(Image by NEIVANMADE)
A quick housekeeping note: Tomorrow night’s post will come later/late in the evening as I have something I have to do in the late afternoon/early evening.
The cost:
Anhelina, her mother Nadia, and 23 other people — rest in peace, innocent souls.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Anhelina was born under russian attack in October 2022 and died from a russian attack in August 2025.
She was only 2 years old when russia killed her yesterday along with her mother.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:34 AM
In Kyiv, a dog refuses to leave the ruins of a building destroyed by a russian strike — still waiting for its owner, who was killed💔
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 2:36 AM
At 4:10 AM local time in Ukraine/9:10 PM EDT, air raid alerts for drone swarms and ballistic missiles are up for almost all of Ukraine.
At 4:40 AM local time in Ukraine, the air raid alert maps have posted the warning that a Russian cruise missile has been launched at a target in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
At 4:45 AM local time in Ukraine:
First russian cruise missiles entering Ukrainian airspace. We all hold our breath. We can do nothing more
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Kyiv metro stations right now ‼️
People gather there for the night, seeking shelter from Russian drones and missiles.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Yet another night of russia “seeking peace” by launching missiles and drones across Ukraine. Explosions echo through cities, including Kyiv, still reeling from the last attack.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Swarms of fascist Russian/Iranian drones threatening most of Ukraine, and 5 Tu-95 strategic bombers in the air, threatening cruise missile launches, but democratic Ukraine’s own drones (some jet powered) are thrusting into Russia in 7 or 8 directions.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM
President Zelenskyy did not make an address today. He did go and pay respects to the victims of Russia’s strikes on Kyiv.
The President Paid Tribute to the Victims of the Russian Strike in Kyiv on the Night of August 28
29 August 2025 – 21:02
At the site of a Russian strike on a five-story building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
The Head of State laid flowers at the destroyed building, which was hit by a Russian missile on the night of August 28. As a result of the attack, 22 residents of the building were killed, including four children.
The President expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and spoke with residents about their needs regarding housing, document recovery, and compensation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed all relevant authorities to provide maximum assistance to those affected in resolving all their problems.
“We will resolve this issue, as we have in other cases, quickly. Temporary housing is available. You will definitely receive compensation soon so that you can rent an apartment and later have your own home. The state is taking action, and the relevant programs are in place,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During this missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Russia launched nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles, including ballistic ones. Dozens of buildings, enterprises, and diplomatic facilities were damaged. In the capital alone, 25 people were killed in the attack, more than 50 were wounded, and dozens remain hospitalized.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported to the Head of State that over 300 people sought psychological support. Overall, damage was recorded at 19 locations across six districts of the city. Search and rescue operations lasted a day and a half and were only fully completed late today.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the rescuers, police officers, and everyone who assisted the victims and worked to eliminate the consequences of the attack.
Here is the video of his press conference:
Zelenskyy reports 100K Russian troops amassed in Pokrovsk, the most critical front. Ukraine fights intensely in Kharkiv and Donetsk, neutralizing 30 sabotage groups in Kupiansk in two days.
Sumy holds steady, pushing Russians back, while Zaporizhzhia remains tense due to enemy airborne buildup.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Diplomacy advances with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, US, and Switzerland. EU talks are planned for next week.
Security priorities include funding Ukraine’s army, NATO plans for future Russian threats, sanctions, and using frozen Russian assets for reconstruction.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Russia stalls talks with “denazification” demands, but the war will end, and Putin remains accountable. Strong US pressure could force negotiations, Zelenskyy said.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:56 AM
And here is the video of his participation at a ceremony for Ukrainian Soldiers killed in action at the National Memorial Cemetery. Including Ukraine’s own Unknown Soldiers:
Ukraine’s National Military Memorial Cemetery opened in Kyiv region, with the first burial ceremony for unknown soldiers held today in Markhalivka. President Zelensky and other officials attended the event honoring fallen heroes whose names remain unidentified.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Georgia:
For the 275th day in a row, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked in Tbilisi. Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia. 🇬🇪
May the illegitimate, pro-Russian regime collapse. ✊
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 1:55 PM
🔴After freezing the bank accounts of 7 NGOs, the GD propaganda channel, TV Imedi, attempted to portray these organizations as engaged in “state sabotage.”
The channel aired documents showing that the CSOs had purchased respirators, protective goggles & other protective items worth $3,230.
#Georgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) August 29, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Georgians are determined to push through. Nothing discourages them.
The occasionally resurfacing issues among the democratic parties have probably prolonged the victory path for resource and planning-related reasons, but it doesn’t diminish the resolve.
#GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 9:13 AM
🇬🇪Georgia’s paradox: a government despised by its people, yet firmly in power.
Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream survives not through popularity, but by fusing repression, economic dependency, and rigged institutions.
🧵In this thread I try to explain this paradox.1/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Polls are clear: Georgians distrust the government, dislike Ivanishvili, and want a European future🇪🇺.
And yet, since 2012, Georgian Dream has ruled without interruption.
Why?
Because the state has been rewired into a machine of loyalty and fear.2/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
It looks less like a democracy and more like a neo-feudal pyramid.
Ivanishvili sits at the top. Beneath him: ministers, governors, mayors, civil servants – their jobs secured not by merit, but by obedience.3/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A Georgian Dream created librarian in a village without a library – will do anything to keep the status quo.
Positions don’t exist to serve the public. They exist to lock families into loyalty networks where dissent risks survival.4/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The economy is central to this system.
Public contracts, subsidies, and privatizations overwhelmingly flow to GD-linked companies.
Entrepreneurs know: loyalty means survival, defiance means exclusion.5/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This is not capitalism or a free economy.
It is a patronage economy where taxpayer money is siphoned into inflated contracts, ghost jobs, and political handouts.
It keeps Georgian Dream afloat, but drains the country’s future.6/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Fear tightens the grip.
Civil servants risk dismissal if they attend opposition rallies. Activists face harassment and lawsuits.
Protesters meet police batons, fines, or prison.7/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
But there’s also benefit.
Ahead of elections, pensions rise. Farmers get subsidies. Food parcels appear in villages. Utility bills are written off.People know these are bribes – but survival often wins over principle.
8/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This dual logic of fear and benefit is Georgian Dream’s survival formula.
Most Georgians dislike the party, but many comply because resistance is costly while compliance is rewarded.9/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
And then there are elections themselves.
By 2024, GD had captured the judiciary, ombudsman, and election administration.
The infamous “corridor of fear” greeted voters outside the polls with regime loyalist and surveillance.
Ballot secrecy was a myth.10/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
As Natia Mezvrishvili showed in her Beyond the Ballot Box analysis, Georgia’s elections aren’t stolen on election day.
They are stolen years in advance through legal manipulation, surveillance, and institutional capture.11/16
substack.com/inbox/post/1…— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Repression is growing.
Reports from Amnesty, HRW, and the US State Dept. show escalating human rights violations: arbitrary arrests, beatings of protesters, surveillance of activists, intimidation of journalists.12/16
www.amnesty.org/en/location/…— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This regime is not only authoritarian. It is expensive.
Every ghost job, bribe, propaganda channel, and security operation drains the Georgian taxpayer.
Citizens pay the bill. Ivanishvili and his enablers pocket the profit.
13/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This is why sanctions must be strategic, not symbolic.
Targeting Ivanishvili alone is insufficient. To weaken Georgian Dream, the West must sanction the fixers, donor-linked companies, corrupt judges and offshore networks that sustain the system.
14/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
For a deeper dive, read my Substack analysis:
“Repression, dependency, and the survival of Georgian Dream” 🔗 terjehelland1.substack.com/p/georgias-p…15/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
☕️ If you value my threads, please consider supporting my work at buymeacoffee.com/terjehelland.
Your support helps me continue informing and engaging on Georgia’s fight for democracy.
Thank you! 🙏16/16
— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Well that all sounds very familiar.
France:
President Macron says that if nothing happens by Monday’s deadline, Putin will have once again played Trump.
I like how that ‘once again’ remark openly says that Putin plays Trump like a fool.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Portugal:
🇵🇹🇺🇸 President of Portugal on Trump:
The leader of the world’s greatest superpower is objectively a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) August 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The EU:
“Putin is a predator. Putin’s proxies have been targeting our societies for years with hybrid attacks, cyber attacks, and the weaponizing of migrants.” – Ursula von der Leyen
Slowly, Europe is waking up. Very slowly.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Here is last night’s/this morning’s Ukrainian air defense tally:
Russian forces launched 68 drones at Ukraine overnight. Air defense shot down or jammed 46 Shaheds and other drones in the north and east. Twenty-two drones hit nine sites in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Two people were killed and three injured in Dnipropetrovsk.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:52 AM
🫡🇺🇦 Today is the Day of Remembrance for our defenders who died fighting for Ukraine’s independence.
It is a day when every Ukrainian should pause to remember those who gave us the chance to live in a free country.
Eternal honor and eternal memory to each and every one of them!— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Ukraine is striking Russian oil refineries, the financial engine of their war machine that fueled war for years.
Russia is bombing sleeping Ukrainian cities. Families, homes.
Both are happening right now. One targets infrastructure. The other targets civilians.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Did you know that?
In Aug 2014 russia promised to open a green corridor for the Ukrainian defenders encircled near Ilovaysk. While Ukrainians were moving via agreed routes, russians shelled them, killing 366, injuring 429 & imprisoning 300 ppl.
Never ever trust any russian “peace” offers.
Never.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Odesa Oblast:
Footage shows the moment the Ukrainian Navy’s small reconnaissance ship Simferopol was struck by a Russian naval drone around midnight in southern Odesa region. The attack was coordinated by an Orion recon-strike UAV. Reports say the vessel suffered a major breach and rolled onto its side.
— NOELREPORTS (@noelreports.com) August 28, 2025 at 11:15 AM
This marks the first combat use of a Russian sea attack drone. Large Ukrainian navy ship ( though there are few of them) are now vulnerable too. Next, we’ll see sea drone vs. sea drone “dog fights” and more use of submersible sea drones.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Kyiv:
Twice in two weeks, a family lost their home to Russian attacks.
First in Dobropillia, now in Kyiv.
This is what life next to Russia looks like.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The clearing of the rubble in a Kyiv high-rise house bombed by russia — which claimed 25 lives — has just ended, and already a new swarm of russian drones fills our skies, with Tu jets preparing for takeoff and the launch of cruise missiles.
This is a never-ending 9/11.
— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Among the people killed in the russian attack on Kyiv on August 28th were:
🕯Anhelina, 2, and her 24-year-old mother Nadiia
🕯Maryna Hryshko, 17, a student
🕯Yana Shapoval, mother of a 10-year-old boy
🕯Nazarii Koval, 14, a school student— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 7:38 AM
🕯Oksana Protsiuk, a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor and neurologist
🕯Olena Chala
🕯Vira Tulupova, a member of the Hromytsia Folk Song and Everyday Dance Ensemble— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Kharkiv:
17 russian drones are currently in the Kharkiv region. Air defense is working just outside the city‼️
At the same time, kids are happy yelling outside my window on the playground.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 2:48 PM
More and more Russian drones fly towards Kharkiv. I can hear them buzzing outside and the sounds of air defense.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Russian occupied Crimea:
The “Prymary” unit strikes a valuable Russian radar complex 91N6E, part of the S-400 air defense system, in Crimea.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Kolisnykivka, Kharkiv Oblast:
A Ukrainian BMP-1TS from the 1st Storm Brigade “Bureviy” came under fire but advanced to a firing position and engaged Russian forces with its 30mm cannon near Kolisnykivka, Kharkiv region.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Slobozhanskyi, Kharkiv Oblast:
Ukraine’s RUBpAK “Prime” border guard unit destroyed vehicles, a quad bike, shelters, FPV drone equipment, mortars with crews, telecom towers, and a basement with enemy troops on the Northern Slobozhanskyi front.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
An Iskander-M ballistic missile strike on 28 August near Rizdvyanka, Zaporizhzhia region, marked the first documented hit on a Ukrainian R-360 Neptune launcher. Shrapnel impact reportedly triggered one missile’s launch motor.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Krasnodar Krai, Russia:
Frying Tonight: Krasnodar oil refinery, Krasnodar, Krasnodarsky Krai, in the SW of fascist Russia, hit by Ukrainian drones and on fire. Geoloc: 44.998169, 38.966075. Around 12 Russian oil refineries have been attacked by Ukraine in recent weeks.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Krasnodar, Russia. Oil refinery🔥Fireworks night 🎆
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Drone debris sparked a forest fire near Krynytsia, Gelendzhik, in Krasnodar Krai, with one hotspot less than a kilometer from a winery linked to Putin. Russian media say another fire is 3–4 km from his residence. Over 330 people and emergency aircraft are fighting the blaze.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Samara Oblast, Russia:
/1. The Kuibyshev Oil Refinery in Samara has been forced to shut down following yesterday’s drone strike, according to ASTRA.
At least 29 drones hit the refinery, triggering seven separate fires and injuring one worker.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:31 AM
/2. One of the drones hit the AVT-4 crude distillation unit, setting it ablaze. Another struck the liquefied gas rack, which also caught fire.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:31 AM
/3. Additional impacts were recorded on a gas pipeline, a gasoline pipeline, the AVT-5 distillation unit, a hydrogen production facility, and a diesel fuel storage tank. The diesel spill subsequently spread flames to a second tank.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Oryol Oblast, Russia:
Russian air defense and EW systems were active overnight in Oryol, with local sources also reporting multiple fires in the city.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Leningrad Oblast, Russia:
Reuters reports Russia’s Ust-Luga oil terminal will run at half capacity in September after Ukrainian drone strikes damaged pipelines. Oil will be diverted to Primorsk and Novorossiisk while repairs continue. Russian officials have not commented on the full impact.
www.reuters.com/business/ene…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Bryansk Oblast, Russia:
Commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, Magyar, reported a strike on the Linear Production Dispatcher Station in Naitopovychi, Bryansk region, Russia. The facility pumps fuel and oil products for the Russian army via a main pipeline operated by Transneft.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 9:19 AM
The General Staff reports Ukrainian forces struck a key fuel pumping station near Naitopovychi, Bryansk region, overnight. The site handles up to 10.5 million tons of diesel per year for Russian military needs. A fire broke out at the facility; results are being clarified.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Dagestan, Russia:
Fuel problems in Russia are intensifying, with a powerful explosion at a Dagestan gas station reported a few hours ago, local media say.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 29, 2025 at 11:12 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
DOG OF WAR:
Nastia spotted this cutie when she went to grab lunch at a cafe near our office. We hope he had a nice summer and is getting ready for the cold, but romantic Kyiv autumn.
— Tim Mak (@timkmak.bsky.social) August 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Open thread!
Freemark
Thank you for all you do Adam.
Oh! And fuck Russia.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Jay
What the US has irretrievably lost via Dolt 47,
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/decline-and-fall-of-the-american
Nukular Biskits
Good (meaning extensive) round-up tonight, Adam.
Still parsing …
Aziz, light!
Twelve hundred and eighty two thank yous, Adam.
Jay
bsky.app/profile/antongerashchenko.bsky.social/post/3lxkovshmic2m
This hits home hard, because my friend (callsign “Slava”) photo is in the short video tribute, and he is just one of the many. I will always remember him.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Jay
So, Magyar, a Ukrainian-Hungarian who has basically shepherded Ukraine’s drone evolution, you might remember his “Birds”, has been threatened by Hungary and Slovakia, (under Schengen rules), for targeting the oil and gas pipelines in ruZZia that feed Hungary and Slovakia, and the ruZZian war machine and genocide program to the tune of billions a year, (dollars and Euro’s, not rubles),
His response,
youtube.com/watch?v=34RpaxxUe1o
Poland and the Baltic’s Foreign Ministries have also told Hungary and Slovakia to FO.
Sally
I saw that the Portuguese President called trump “objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset”, as reported in the Kyiv Independent, and then CNN. Speech was August 22.
hotshoe
I see lots of speculation (elsewhere internet) that Donnie is even more ill than swollen ankles and bruised veins would indicate. He hasn’t spoken to press since sometime Wed; he doesn’t have any appearances scheduled for the Labor Day weekend.
I wouldn’t think — in a political environment where even his “trusted” advisors are just looking out for their own main chance — that the White Supremacy could keep it a secret if he’s sedated so he doesn’t keep ripping the IVs out … but …
What is the speculation about how Trump’s death is going to affect Ukraine, Putin, and European defense and war strategies ?
I assume that’s something which every govt has thought about “just in case”, but seems like it might be a little more urgent nowadays.
wjca
It’s the advantage of those disgusting cabinet meetings. He can be center stage, bask in the apparent adulation, without the risk of him trying to speak. Better/ssafer to leave the “speaking” to the faceless spokespeople writing in his name on “Truth” Social.
AJ of the Mustard Search and Rescue Team
Thank you Adam. Hope tomorrow goes well.