(Image by NEIVANMADE)
The first 390 Ukrainian POWs of the thousand for a thousand prisoners to be exchanged between Ukraine and Russia.
At last — the news we’ve all waited for!
First stage of the 1000-for-1000 exchange: 390 Ukrainians are home — 270 defenders and 120 civilians, many simply abducted by Russia.They tried to erase them.
Ukraine brings them back.May every waiting family get their moment too.
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 10:33 AM
390 of our people are home! They are back! 390 families are having the best day ❤️🩹
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Zelensky has confirmed today’s big POW swap with Russia, and that it’ll continue Saturday and Sunday. As reported, 390 Ukrainians returned home, in exchange for 390 Russians. Photos via Zelensky’s Telegram channel. www.ft.com/content/efd4…
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) May 23, 2025 at 10:09 AM
I honestly still cannot believe that the leaders of the Azovstal defense are all alive and free.
I suppose it’s one of the miracles of Ukrainian diplomacy.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
What Matters Most Is That Ukraine Is Bringing Its People Home; I Thank Everyone Around the World Who Is Helping Us – Address by the President
23 May 2025 – 18:12
I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today’s events. The main thing: an exchange took place. And this is the first stage of the largest exchange agreed upon in Türkiye. In fact, it is the only significant outcome of the meeting in Türkiye – everything else is being blocked by the Russians. Blocked for now. But bringing our people back is exactly what we always work for. We will definitely bring everyone back. Every one of our citizens, every Ukrainian servicemember and civilian, all Ukrainian hostages held in Russia – we must free all of them. Today, almost four hundred, 390 people are back home – both military and civilians. Tomorrow and the day after, the next stages will follow. The formula is a thousand for a thousand. I am grateful to everyone and to our entire team involved in carrying out the exchange. And certainly, I thank all our warriors at the front who specifically ensure the replenishment of Ukraine’s exchange fund. And also, I want to thank our law enforcement officers for adding Russian saboteurs and collaborationists to the exchange fund. What matters most is that Ukraine is bringing its people home. I thank everyone around the world who is helping us.
And just as we succeed in this, we must succeed in everything else. A ceasefire is needed. Diplomatic steps toward real peace are needed. A new and effective security architecture is needed. We are bringing our partners together to make this happen. And it is clearly time to increase pressure on Russia to achieve not just one result, but everything that is necessary. And when Russia takes a whole week just to come up with a so-called “memorandum” as their response to calls for a ceasefire – this is nothing but a mockery of the entire world. So much time wasted! Every day of this war costs lives. Of course, in Russia, lives don’t count. But the world must count them. New sanctions against Russia are needed. I thank everyone who is advocating for and supporting this.
And a few more things.
Today, I recognized our marines with state awards on their professional day. Every marine brigade is a source of pride. And that is truly deserved.
There was also a report by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha today. Regarding the tasks assigned to him.
The first is to ensure additional funding for artillery production – for shells. There is a result: two-thirds of the funds have already been secured. The second is additional funding for drone production in Ukraine. The funds will be provided. The third: we are preparing for Ukraine’s participation in the G7 format. I thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their work.
I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Plenković. He is a true friend of Ukraine and of all who want a strong and secure Europe. We discussed the situation in general, both at the front and in diplomacy. We also discussed preparations for the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit. I am grateful that the Prime Minister of Croatia is ready to attend the Summit.
There was one more report today – we are preparing new sanctions packages. Strong sanctions packages.
I thank everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine, with Ukrainians!
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
Day 177. The daily march has incorporated social messages and they recite numbers about poverty, emigration, etc. in streets for several kilometers from the Public Broadcaster to Rustaveli. #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Day 177. As usual, people recite names of all regime prisoners and cry out “Freedom!” after each name.
“Freedom!”
“Freedom, Solidarity, Victory!”
“Down with the regime!”
“Until the end!”
#GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 3:53 PM
⭕️#Tbilisi City Court Fines @publikage.bsky.social Journalist Mariam Kavshabia 5,000 GEL
🔻 The MIA accused the journalist of blocking the road during a protest on February 3, while she was carrying out her professional duties.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests
#MediaUnderAttack— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
⭕ Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined Publika journalist Mariam Kavshbaia 5,000 GEL.
Despite submitting evidence — photos under her byline and even video from the Ministry showing her reporting at the rally — the court still penalized Kavshbaia, who is also a student.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 10:56 AM
🟥 Journalist Reports Being Assaulted and Ejected from Khelvachauri Council Session
Sulkhan Meskhiadze, founder of the regional outlet Ajara Times, says he was assaulted and forcibly removed from a Municipal Council session by City Hall and Council staff while covering the meeting.
#Georgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) May 23, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Regime prisoner student activist Zviad Tsetskhladze turned 20 in prison, and his friends gathered to sing Happy Birthday to him through the walls. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 @publikage.bsky.social— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Insaf Aliyev greets his son — photo from the courtroom. He is being held on charges of gang violence for his participation in group protests.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:56 AM
The EXTREMELY DANGEROUS criminals whose imprisonment keeps Georgia safe!
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Georgian writer Nene Kvinikadze wore this shirt at the Cannes Film Festival — a show of solidarity as actor Andro Chichinadze has been arrested for participating in protests.
#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
The US:
👀
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:20 AM
It did lead to something big, a massive attack on Kyiv.
Back to Ukraine.
MIM-23 Hawk intercepts a Russian cruise missile.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 4:21 AM
The Ukrainian “Batyar” drone has a range exceeding 800 km and carries an 18 kg warhead. It can serve as a kamikaze drone, bomber, or decoy. Even when damaged, it maintains its course in a steep dive, ensuring precise targeting. Source: Militrarnyi.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Kyiv:
Russia has launched a massive air attack on Kyiv, which is ongoing right now. So much for peace talks.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Kyiv right now ‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Apartment building is on fire in Kyiv following the russian drone attack on the city
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Noisy night in Kyiv: Multiple Russian/Iranian Shahed flying bomb drones buzzing about following earlier Russian ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Kharkiv Oblast:
Russia is intensifying its attacks on Kharkiv Oblast, targeting populated areas with a range of weapons. Today, missile and air strikes killed three civilians in Kupiansk and Chuhuiv, and injured at least two more. The tactic is clear: to make the region uninhabitable.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Chuhuiv, Kharkiv Oblast:
The cost.
This is Nadia, her name means “hope.” She was 30 years old and worked as a nurse at the regional hospital. Russian strike on Chuhuiv, Kharkiv Oblast, ended her life. She leaves behind a little girl who will now grow up without her mother.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Kharkiv:
Russian drones in Kharkiv skies right now ‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Odesa:
Russia just struck Odesa with two ballistic missiles during early Friday afternoon, when people are out and about!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Russia struck the port of Odesa with two ballistic missiles, killing at least one person and injuring eight others.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Russia attacked Odesa this morning with a new, little-known strike drone. Unlike any UAV previously detected by Ukraine’s air defenses, it resembles a larger, more powerful Lancet. It penetrated deep into Odesa at a 200m altitude.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:
Russians attack Kupyansk utility workers, killing one and critically injuring another
The head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration announced that Kupyansk was shelled by Russian forces around 9:20 AM.
“It’s preliminarily believed that the occupiers used a guided aerial bomb
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:37 AM
One of the wounded is in grave condition,”
Sadly, efforts to save one of the injured utility workers were unsuccessful. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man passed away. Doctors are now working to save the life of the second casualty.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 6:37 AM
The Serebryanske Forest:
Hunting down Russian drone crews in the Serebryanske Forest — Ukrainian fighters of SIGNUM Battalion, 53rd Brigade, are methodically eliminating Russian UAV operators, per DeepState.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Russian occupied Crimea:
Russian fighters in Crimea are repelling an attack by Ukrainian drones this morning.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Oryol Oblast, Russia:
Frst footages from the crash site of Russian military Mi-8 helicopter in the Oryol region. The crew of 3 people is reported to have died.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
Ukrainian women’s teams SeaSters and Vorskla took the field with puppies in tow—teaming up with Club Hvostiki to help rescue dogs find homes.
A heartwarming kickoff with a purpose.
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) May 19, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Open thread!
Adam L Silverman
I’m deep fried and exhausted. I’m gonna get cleaned up and rack out. I will try to check back in later.
Everyone is most welcome.
rekoob
Since I’m among the first, I’ll simply say thank you again for your hard work and consistency. Bearing witness to all of this is important, as the Blogfather and others have said. We, in turn, bear witness to your efforts and appreciate your memorializing this moment in history.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
According to Anders Puck Nielsen the whole of the War In Ukraine is devoted to the almost ” mystical ” idea of Russia as a Great Power. I can’t remember correctly, but I think you said something like that. You have on multiple occasions, said that, the Murder Goblin is NOT insane, that he has constructed a reality within which all his actions make perfect sense. I hope I have that right. I would really like to know your thoughts on this. In the meantime…
Thank you Adam. I hope the long weekend finally gives you a chance to catch some rest.😴
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Oh, and Lavrov is back to claiming that the current government of Ukraine is illegitimate for various reasons. 🙄 How tedious.
wjca
Taking out drone operators is vital. Ideally, being a Russian drone operator should be as deadly as being a meat cube at the front. Except without the chance to become a POW.
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
ceece
I am very happy to see the Azovstal defenders returned in the latest prisoner swap. I was afraid that they were never going to be exchanged.
thanks Adam, for your hard work on these updates.
columbusqueen
OT: Pelosi is claiming that Rahm Emanuel will run for POTUS in ’28. Am I the only one who wants to throw up at that prospect? If he does he can eat a bag of salty dicks.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
columbusqueen
@Jay: Yes, Adam, thank you for all of your hard work. This can’t be easy to keep dealing with.
sab
@columbusqueen: I can’t imagine that he will succeed.
tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)
Thank you, Adam.
wjca
How many thought that Trump would succeed in 2016?