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Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

I am pretty sure these ‘journalists’ were not always such a bootlicking sycophants.

Let me file that under fuck it.

An almost top 10,000 blog!

Giving in to doom is how we fail to fight for ourselves & one another.

You don’t get rid of your umbrella while it’s still raining.

I would try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

Hot air and ill-informed banter

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

People are weird.

I’m more christian than these people and i’m an atheist.

Those who are easily outraged are easily manipulated.

Jack be nimble, jack be quick, hurry up and indict this prick.

The world has changed, and neither one recognizes it.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

Not loving this new fraud based economy.

“Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.”

Be a wild strawberry.

Republicans: The threats are dire, but my tickets are non-refundable!

We still have time to mess this up!

Cancel the cowardly Times and Post and set up an equivalent monthly donation to ProPublica.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

I’ve spoken to my cat about this, but it doesn’t seem to do any good.

The “burn-it-down” people are good with that until they become part of the kindling.

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Jesse Jackson’s Funeral Service

by TaMara|  March 6, 20263:26 pm| 4 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

I came into this late – bsky was posting Obama snippets and I decided I wanted to hear his entire eulogy.  He starts 59:16 -ish (it will change as the video goes on).  I did come in as Biden was speaking, and he looks and sounds good.  I’d say more, but let’s keep this positive.

Open thread

Jesse Jackson’s Funeral ServicePost + Comments (4)

Here’s One Occupation That’s on the Rise

by Rose Judson|  March 6, 20262:19 pm| 46 Comments

This post is in: Economics, Open Threads, Enshittification, The Horrors

Was waiting in the supermarket queue this afternoon and decided to check on ye olde USD to GBP rate. Shortly after 12:00 on the timeline (a little after 7 a.m. US Eastern), you can spot the point at which those lacklustre US job numbers were announced:

Here's One Occupation That's on the Rise

I don’t think AI—or at least, generative “AI”—is coming for everyone’s job. But if you know a young person, here’s one career path you may want to put them onto, courtesy of the Norwegian Consumer Council:

It ain’t much, but it’s dishonest work. Open thread.

Here’s One Occupation That’s on the RisePost + Comments (46)

Open Thread To Share Good Things That Are Happening

by WaterGirl|  March 6, 202612:03 pm| 157 Comments

This post is in: Politics, Something Good Open Thread, The Bright Side

On The Road - pat - Calendar 2020 1

Let’s use this thread to share some of the good things that are happening politically.  But, hey, if you have good things happening personally, jump in!  We would love to hear about your good fortune!

 

 

Open Thread To Share Good Things That Are HappeningPost + Comments (157)

TGIFriday Morning Open Thread

by Anne Laurie|  March 6, 20267:07 am| 297 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Trump Crime Cartel, Trumpery, War

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Kristi Noem.

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— Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) March 5, 2026 at 2:11 PM

Kristi Noem is gone. Pam Bondi is next.
Keep the pressure on these extremists.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM

BREAKING: More than 20 states sue over new global tariffs President Trump imposed after the Supreme Court loss.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) March 5, 2026 at 1:15 PM

If you can’t call your war a war, it’s a major tell. www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/u…

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— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:16 PM

Remember this when Donald Trump tells you we can’t afford health care.

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— Elizabeth Warren (@warren.senate.gov) March 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM

show full post on front page

Maybe Hegseth should actually win his war before bashing everyone who came before him.

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— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 5:40 PM

"I hope you are impressed," he said to me. "How do you like the performance? I mean, Venezuela is obvious. This might be even better. How do you like the performance?"
"How do you like the performance?"
An illegal war for the sake of spectacle and the amusement of POTUS.

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— Brian Finucane (@bcfinucane.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM

I voted in favor of the War Powers Resolution to push back against Trump’s reckless & illegal war. The Iranian regime is evil, just as Saddam Hussein was—but that doesn’t make war smart or responsible. Congress must assert its authority & protect American troops & taxpayers from another forever war.

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— Congresswoman Sarah McBride (@mcbride.house.gov) March 5, 2026 at 7:29 PM

Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales ends his reelection bid after admitting to having an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) March 5, 2026 at 11:58 PM

"I asked God to forgive me, which he has."
Honestly this is the biggest perk of serving in Congress. Most people have to ask forgiveness and wonder. If you're in Congress you get a same day answer from the big guy.

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— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm.bsky.social) March 4, 2026 at 7:37 PM

every time he posts things about this huge empty space the more sure I am he plans to be pickled like one of the Kims and put on display in here when he dies

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— Henry (@henrythedog.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:10 PM

TGIFriday Morning Open ThreadPost + Comments (297)

Late Night Open Thread: Behold, the Markwayne Indicator

by Anne Laurie|  March 6, 20263:26 am| 67 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Republican Stupidity, Republicans in Disarray!, Trumpery

There it is: Noem out, Mullin in

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— Jake Lahut (@jakelahut.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:42 PM

Will be interesting to see how Markwayne Mullin’s difficulties with the English language will play out in this job

— Jake Lahut (@jakelahut.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM

The Markwayne Indicator: When the GOP shoves Mullin in front of the media, it means no *smarter* Republican is willing to take the hit to their reputation.

Holy shit. These people shouldn’t be near sharp cutlery, let alone seats of power.
Mullin: “This is war.”
Raju: “You concede this is war?”
Mullin: “We haven’t declared war.”
Reporter: “You just said it’s a war.”
Mullin: *stammer

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— News Eye (@newseye.bsky.social) March 3, 2026 at 6:12 PM

Markwayne Mullin, set to run Homeland Security >>

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— Jon Passantino (@passantino.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 2:47 PM

I’ve been asked if I would support Sen. Mullin as Noem’s replacement.
The answer is a resounding NO. The rot in DHS is deep, much deeper than any individual.
It’s a question of policy not personnel. The Senate should not consider any DHS Secretary nominee until DHS and ICE are reined in.

— Chuck Schumer (@schumer.senate.gov) March 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM

I cannot support the confirmation of Senator Mullin to Trump’s out-of-control DHS. We must all take a stand.

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— Senator Andy Kim (@kim.senate.gov) March 5, 2026 at 10:10 PM

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I truly do think all of the "Noem out, Mullin in" posts and stories are failing American democracy right now!
Trump is announcing his nominee.
That's it.
If the Senate majority wants to confirm him, they're a part of this—even after knowing what they know now.
And that matters come November.

— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 2:06 PM

Markwayne Mullin has to get confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, which is chaired by Rand Paul, who Markwayne Mullin recently called a “snake” & said he sympathized with Rand Paul’s neighbor who beat him up.

— Lisa Mikolajczyk ✡️ 🏴‍☠️ (@lisamikolajczyk.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 2:27 PM

If you thought Noem and Lewandowski was hot, get ready for Mullin & Hegseth

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— Jason Herbert (@herberthistory.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM

Markwayne Mullin, the new DHS secretary, referred to Pete Hegseth as "President Hegseth" . . . twice in a matter of seconds.
Mullin then referred to the taste and smell of war . . . but he's never served in the military.
Only the "best" for Donald Trump.
www.the-independent.com/news/world/a…

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— Michael J. Stern (@michaeljstern.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 8:46 PM

one thing that's going to be a serious problem for mullin is answering questions about what he'll do about the widespread corruption noem let spread throughout DHS, and i think an actual golden retriever would be better prepared for those questions than mullin will be

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— GOLIKEHELLMACHINE (@golikehellmachine.com) March 5, 2026 at 6:33 PM

like, mullin is not going to be any better at this job than noem was, he will just be terrible at it in new and novel ways, but he's already going to have a mountain of her shit to clean up and miller screaming at him to detain and deport more brown people from day one, and he won't like it

— GOLIKEHELLMACHINE (@golikehellmachine.com) March 5, 2026 at 6:34 PM

We shouldn’t be so concerned that Mullin doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree
Plenty of smart, successful people never went to college
We should be concerned that Mullin is unqualified, particularly stupid and ridiculously arrogant-a dangerous combination which is unfortunately very common among MAGA

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— Adam Cohen (My Personal Views Only) (@axidentaliberal.bsky.social) March 6, 2026 at 1:35 AM

So no written test I'm thinking

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— Special Envoy for the Shield of the Popehats (@kenwhite.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM

Everybody’s got their reasons for despising Markwayne Mullin and mine is him screaming at the dignified and brilliant former CDC Director Susan Monarez at a hearing.
He lied about a nonexistent recording and tried to bully her into submission.
She was a locus of zen. He lost his damned mind.

— Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD (@elizabethjacobs.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:53 PM

Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her.
Thank you to @legalmiga.bsky.social for the Thread on Mullin that inspired this video

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— Sylvia at Tono Latino (@tonolatino.bsky.social) March 6, 2026 at 2:13 AM

With Sen Mullin leaving Senate to become Trump's head of Homeland Security, GOP Gov of Okl Kevin Stitt gets to pick a replacement. Well Trump has been trashing Stitt recently as a RINO. Hoping Stitt picks a Democrat to piss off Trump! (or at least anti-Trump GOP) www.politico.com/news/2026/02…

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— Dean Obeidallah (@deanobeidallah.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:51 PM

Intereseting tidbit re Oklahoma's Senate seat once Mullin resigns:
Yes, the OK Gov would appoint a temporary replacement, but under Oklahoma law, they would only serve until the November special election *and wouldn't be allowed to run for that.*
Seat warmer ONLY.
thehill.com/homenews/cam…

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— Charles Gaba ✡️ (@charlesgaba.com) March 5, 2026 at 8:58 PM

do i think a democrat could win a surprise senate election in oklahoma? probably not. but do i welcome the NRSC having to commit more money and energy to a race that would have been a cakewalk? yes.

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— GOLIKEHELLMACHINE (@golikehellmachine.com) March 5, 2026 at 1:54 PM

Late Night Open Thread: Behold, the Markwayne IndicatorPost + Comments (67)

War for Ukraine Day 1,470: The Leader of the Free World Announces He Will Help Get Trump’s Tuchas Out of the Crack Trump Wedged It In

by Adam L Silverman|  March 5, 202610:08 pm| 49 Comments

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

President Zelenskyy has announced that he is going to help Trump with the crack that The Donald has wedged his massive dupa into.

“We received a request from the United States for support in protection against Shaheds”

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:57 PM

you gotta be fucking kidding me

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— Maria (@mariasergiivna.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:42 PM

This follows on the announcement yesterday, which I included in yesterday’s update, that the Ukrainians would be helping the Gulf states with their incoming Iranian drone problem. An incoming Iranian drone problem that was created by Trump’s genius decision making.

Trump was his usual gracious self:

🤦‍♀️ Trump again expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, POLITICO reports.

“Zelenskyy, he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said.

Fucking hell.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:27 PM

Suddenly, its turns out that it is not smart to arrogantly shit on an ally that has learned how to down 200 Shaheds every single night and then wipe out and oil refinery or a military airfield with a handful of cheap drones.

— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:41 AM

200 Ukrainian POWs returned home today.

Welcome home!🇺🇦
200 Ukrainians have returned from Russian captivity.

Among those returning are defenders of Mariupol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.

The defenders of Mariupol spent nearly four years in captivity.

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 8:45 AM

They are home! 💛💙

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:23 AM

Liza greets Ukrainian Defenders returning from Russian captivity today

📹 valera.glyhov/Tiktok

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— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 10:06 AM

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

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We Expect the Exchanges to Continue in the Coming Days – Address by the President

5 March 2026 – 20:09

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today we spoke in detail with the Government about our tasks for the spring–summer period – the time during which we must prepare as much as possible for the next winter. There may be just as many challenges as this winter. Of course, our priority is to do everything to end the war. We will continue the diplomatic process when our American partners are ready to work as we agreed – bilateral formats with them, trilateral formats with Russia, as well as work with the Europeans. Right now, practically all of the world’s attention is focused on the situation around Iran, and no matter how long the hostilities last there, we must be ready to resume diplomacy at any moment. That’s exactly how the Ukrainian team works – everyone in our delegation.

There is another positive step in the exchanges. Another two hundred of our people have returned home from Russian captivity. We expect the exchanges to continue in the coming days. Nevertheless, the Russians remain active along the front line, and the strikes continue. We are protecting lives, and part of guaranteeing security for Ukraine under any circumstances, under any scenarios, is modernizing the protection of key infrastructure. We must also restore what was destroyed by strikes over the winter. Detailed plans have been developed and will be approved for all regions. The responsibility of local authorities and regional authorities is not to lose time. I want to thank all heads of communities who approach this conscientiously.

Today we spoke with government officials about the urgent challenges with roads – much needs to be restored after the winter, the condition of the roads is very poor, and there is a special task in the frontline areas – in all communities where every minute matters for the evacuation of the wounded and for frontline logistics overall. The Government, together with the regional authorities and communities, must ensure the necessary repairs. There are also separate tasks for the Ministry of Energy, separate tasks for Naftogaz and Ukrnafta regarding price challenges due to the war in the Middle East. The global problem is the rising prices of oil and petroleum products. There must be Ukrainian responses to such challenges – in particular regarding the supply of petroleum products on the Ukrainian market. Government officials must maintain close communication with people – with society – on this matter.

We are constantly working with partners on our ability to strengthen the defense of those countries that are currently under attack from Iran. Rustem Umerov is coordinating contacts with partners in the Middle East and the Gulf region; we are also speaking with the United States. Security support from Ukraine will be provided, and the main thing is that this will allow us to expand our security cooperation with partners – by protecting countries from the Iranian regime, we are increasing our own capabilities for defense.

A few more important points.

I spoke today with the head of the Italian Government – Giorgia Meloni and I coordinate very substantively. I am grateful for the advice and for the principled support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. We discussed the situation in the Middle East, as well as our bilateral work and relations with the European Union. We are also preparing other diplomatic contacts for this and the coming weeks. Europe needs more coordination, more mutual support, and more of its own strength – Europe should be more active.

I want to thank everyone who is defending life! Thank you to everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

President Zelenskyy also had a joint meeting with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk and Members of Parliament, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, and members of the Government today.

President Discussed with Government Officials and MPs the Results of the Government’s Work During the Fall and Winter and the Tasks for the Spring and Summer

5 March 2026 – 21:07

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint meeting with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk and Members of Parliament, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, and members of the Government, during which they discussed the results of the Cabinet of Ministers’ work during the winter and fall, as well as the tasks for the spring and summer.

Among the main issues were energy resilience, strengthening the defense and security sector, road repairs, strengthening cooperation with the European Union, diplomatic work and Ukraine’s proactive position on international platforms, support for frontline territories, and increasing salaries and pensions.

“We discussed with parliamentarians which legislative initiatives require special attention. We defined joint positions on key challenges for the coming weeks. In particular, the launch of a program for restoring and modernizing the protection of energy facilities and other infrastructure,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko reported that an additional UAH 194 billion has been allocated from the budget for the implementation of social programs. Since January 1, teachers’ salaries have been increased by 30%, and from September 1 they will be raised by another 20%. The “Health 40+” screening program has been launched, and the average salary of ER doctors has increased to UAH 38,000 since January 1.

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Uliutin reported on the indexation of pensions and insurance payments by 12.1% starting from March 1. In addition, the minimum pension payments for the families of fallen defenders have been increased and now amount to no less than UAH 12,810.

Yuliia Svyrydenko also informed that nearly 18 million people used the UAH 1,000 payment within the framework of the “Winter Support” program. In addition, workers of repair crews involved in eliminating the consequences of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure will receive an additional UAH 20,000 for each month of work. Payments for January have already begun.

First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal noted that the deficit in the energy system has now decreased. At the same time, challenges remain in six regions, but thanks to the increase in solar generation and the launch of an additional electricity transmission line in the eastern region by the end of the month, the situation will improve.

Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov noted that the needs for 2026 regarding the provision of drones, artillery, and other strike capabilities have already been defined. He highlighted the strengthening of air defense, the procurement of interceptor drones, and the blocking of Starlink terminals previously used by the enemy.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba reported that about 20 million square meters of roads in frontline areas, as well as highways of national, regional, and local significance, have been damaged. Road services in the regions have already begun repairs. The work is being carried out within the tightest possible timeframes to ensure basic passability and traffic safety. Since the beginning of the year, work has already been completed on an area of 60,000 square meters. Additional funds will be mobilized from the reserve fund, through state guarantees, the redistribution of additional regional subventions, and co-financing from the regional military administrations. Work on frontline and international highways must be completed by June 1, and the remaining work by October 1.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko informed that by the end of March the system for receiving calls to the single emergency number 112 will cover the entire territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories; the official mobile application “Service 112” is already operating. Since the beginning of the year, a differentiated district-based distribution of air raid alerts has been introduced across the entire country, except for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. This has helped reduce the duration of alerts in certain frontline districts to 145 days.

A new response system has also been created in Ukraine for facilities of the oil and gas sector. It covers the Kharkiv, Poltava, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. Our country is the most active in Europe in using industrial climber teams during the clearing of rubble from destroyed structures and robotic equipment for remote firefighting.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Science have identified 3,000 schools where safety officers will be deployed. Already 1,800 such officers are working, and by the end of the year they will appear in all designated educational institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said that Ukraine is expected to receive from the European Union the accession conditions for all clusters in the near future.

“At the same time, we are working on accelerating the work on the text regarding accession to the European Union. To bring the date closer. There is understanding in the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. This will make it possible to shorten the EU accession procedure by another year without changing their methodology,” Taras Kachka noted.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha emphasized that recently Ukraine has significantly strengthened its presence in international organizations and has been elected to nine respective governing bodies. At the same time, our country prevented Russia from being elected to 24 governing and subsidiary bodies of multilateral formats. Five resolutions important for Ukraine were adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi informed about the work to counter the return of Russian athletes under the national flag to the 2026 Paralympic Games. In particular, 15 countries announced a boycott of the opening ceremony, which will take place the day after tomorrow.

During the meeting, steps were agreed that will contribute to maximum effectiveness in implementing the tasks set in various areas.

Here’s the video of the post-meeting press conference:

Georgia:

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:15 AM

From Ukraine to the Persian Gulf, a common struggle now stretches across Eurasia: the struggle to deter unchecked autocracies.

In this process, Georgia is a democratic society resisting a total crackdown by an autocratic regime that is [rather openly] part of the Russia-Iran axis.

1/3

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:14 AM

Our “program maximum” is to liberate ourselves from this regime, and Armenia serves as a great example that pragmatism and constructive relations with neighbours can coexist with democracy-building and closer relations with the US and the EU.

2/3

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:14 AM

Our “program minimum” is to keep resisting so that by the time evil is defeated, the people of Georgia are still seen as allies to the West and democracy. By that time, it will be much easier to support Georgians in a tangible way.

3/3.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:14 AM

1/ The prosecutor’s office has charged two individuals, Levan Zardiashvili and Saba Mindiashvili, under the article of obstructing journalistic activities due to an incident that occurred on September 8 near Kakha Kaladze’s electoral headquarters.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

2/ Publika was informed by the investigator that the charges were presented today. When asked when they would approach the court regarding the imposition of preventive measures, they responded that “the prosecutor will decide on this.”

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

3/ According to them, the accused in the case are not in custody.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

4/ The incident occurred on September 8. Levan Zardiashvili assaulted Publika journalist Keto Mikadze and took her phone. On the same day, there was an episode involving Aleksandre Keshkelashvili.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

5/ An unknown individual obstructed Publika journalist Aleksandre Keshkelashvili in his journalistic activities and took his phone, which was later returned.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

6/ They have been charged under the 1st part of Article 154 of the Criminal Code, which refers to illegally obstructing a journalist in their professional activities, punishable by a fine or community service, corrective labor, or house arrest for a period of 6 months to 2 years.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 9:50 AM

JUST IN: the Georgian Dream representatives hint at prosecuting people who helped produce, commented about, or even shared The Hill article: “Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub.”

1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM

The regime will continue to go after critics and independent media so that their systemic crimes do not reach international audiences.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze (top left) stated that “relevant agencies should take interest” in statements by 🇬🇪’s former Minister of Defense (under GD, btw),

2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM

Tina Khidasheli, whose organization Civil IDEA also produced a report that The Hill article was largely based on. Khidasheli’s public comments also concerned the de facto operation of US-sanctioned Iranian university in Georgia, Al-Mustafa International University.

3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM

Kaladze and other GD MPs are also accusing Transparency International Executive Director, Eka Gigauri, of treason simply for sharing the article on X.

4/4.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:01 PM

thehill.com/opinion/inte…

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:02 PM

Tonight at 22:00 (Tbilisi time, GMT+4), iFact Editor-in-Chief Nino Bakradze joins Talk Georgia to discuss how Russian oil reaches Western markets through Georgia, and how Ivanishvili’s regime benefits

🎧 Watch & listen:
Spotify: h1.nu/1l4IK
Apple Podcasts: h1.nu/1l4Jh
YouTube: youtu.be/Gxnqr79-iwk

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— Talk Georgia (@talkgeorgia.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Hungary:

Populism 101

1989: Orban goes to Oxford on a Soros scholarship.
’10s: Targets Soros as the enemy
’15-20: “Soros is flooding EU with migrants”
’18: KESMA (media conglomerate) formalised, run by Orban allies
’22-26: Targets Zelensky as the enemy

Same strategy, new enemy.

— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 7:45 PM

Hungarian authorities kidnapped employees of Oschadbank along with cash-in-transit vehicles and valuables.

Is this the “force” Orbán was talking about?

Shame!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 7:26 PM

After Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Moscow, Vladimir Putin handed over two captured servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Hungary. They arrived in Budapest together with the Hungarian foreign minister.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM

In Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War condemned this, calling it a Russian provocation and urging “not to make Ukrainian servicemen a bargaining chip”.
t.me/c/1404510603…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Orban appears to be acquiring hostages.

The US:

WSJ: The US sided with Russia and China at the IAEA, voting against a resolution warning that attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid threaten nuclear safety.

It passed 20–4 anyway (only US, Russia, China, Niger against). Washington called it “unnecessary” and not helpful for peace.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 3:53 PM

🇺🇸😂 Fox News, while covering the high-tech weapons used by the US during the operation in Iran, showed a video of Ukrainian interceptor drones in action, presenting it as their own downing.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:17 PM

The footage showed STING interceptor drones from the “Wild Hornets” shooting down a russian Shahed during one of the russian attacks. They didn’t even blur out the watermarks…😱😂

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:17 PM

Back to Ukraine.

The cost:

Mariyka is 5. In November 2025, the girl and her granny were heavily injured by the russian missile attack in which Mariyka lost her leg. At the end of February, she made the first steps with her prosthesis.

Some peacedealers offer to reward russia for this with more Ukrainian people and land.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:37 PM

🇺🇦 This photo was taken while accompanying our Hero.
The city of Kamensk. 2026.
A column with the Hero, who returned home ON A SHIELD, moves past a very young boy.
He came out of his house with the flag of Ukraine, took off his hat, knelt down, bowed his head, and put his hand on his heart.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 2:38 PM

🔹Journalist: On the status of repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Is it true that we are not allowing representatives of the European Commission there? And if that’s not true, when do we plan to allow them in?

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:04 PM

🔸Zelensky:

When we asked one country for missiles for Patriot, they said they had very few left.

I don’t remember asking: “Can I come to your warehouses and check if you’re telling the truth?”

Ukraine is an independent state. Respect goes both ways.

— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:04 PM

Zelenskyy on Druzhba oil pipeline:

“Honestly, I wouldn’t restore it. That’s my position. I’ve told this to European leaders and to everyone who’s called me about this issue, including the leadership of the European Union, because this is Russian oil.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM

There are some things and principles that simply have no price. They’re killing us, and yet we’re supposed to give oil to Orbán because he’s ‘poor thing’ and without this oil he can’t win the elections.”

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM

Zelenskyy said today that in 3 days of the war in the Middle East, 800 PAC-3 Patriot missiles were used. Ukraine hasn’t had that many of them throughout the entire war.

I can’t stop thinking of these numbers for a couple of hours already.

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:31 PM

🔥 Ukrainian Special Operations Forces carried out a series strikes, targeting a S-400 deployment area in Orlivka (Crimea) and several fuel depots in Mariupol and Novoamvrosiivske. A logistics warehouse in Amvrosiivka and a repair facility in Zachatnivka were also destroyed.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:03 AM

The operator of the STING anti-Shahed drone overtakes his colleague and intercepts Shahed faster.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:38 AM

Donetsk:

This was Donetsk on March 4-5, 2014. Thousands of people made it to the streets to remind everyone that Donetsk is Ukraine. The resistance rallies lasted till late April until russian forces occupied the town.

One day the blue-yellow flag will return home in Donetsk. One day justice will prevail.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:24 AM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv is ready for spring ❤️

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 1:26 PM

The Black Sea:

💥Precision strike in the Black Sea: Russian Ka-27 helicopter destroyed mid-landing attempt on the ‘Sivash’ oil rig, alongside enemy troops stationed there!

Verified objective footage from Ukrainian forces 😍

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 12:07 PM

The Ukrainian Navy destroyed a Russian Kamov Ka-27 that was attempting to land on the “Syvash” drilling platform in the Black Sea.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:32 AM

❗️The Ukrainian Navy reports that a Russian Ka-27 helicopter has been shot down over the Black Sea.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Russian occupied Crimea:

Local channels in Crimea report that there is a partial blackout there as a result of a drone attack.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 4:52 PM

Myrhorod, Poltava Oblast:

And this is Myrhorod, Ukraine, this morning. A Shahed drone was flying very low over the houses. The Russians do this deliberately, because at such a low altitude, the drone is very difficult to shoot down.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 5:48 AM

Krasnodar Krai, Russia:

On March 2, the Security Service of Ukraine significantly damaged the frigate Russian frigate Admiral Essen in Novorossiysk, which is capable of carrying eight Kalibr cruise missiles.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:08 AM

According to the SBU, as a result of the attack the ship is currently unable to carry out strikes against the territory of Ukraine.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 11:08 AM

Sochi, Russia:

It seems that Ukrainian sanctions didn’t let the residents of Sochi sleep at night.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) March 5, 2026 at 6:58 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.

Here is some adjacent material.

Happy Ukrainian doggo in the eastern city of Izium. Getting here requires driving under drone protection nets. We are doing our best to keep all feeding stations filled for displaced pets!

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— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) March 1, 2026 at 10:37 AM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,470: The Leader of the Free World Announces He Will Help Get Trump’s Tuchas Out of the Crack Trump Wedged It InPost + Comments (49)

Thursday Night Open Thread

by John Cole|  March 5, 20268:46 pm| 86 Comments

This post is in: John Cole Presents "This Fucking Old House"

The electricians were here all day today, and we had the 1957 original electric panel replaced with a brand spanking new one, as well as had all of the outlets grounded, so I have been basically offline and don’t have much time to say anything because I have a ton of stuff to do that I couldn’t do, but I did want to celebrate this:

President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, after mounting criticism over her leadership of the department, including the handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.

Trump, who said he would nominate Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin in her place, made the announcement on social media after Noem faced a two-day grilling on Capitol Hill this week from GOP members as well as Democrats.

Markwayne Mullin may actually be dumber and more violent than Noem, but we need to celebrate every victory. She and that venereal disease on legs, Corey Lewandowski, are both out. And that’s a good.

Take care.

Thursday Night Open ThreadPost + Comments (86)

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