine needs more air defense ASAP.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM

The “BULAVA” unit of the Separate Presidential Brigade has showcased its first use of a drone armed with a grenade launcher against Russian assault troops.

[image or embed]

— NOELREPORTS (@noelreports.com) July 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM

The protests in Kyiv have great significance for the EU integration of Ukraine, but also it’s future direction as a democratic society, argues @halushka.bsky.social – Internal challenges of anti-corruption and judicial reforms affect the conduct of the war itself youtu.be/7sOHsr_NT_E

[image or embed]

— Silicon Curtain podcast (@siliconcurtain.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM

“The Russians tried to break through to our positions on motorcycles for six days in a row.” – Senior Lieutenant Andrii Kryvushchenko, S3 section officer of the “Svoboda” battalion, “Rubizh” brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.
youtu.be/_yqD583e4-I?…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM

“The President of Ukraine has already announced that Ukraine will have its own ballistic missiles. We are very close to this. That’s basically all I can publicly say on the matter.” – Ukrainian Defense Minister Shmyhal.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Ukrainian intelligence obtained key evidence of Russia’s mass abduction of Ukrainian children. During a cyber operation, HUR accessed servers of the so-called “Crimean government,” revealing documents on the forced transfer of children from occupied regions.

newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraini…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 8:27 AM

Kyiv:

Looks line fascist Russia is directing tonight’s Blitz air raid against Kyiv – many drones over the city (drone sounds, explosions and anti-aircraft fire reported around the city), and 50-60 drones inbound. Some drones that flew past and went west have turned and headed back.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 4:34 PM

From Kyiv Info Telegram channel (autotranslated): “The first consequences of the enemy attack (are) in the Solomianskyi district.

At two locations, debris from downed drones has fallen. At one address, cars are on fire.

Preliminarily, no casualties.”

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 4:52 PM

Drone impact in Kyiv’s Solomiansky district.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:08 PM

Residential building on fire in Kyiv after drone strike or debris fall. Hearing sound of drones and explosions regularly now here in western Kyiv. Center of city under attack now. Kyiv Polytechnic University building reported hit.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:22 PM

People rush in panic to take cover in a Kyiv metro station as a Russian/Iranian drone explodes nearby.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:32 PM

Russian drones now concentrating their attack on Kyiv Zhuliany airport.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM

Risking their lives during a heavy Blitz air attack by fascist Russia on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv firefighters tackle a blaze in a residential building started by a drone strike or drone shoot-down debris fall. Dozens of explosions heard in capital already.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 6:02 PM

Sound of Russian Doodlebug flying bomb drone over western Kyiv, likely on its way to attack Kyiv’s Zhuliany International Airport. Sound of explosion seems to be an impact. Five or six such drones have already passed overhead.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 6:09 PM

In Kyiv, participants in the rally for the restoration of NABU and SAP independence honored fallen Ukrainian soldiers with a moment of silence.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM

Kharkiv:

Russian drones are flying over Kharkiv right now ‼️

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM

1 person died, and 4 others were injured in a russian missile attack on the food warehouse in Kharkiv region.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM

Just talked to my mom.
Even though she lives a considerable distance from the site of today’s Russian strike on the grocery warehouse, her entire yard and garden are littered with small particles of burnt foam plastic and various packaging materials.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 12:24 PM

The wind keeps carrying the debris around, and she and dad have been worried all day that it might start a fire.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 12:24 PM

Last night, Russia bombed a brewery in Kharkiv.

Such a strategic military target. (Obviously, not at all.)

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 9:24 AM

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 9:24 AM

Kharkiv outskirts after today’s russian missile strike‼️

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 8:34 AM

Odesa:

🫡🇺🇦 Mykola “Koks”, a veteran of the 4th Tank Brigade, walked on crutches from Kyiv to Odesa to raise funds to repair vehicles for the soldiers.
This is not his first charity march – he has previously covered distances to Dnipro, Kharkiv and Rivne.
Honor and glory to our heroes!

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 9:40 AM

The right bank of the Dnipro, Kherson Oblast:

Ukrainian troops disrupted a Russian propaganda stunt about a fake landing on the right bank of Kherson. Russians dropped a tricolor flag via drone onto a bridge and filmed a staged “victory” video. Ukrainian forces quickly destroyed the flag. No enemy sabotage groups were detected.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Berdyansk, Russian occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Ukrainian media report loud explosions in occupied Berdyansk, heard even in Prymorsk. Preliminary info says a strike hit the “Moryak” resort housing Russian troops. Occupiers have sealed off the site and blocked entry/exit to the Spit, according to local sources.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 5:42 AM

Kamchatsky, Russia:

Satellite image taken about two weeks before the earthquake shows 6 nuclear submarines at Russia’s base near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, just over 100 km from the quake’s epicenter. The breakdown is: 3 Oscar-class, 1 Akula-class, 1 Borei-class, and 1 Delta-class submarine

[image or embed]

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM

2/ The composition and number of submarines likely changed after the observation, but some were almost certainly still present before the earthquake. Given the shallow depth of Avacha Bay, it is likely that some submarines were relocated to deeper waters ahead of the tsunami.

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM

3/ Overall, our team does not anticipate significant damage or destruction, however, imagery in the coming days will provide further clarity.

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) July 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

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Reader Interactions

8Comments

  1. 1.

    Adam L Silverman

    July 30, 2025 at 9:31 pm

    I’m gonna get the grime off and rack out.

  2. 2.

    RevRick

    July 30, 2025 at 10:06 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: How are you not overwhelmed with despair over this ongoing war, unjustly begun by Russia to satisfy Putin’s imperialist desires?

  3. 3.

    Adam L Silverman

    July 30, 2025 at 10:35 pm

    @RevRick: I don’t despair. I also don’t do hope.

  4. 4.

    Westyny

    July 30, 2025 at 11:31 pm

    Thank you, Adam.

  5. 5.

    Jay

    July 31, 2025 at 12:25 am

    Thank you, Adam.

  6. 6.

    Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom

    July 31, 2025 at 2:04 am

    Thank you Adam.

  7. 7.

    NutmegAgain

    July 31, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: I’m gonna repeat a comment from last year (?).  Your efforts are really substantial and important in documenting this. I hope you can consider it an archive that can be used for future research, like, when the war ends. (A little tempered optimism there.)

  8. 8.

    AlaskaReader

    August 1, 2025 at 12:56 am

    Thanks Adam

Comments are closed.

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