(Image by NEIVANMADE)
Because I did the earlier post on the Mann Gulch fire, I’m just going to run through the basics tonight.
The cost and the reason:
Some warm news from Ukraine for you. Take a look at how the residents of a Ukrainian village are meeting their fellow villager after three years of the hell of russian captivity. The banner which they hung says: “Welcome home. Thanks for your invincibility” ❤️🩹
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Another Georgian fighting against Russia in Ukraine, Mikheil Shedania, has died. Fellow soldiers said he was killed while trying to evacuate his comrades from the danger zone.
From the very first days of the war, several hundred Georgians have been fighting in Ukraine.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
For Russia to Move Toward Peace, It Must Run Out of Money for the War – Address by the President
5 August 2025 – 21:24
Fellow Ukrainians!
Today, our emergency workers and repair crews were working throughout the day in Lozova, Kharkiv region, following Russian “shahed” drone strikes. More than two dozen “shaheds” deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure. This is a specific tactic of terror – Russian terror. They launch several dozen “shaheds” at a single city, a single community of ours. In Lozova, two people were killed – my condolences to their families and loved ones. Another thirteen people were injured, including two children. All are receiving the necessary assistance. Railway infrastructure was also damaged. Ukrainian railway workers are true heroes – they have already restored traffic through Lozova. It is important that our people always restore the foundations of life. The world knows this, speaks highly of Ukrainians, and helps our country because Ukrainians do so much to protect life.
Today, I spoke with President Trump. The primary focus was on ending the war. He is very well informed – he knows about the Russian strikes and the situation on the frontline. He is aware that the Russians are now trying to make their attacks more intense. We in Ukraine fully support the American proposal for an immediate ceasefire. We’ve already tried many different formats – ways to stop the fighting, to stop the killing. We have spoken and offered Russia silence in the skies, an end to missile and drone strikes against civilian infrastructure in general, and specifically, a halt to attacks on the energy sector. All of this was violated by Russia. And in a very cynical way. Even when they weren’t using “shaheds,” they were simply firing at energy equipment and transformers. Not a single day has gone by without their terror against civilians. Not a single day have they given us real, complete silence on the frontline. And the root cause of this war is simply Russia’s desire to control the lives of its neighbors, to subjugate them, to kill them. If not for that, there would be no war. It is extremely important that Moscow is beginning to feel the pressure of the world, the pressure from the United States, the threat of tougher sanctions for continuing the war. And one of the key sanctions tracks is indeed Russian oil. For Russia to move toward peace, it must run out of money for the war. We are working toward this, and I am grateful to everyone around the world who supports us.
Today, we discussed our bilateral relations with the U.S. President – we are offering a good agreement on drones and will work with our U.S. team on the details of the agreements. I would also like to thank the United States and our partners in Europe – in NATO – for enabling a new supply of weapons under a special initiative. Yesterday, the Netherlands announced a decision to allocate €500 million. Today, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have decided to provide a total of $500 million. These funds will be used to purchase U.S. weapons – including Patriot missiles. Thank you! I especially want to acknowledge the efforts of Mark Rutte in making this work. By the way, I spoke with Mark today and thanked him personally.
I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Croatia. I congratulated him on Victory Day, which honors Croatian defenders, the defenders of independence. Ukraine is grateful to Croatia for its principled support of our struggle for our independence. We discussed the situation on the frontline and our diplomatic opportunities. I thank Croatia for joining the SAFE instrument – Security Action for Europe – a special program in the European Union that pools funds for weapons, and our country will receive defense support under this program. There are 18 participating countries, and we are in dialogue with all of them. Ukraine is also fully ready to participate in the program, especially since our weapons are among the most effective.
I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Greece. I thanked him for his support. We discussed what we can do together to protect lives and strengthen diplomacy. I am grateful to Greece and to the Prime Minister for their willingness to take part in the reconstruction of Odesa and in the development of our transport corridors – not only in Ukraine, but in our part of Europe as a whole.
And a few more important points.
I held a meeting of the Staff – focused entirely on what our military told me yesterday in the Kharkiv region. We had a very concrete conversation with them. Today, I raised all the issues with the military command, the General Staff, and Ukraine’s Minister of Defense. We will definitely increase funding for brigades for direct drone procurement. By Monday, there must be a clear procedure in place for how brigades will also be able to directly purchase pickup trucks – specifically the ones they need. The “Contract 18–24” will be expanded – we are currently working out the details. I also gave instructions to implement what we discussed with the warriors – issues of training and communication within the army between higher command and the brigades. We agreed to establish regular communication, including with battalions, and we will try to do this in such a way as to really know what the needs are. Pavlo Palisa is working on this together with the General Staff and the commanders. Another fundamental issue we discussed is state awards. Unfortunately, it often happens that the awards are delayed for months – even after I’ve signed the decree and all formalities have been completed, the actual presentation still doesn’t take place. There is far too much bureaucracy – at every stage, from nomination to awarding. We will be working to shorten this process.
I also want to highlight our International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children abducted by Russia, and the work of our initiative, Bring Kids Back UA. Today, a statement was issued by the Coalition countries – 38 states, the Council of Europe, and the European Union. An absolutely clear support, an absolutely firm demand for peace and the restoration of justice. All Ukrainian children – and all our prisoners of war and civilian hostages – must be brought back home to Ukraine. And everything else that is necessary for peace, starting with an end to the killing. This must be done – and it is Russia that must do it. Russia must stop this war – the war it started and the war it continues to prolong. Ukraine will undoubtedly defend its independence.
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lady Zalenska was still in Japan today and participated in the National Day of Ukraine events at the Expo 2025 exhibition.
Georgia:
Day 251 of #GeorgiaProtests
Another major march in Tbilisi, the second day in a row. August remains hot.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Today’s march was organized by women—and, as always, it was especially loud and crystal clear. 🇬🇪✊
On day 251 of daily, nationwide protests, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked once again.
Tomorrow, verdicts are expected for two of our 60+ political prisoners.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 1:14 PM
On the 251st consecutive day of anti-government protest, citizens gathered in support of female prisoners of conscience, Mzia Amaglobeli and Nino Datashvili.
#GeorgiaProtests
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The cases of Mzia Amaglobeli and Nino Datashvili are having an impact.
And in general, it’s easily felt that at any given time the #GeorgiaProtests could flare up again in intensity.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) August 4, 2025 at 2:06 PM
A Russian oligarch has captured the Georgian state and is reviving Soviet tactics—like locking dissenters in psych wards and smearing them.
For 251 days in a row, Georgians in 8+ cities have taken to the streets. We all know what’s at stake. We can’t stop.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 12:34 PM
“No to ruling through terror! No to dividing the people to stay in power! No to punishing through psychiatry!”
Day 251 of protests in 🇬🇪, where a female political prisoner is being forced into psychiatric treatment, based on a 2019 report about sadness due to post-op back pain.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
On day 251 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia, we march for Mzia Amaghlobeli, Nino Datashvili, and the other 60+ political prisoners. ✊🇬🇪
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 12:06 PM
🗣️ “It is my honor to represent Ms. Mzia Amaglobeli in this trial,” stated her attorney, Maia Mtsariashvili, on August 1st in Batumi City Court.
⭕️Before presenting the legal arguments of the defense, she began by explaining to the court who Mzia Amaglobeli is and what her work entails.
#FreeMzia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) August 5, 2025 at 2:26 PM
🗣️“Nino, stay strong, you are not alone!” — Unjustly detained journalist Mzia Amaglobeli began her final statement in court by addressing the decision to place teacher and activist Nino Datashvili under an involuntary 20-day psychiatric evaluation.
#FreeMzia
🔗 batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/articles-in-…— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) August 5, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Lithuania:
🇱🇹 Russian Gerbera drone which violated Lithuanian airspace last week, flew over the country’s capital and crashed on the territory of a Lithuanian army military training ground, was armed with 2 kg of explosives, the country’s Prosecutor General’s Office said.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark:
🇸🇪🇳🇴🇩🇰Sweden, Norway and Denmark will allocate $486 million for the purchase of American weapons for supply to Ukraine.
🇸🇪 Sweden also said its share would be $275 million and include Patriot missiles and other air defense equipment, as well as anti-tank ammunition. www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/g…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Back to Ukraine.
More and more units are quickly adapting to shoot down Shaheds — for example, “Achilles” reports intercepting 10 in July. Here’s footage showing the interception of two of them.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Syrskyi: “Russia has lost 267,460 troops since the start of the year, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.”
At the same time, the Commander-in-Chief admits that Ukraine lacks manpower, while Russia spares none.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia unleashed more than 30 drones on the small town of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast last night. One civilian was killed. Ten others — including two children — were injured.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Overnight, russia bombed the town of Lozova in the Kharkiv region, destroying its passenger railway station. At least one person was killed, and ten others, including two children, were injured.
Moscow gets ready to welcome Witkoff with his heartfelt honor and respect to putin.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Russia struck a town of Lozova in Kharkiv region with 34 drones, according to the head of the Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov.
He reported that 2 people were killed and 10 were injured in the attack.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Sumy Oblast:
WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!
Russia shelled Sumy region again, killing 2 people and injuring several others. The attack damaged an agricultural facility.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 11:42 AM
ALL CLEAR!!!!
Fighters of the “Timur” special unit of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence halted a Russian advance in the Sumy direction. They entered enemy territory, cleared positions, and secured a foothold.
Enemy losses: at least 334 killed and over 550 wounded.youtu.be/rnjPq0f96JI?…
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Kupyansk:
On August 5, Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on a residential apartment building in Kupiansk.
Local residents reported that people were sheltering in the building’s basement at the time of the strike, seeking refuge from the constant shelling.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Russian strike caused floor slabs to collapse. Three civilians, two women, and one man are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Kharkiv:
A 20-year-old woman was injured in a drone strike on a gas station in Kharkiv, according to Oleh Syniehubov‼️
Medical professionals are providing all necessary assistance.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Again russian drone exploded in Kharkiv ‼️ its the second one tonight!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Rostov Oblast, Russia:
Last night, drones hit the Tatsinskaya railway station in Russia’s Rostov region — a key hub for moving troops, fuel, and equipment to the southern front, including occupied Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. Russia’s Defense Ministry claims dozens of drones were shot down in several regions.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 5, 2025 at 3:35 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
Look who was waiting for us at one of the Hachiko feeding stations in a frontline Ukraine town.
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) July 21, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Open thread!
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
funlady75
thanks Adam…I did watch Zelensky video….heartbreaking.
Bupalos
“Thank you for your invincibility” is an EXTREMELY poetic line.
Poetry is flowing thick and natural in Ukraine these days. I look forward to the day when Ukrainian poets are more rare.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: @fublady75: You’re welcome.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam.