(Current mood and yes, I know, it’s now 28 FEB)
Given all the whacked out activity of today, I’m just going to run through the basics tonight so I can go off line.
Sign of the Times: While Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Iran war aren’t directly connected, both are symptoms of the breakdown of the “rules-based order.” The breakdown started when the West failed to challenge Putin’s invasion of Crimea.
It’s the rule of the strong from now on, and lots more war.— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 2:09 PM
The good news is that by the time this is done I won’t be considered the only strategic moron on the global stage
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 1:16 PM
When I said we wanted a multi-polar world, it was based on the idea that the USA wasn’t going to act like we do. Not sure I like this version.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 1:06 PM
War is nature’s way of teaching Americans geography.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Donald might have to ask the guy he said had no cards for help shooting down Iranian drones that they can’t currently stop.
Be interesting to see what Zelensky demands in return.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:50 PM
The next round of negotiations will be fun. Ukraine will be told by a country that started an illegal war to surrender to a country who started an illegal war.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:57 AM
It’s all funny because it is also unfortunately true.
Bloomberg reports Russia will likely walk away from peace talks unless Zelensky agrees to give up territory. According to the outlet, next week is make or break, and Moscow says it’s ready to sign if Ukraine pulls troops from Donetsk region.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article…
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 5:27 AM
President Zelenskyy is not going to agree to give up territory. He has been very clear and consistent on that.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
It Is Fair to Give the Iranian People a Chance to Rid Themselves of a Terrorist Regime and to Guarantee Security for All Nations That Have Suffered From Terror Originating in Iran – Address by the President
28 February 2026 – 15:50
I wish you good health!
Today has been packed with international work. Rustem Umerov has already delivered a briefing following this week’s meetings with envoys of President Trump. We discussed the main outcomes of the Geneva meetings – mostly on economic matters and reconstruction. And we are continuing preparations for the trilateral format, whenever that may take place.
Right now, we see that events in the Middle East and the Gulf region are unfolding extremely rapidly. Unfortunately, Ukraine knows all too well what this is about. Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with “shahed” drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia. Over the course of this full-scale war, the Russians have used more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine – against our people, against our cities, and against our energy infrastructure. Other nations have also suffered from this terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime – to rid themselves of it and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran.
Our position – it’s well-known, and Ukraine has stated it repeatedly, including recently. It is important to preserve as many lives as possible. It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians. People cannot know the day or the hour, yet every act of evil, terror, and aggression against neighbors ultimately meets a just response. We expect that, in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable. Much has already changed toward that goal. Ukraine is ready to help every nation so that security and justice increase, and terrorist regimes decrease.
Depending on the security situation and real diplomatic possibilities, the time and place of the next meeting of our team and the U.S. team – the meeting with the Russians – will be determined. Russia must end its aggression against us – against Ukraine and against all of Europe. And security must be guaranteed. I have issued updated directives to our negotiating team and the broader Ukrainian diplomatic team. Peace is needed – true peace – and a real possibility for people to live freely and to live safely.
Also today, an important meeting was held here in Kyiv with representatives from the Netherlands – a state that is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine and our defense. I want to express my gratitude that members of the new Dutch government – the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs – came almost immediately to visit us here in Ukraine. And that speaks volumes. I am thankful for it. I briefed them on the security situation and on what our intelligence expects from Russia in the near future. Of course, we also discussed the prospects for negotiations. I am grateful for the Netherlands’ readiness to continue supporting our state and our people. Our priority remains air defense. The Netherlands contributes significantly both through the PURL initiative and on a bilateral basis. We will continue this cooperation. At all levels with the Netherlands, with all our partners in Europe, and with all partners in the free world, we will continue building relationships that enhance protection for life.
I thank everyone who is helping us!
Glory to Ukraine!
First Lade Zelenska participated in a University of Zhytomyr offsite today.
Olena Zelenska Took Part in an Off-Site Meeting of the “How Are You?” University Community in Zhytomyr
28 February 2026 – 11:00
In Zhytomyr, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska took part in an off-site meeting of the “How Are You?” university community, which now includes 31 higher education institutions across 20 regions.
The meeting was held at the Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University. Also attending were Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Yulia Kirillova, representatives of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, vice-rectors, heads of university psychological services from the “How Are You?” community, and mental health experts.
The President’s wife emphasized that one of the goals of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How Are You?” is to make mental health support services accessible to people where they live.
“So that exhausted people don’t have to look for help elsewhere, but it comes to them in their familiar environment. The fact that community universities set such an example is invaluable. We have a truly unique situation: mental health services are now available in places we could never have imagined before – museums, children’s centers, libraries, sports halls, and businesses, both large and small companies,” the First Lady said.
At Zhytomyr Polytechnic, participants explored the work of the leadership school and visited the “Polytechnic” museum, which combines mental health support practices, youth career guidance, and modern science. Specialists from the psychological service presented digital projects supporting mental health at the university, initiatives in narrative therapy, the use of fairy tale therapy, and other formats for working with students.
They also visited the university’s Veteran Development Center, where a program trains specialists in veteran support. The center includes a dedicated teaching and practice lab for interactive sessions, support groups, psychological workshops, and thematic seminars.
“The universities in the ‘How Are You?’ community run numerous initiatives to strengthen mental health: masterclasses, support groups, veteran centers, and services for internally displaced persons. And this is not only timely today – it is also vital. Now is the time when every collective, university, school, bank, or factory must become a space of mental support for everyone around, to remain viable,” Olena Zelenska noted.
During the meeting, results from research on training nonmedical mental health specialists were also presented. It showed that 65% of future specialists choose the profession out of a desire to help people. Over the past five years, interest in becoming a psychologist has doubled.
A meeting was also held with project teams from higher education institutions involved in developing and implementing training programs for peer-to-peer consultants, together with graduates of the first group. They discussed adapting the training program and implementing the approach in practice.
“You are now leading the fight to preserve the mental health, endurance, and common sense of all Ukrainian society. All of this together is what we actually call resilience. Therefore, the quality of your work – every course, every graduate, every event and initiative – is literally lifesaving,” the First Lady concluded.
Additionally, six new educational courses for mental health specialists were presented, created by “How Are You?” according to international standards and professional needs: “Prevention of Risky Behaviors among Youth,” “Trauma-Informed Approach,” “Adolescence: A Map for Adults,” “Mental Health Legislation: A Navigator for Specialists,” “Motherhood and Fatherhood without Stress: A Course for Specialists,” and “Basic Communication Skills for Providers of Psychosocial Support.”
The implementation of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How Are You?” is supported by the Coordination Center on Mental Health at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, with expert guidance from the World Health Organization.
Georgia:
Day 458 of daily, uninterrupted, nationwide protests in Georgia.
Iranian, U.S., and U.K. flags are more prominent than usual today — the U.K. flags following sanctions on two Georgian propaganda channels. 🇬🇪🇮🇷🇺🇸🇬🇧
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:21 AM
The American flag featured prominently at today’s #GeorgiaProtests, Day 458.
A free Iran would flip the entire wider region for the better.
📷 MOSE
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Many U.S. flags at the 458th consecutive day of the #GeorgiaProtests.
In the background, Kashveti Church in Tbilisi. 🇺🇸🇬🇪
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:56 AM
The weather in Georgia was so bad today that most neighborhoods were left without electricity, heating, or water. Yet a large crowd turned out for the weekly march in Tbilisi.
Day 458 of daily, uninterrupted, nationwide protests. 🇬🇪
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:42 AM
I have tremendous respect for the Georgian opposition. And they are absolutely correct that a free Iran would be better for the Middle East and the world. Unfortunately, that is neither what Trump nor Bibi nor their teams want and, as a result, what they’re doing is unlikely to result in it happening.
The EU:
I have a few more questions regarding this statement. But this ‘Monday meeting’ energy is giving me major flashbacks to my MoD days…
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Throwback to the first six months of the war when we tried to set up an emergency Saturday call for our Minister with a certain European Defense Minister to ask for, you know, urgent weapons and ammo to stay alive.
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Their team: ‘Oh, the Minister is away for the weekend with his kids in City X. Let’s try for Monday or maybe Tuesday.’
Us: ‘So sorry for interrupting your family time with our literal war…’ 🥲
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Hungary:
Orban posted a video of troops guarding a Hungarian oil refinery from what he calls “Ukrainian threats.” Hungary won’t give in to Zelensky’s “blackmail” over the Druzhba pipeline, he declared. What “Ukrainian threats” those men are protecting the site from remains unclear.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 6:15 AM
Orban complains the Iran situation doubles Hungary’s oil supply problems.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 9:23 AM
The US:
Newsmax Ukraine was officially presented in Kyiv. Among the guests were the Head of the Presidential Office, Budanov, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, Julie S. Davis, and others.
The channel is expected to begin broadcasting this spring in Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Something tells me the launch of such a platform is not happening by coincidence.
Your thoughts?
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Newsmax is a thoroughly Trump/MAGA movement outlet. Think of it as a US RT. Nothing good will come of this for Ukraine.
Biden on Trump’s SOTU speech: The guy talked for almost 2 hours, but never mentioned the anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Not once. I’ve spent a lot of time in Ukraine. The incredible bravery of those people. Imagine how they feel, wondering,
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 12:03 PM
“Are we leaving them?” We’re walking away. He doesn’t even apologize.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Back to Ukraine.
Russia admitted during the latest talks it will have to accept US security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 12:45 PM
ZELENSKYY ON IRAN:
“Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with “shahed” drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Over the course of this full-scale war, the Russians have used more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine – against our people, against our cities, and against our energy infrastructure.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Other nations have also suffered from this terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime – to rid themselves of it and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran.”
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Ukraine’s Drone Force now has over 1,000 crews and took out every third Russian soldier on the front in January-February, Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov says. The goal is 50,000 enemy losses per month.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Ukrainian border unit “Phoenix” pilots downed 114 fixed-wing drones in February.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Magyar’s Birds spotted a BM-21 Grad firing at Ukrainian positions and hit it mid-operation.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Ukraine’s General Staff reports overnight strikes on a Russian command post, fuel and ammo depots, and troop concentrations in Donetsk, Kherson and Belgorod regions.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Russia launched 5,060 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine in February, averaging 181 per day. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 87%, up from 83% in January.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Moment a Ukrainian Yak-52 anti-drone aircraft gunner shoots down a Russian Shahed-136 in the south.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Kharkiv:
❗️Multiple explosions reported in Kharkiv. Russia is attacking the city with drones!
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 5:39 AM
Explosions in Kharkiv ‼️ reportedly air defense is working on russian drones.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Kharkiv Oblast:
This is how firefighters are forced to work near the frontline in the Kharkiv region. Anti-drone nets are essential because russia hunts them with drones and kills with double taps.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast:
This was Kostiantynivka. This is the language russia brings to “peace talks.”
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Russian occupied Makiivka, Donetsk Oblast:
Occupied Makiivka right now 🔥🔥🔥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Drones attacked an oil depot in occupied Makiivka this evening.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Donetsk Oblast:
Evening in Donetsk region, anti drone nets, and moonlight behind it by Yan Dobronosov.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 1:33 PM
The Russian S-300V air defense radar was struck on February 28 in the Donetsk region by a Nemesis unit.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Zaporizhzhia:
An 86‑year‑old woman was killed, and two other residents of the Zaporizhzhia district were injured in daytime russian airstrikes‼️
Rescuers recovered her body from the rubble of a destroyed house. Another private home was also damaged.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 11:21 AM
Belgorod Oblast, Russia:
Yesterday in Russian Belgorod a HIMARS reportedly took out a Pantsir-S1.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 5:18 AM
Krasnodar Krai, Russia:
Supernova+ shows footage from Novominskaya of the fire glow at the Albashneft mini refinery. The plant produces diesel, fuel oil and low-grade gasoline, capacity 100,000 to 150,000 tons a year.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 4:17 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.
Here is some adjacent material.
Ukrainian dog vs Russian drone. A little scene from the front.
Footage by the 12th “Rym” Territorial Defense Battalion.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 28, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Open thread!
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
dnfree
I am very far from being a foreign policy expert, but I too have attributed our current situation partially to the failure to respond to Putin’s takeover of Crimea. Both Obama and Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State seemed to be working on the premise that treating Putin as a normal head of state would make him feel included?
In the 2012 presidential debate, Romney identified Russia as being our biggest foreign concern, and Obama responded by mocking that idea. Personally I thought Romney had a point.
J. Arthur Crank
Thanks Adam.
I know I shouldn’t be depressed and surprised by the stupidity of the average (median?) U.S. citizen, but that map that shows the dots all over the globe to indicate the guesses as to where Iran is located is pretty depressing.
way2blue
@dnfree: +1
Martin
Credit to the Americans who were able to find the mullahs of Arkansas. I’d give half credit for that guess.
Aziz, light!
Current estimates are that 20 percent of Americans can’t find Canada on a map of North America.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: @AlaskaReader: @J. Arthur Crank: You’re welcome.
Gin & Tonic
As I said earlier today, one clear lesson from russia’s war on Ukraine and the Likud/US war on Iran is that the best way to avoid being invaded or bombed is to have nukes of your own.
wjca
Um, no. More like when it failed to challenge his invasion of Georgia.
Martin
I don’t think you can rule out the growing influence of billionaires within these respective nations – which really ramped up in the 80s and 90s. The US is in the process of carving up the nations GDP to favor Trump’s billionaire buddies, little different from what happened under Putin.
Adam L Silverman
@Gin & Tonic: As I’ve been saying since 2022.
wjca
I wouldn’t be surprised to find that at least 10% couldn’t locate DC (or California!) on the correct side of the Mississippi. Not that they could locate the Mississippi River either.
Jay
@Gin & Tonic:
Unfortunately, you have to do that in secret.
You have to formally “unsign” the NPT.
Then, 6 months later, you can “officially” start your own Nuke program, and if you are a “threshold” member, another 6 months at best before you have a bomb.
You still need a delivery system, and your Government needs to survive that time under sanctions and attempts at regime change
So, in secret, which is hard to do.
Westyny
Thank you. Adam. Tough day.
YY_Sima Qian
@Gin & Tonic: The Kim Dynasty sitting off to the side grinning ear to ear.
Adam L Silverman
@Westyny: You’re welcome.
YY_Sima Qian
Not sure the Ukrainian government is weighing in on the Bibi-Trump war on Iran, while understandable given Iran’s export of drones to Russia, is helpful. Zelenskyy & his advisors can’t be naive to the way Bibi & Trump wage war or their aims.
wjca
Or, even if you (or, more likely, your predecessor) signed the NPT, you can just ignore that, in the best Trumpian fashion. Paying no heed whatever to promises, contracts, treaties, etc.? Just sharp business practice. No problem.
And if you contrive to buy a couple of missles, or a couple drones might do, from someone. And then bargin with, for example, North Korea for a couple of nukes. Presto! You are now a nuclear armed power. Time under threat of sanctions or regime change? Essentially zero.
wjca
@YY_Sima Qian:
I suspect that Ukraine’s comment on the Bibi-Trump war on Iran has mostly to do with avoiding alienating Trump whenever possible. Not to ensure his support, which won’t happen no matter what. But just to try and avoid him deciding to launch a strike on them on behalf of his BFF Putin.
Which, to my mind, qualifies as “I wouldn’t put it past him.”
Jay
@wjca:
Nobody sell’s nukes.
As I said, like South Africa, you have to do it in secret, and that’s hard to do.
The US may no longer give a shit about the NPT, Treaties, International Law, War Crimes, The Rule of Law, but other nations do.
Sally
@wjca: Yep
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam. Once again Ukraine is showing the way with its approach to mental health being addressed like, where ever. Yes, for Ukraine it’s a necessity, because of the war. But it’s such a great approach to mental health period, that I wish countries were learning from it instead of just wanting their drone technology. I mean, it’s possible to do both.
Chris
@YY_Sima Qian:
I think they’re genuinely angry at Iran for being one of suppliers helping Russia continue to wage war on them, and therefore aren’t shy about saying so in public.
YY_Sima Qian
@Chris: Like I said, quite understandable, but Ukraine is still voicing support for gross breaches in international law (the kind that Putin does).