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War for Ukraine Day 1,158: The Conditionally Unconditional Ceasefire

by Adam L Silverman| April 27, 202510:09 pm| 13 Comments

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

Here’s Ukraine’s air defense tally from last night:

Reasonably heavy attack by Russia on Ukraine overnight with Shahed flying-bomb drones: of 149 launched, 57 shot-down, 67 jammed/crashed/lost. A further 25 presumably reached targets – air force reports damage in Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Donetsk, Sumy and Cherkasy oblasts.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 2:20 AM

Air force report:

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 2:21 AM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is not in Putin’s inner circle and serves to basically use Russia’s diplomatic power as a weapon, made an appearance on one of the Sunday shows this morning. He had thoughts.

LAVROV: Why don’t you ask me about President Trump’s position on Crimea?

BRENNAN: You like what President Trump said about Crimea when he said that it has been under Russian control since 2014?

L: It’s not about liking or disliking. It’s about the fact that he said the truth…this is a done deal

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 27, 2025 at 11:06 AM

I didn’t say they were good thoughts. Including those about the “unconditional” ceasefire:

Lavrov dodges straight questions on a Ukraine ceasefire, falling back on tired talking points: “You want a truce just to keep arming Ukraine? Kallas and Rutte say they’ll only back a deal that strengthens Ukraine,” сlaiming the goal isn’t peace but “Ukraine’s victory.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 12:48 PM

Russia is willing to agree to an “unconditional” ceasefire if weapons shipments to Ukraine stop and if the ceasefire isn’t used to strengthen Ukraine’s military- Lavrov said.

Conditional “unconditional” ceasefire. What a clown 🤡

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 12:57 PM

The Kremlin will keep putting forth completely unacceptable demands in order to make it seem Ukraine is to blame for a lack of progress in the “peace process.”

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM

SoinCO asked the following question this morning:

If tRump is such a good deal maker, why hasn’t he responded to putin’s aggressions by resuming arms deliveries to Ukraine?

The simple answer is he doesn’t want to. As far as he is concerned sending anything to Ukraine without getting something in return makes him and the US, but especially him, a loser because he’s not getting more about the deal.

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

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We Are Keeping Our Positions Strong So That We Have Every Opportunity for Proper Diplomacy – Address by the President

27 April 2025 – 21:24

Dear Ukrainians!

Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi already delivered several reports on the frontline situation. Our military continues to operate in the Kursk and Belgorod regions – we maintain our presence in Russia. Pokrovsk, all other directions in the Donetsk region – I want to thank our warriors for resilience. Incredible job! Particularly good results have been achieved by the 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard in the Pokrovsk direction. We are keeping our positions strong so that we have every opportunity for proper diplomacy.

The Russians talk a lot about their alleged readiness to accept American proposals, but so far, there have been no signs of the Russian army preparing for real silence. On the contrary, since Easter, the occupier has resumed its usual assault activity – of course, at the cost of significant losses, the Russians are trying to advance. And every day of such battles at the front proves that Russia is really trying to deceive the world – to deceive America and others – and to further prolong this war. And that is why we need pressure. Pressure is indispensable to make the Russians take all the steps – whatever is necessary to stop the war. Yesterday’s meetings in the Vatican and Rome confirmed that our partners understand what is happening. Ukraine is ready to move as swiftly as possible in diplomacy. 47 days ago, we agreed to the American proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, and later we made our own proposals to the Russians to stop striking civilian objects – at least that. But in Moscow, they are responding with Shaheds, missiles, artillery, and new assaults. A proper response from the world is needed – a response with new sanctions and even greater pressure. Of course, it is America that can take the most tangible steps – tangible for Russia.

Just overnight, the Russians launched nearly 150 attack drones against Ukraine. Since March 11 – when America proposed a full and unconditional ceasefire during negotiations in Saudi Arabia – the Russians have used nearly eight and a half thousand aerial bombs, almost two hundred missiles of various types, and nearly three thousand Shaheds. The overwhelming majority of them have been aimed at ordinary cities – at civilian targets. This must be stopped. Russia must halt its strikes – unconditionally. I thank everyone around the world who is helping us in this – who is helping to make diplomacy strong. And today, I want to especially recognize our Ukrainian rescuers personally – the entire team of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, all utility services involved, and the National Police of Ukraine. I thank everyone who saves lives every single day. Thousands of people across our country are working to provide help as quickly as possible – to save as many lives as possible. I would like to specifically recognize the rescuers from Kyiv and the Kyiv region who worked this week following the Russian strike. Oleksandr Bobko, Oleksandr Kravchuk, Hennadii Petrivskyi, Yurii Shpak – employees of the 10th State Fire and Rescue Unit – I want to thank you all! Oleksandr Voronevych, Ruslan Kravchenko, Oleh Rybalko, and Oleksandr Ukhatenko – the 18th State Fire and Rescue Unit – thank you very much! Employees of the Mobile Rescue Center for Rapid Response of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine – Ivan Miroshnychenko, Ivan Koval, Oleksandr Shylo, Anatolii Shcherbyna, Mykhailo Kudrenko, Ihor Lytvynenko, Dmytro Khoroshok – thank you! Also, employees of the Special-Purpose Emergency Rescue Unit from the Kyiv region – Denys Tkachenko, Oleksandr Mykoda, and Ivan Robul – thank you! The men from the Cherkasy region – also employees of the Emergency Rescue Unit who assisted here in Kyiv – Vadym Buhai, Oleh Herezha, Andrii Panteleiev – thank you! I thank everyone who is working for our people! I thank all of you – everyone who is defending Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 151

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM

“The people will prevail! Strength is in unity! Fire to the oligarchy!” 🔥

After a successful demo yesterday marking 150 consecutive days of protest, the mood on Rustaveli Avenue feels more hopeful today.

Day 151 — our main avenue remains blocked.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM

On January 14, Batumi City Court jailed Mzia Amaglobeli, CEO of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, for slapping a police chief. She faces 4–7 years in prison, while no one has been held accountable for violent police attacks on journalists and civilians.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) April 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM

JUST IN: pro-Russian “Solidarity for Peace” party (that no one has even heard of in Georgia) officially demands from the Prosecution to launch criminal investigation against the legitimate President Zourabichvili and former Ombudsman Ucha Nanuashvili over “criminal attempts at regime change.” 1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

They base accusation on Russian ORT broadcasting of a brief conversation between Russian pranksters with Zourabichvili and Nanuashvili. The pranksters presented themselves as the Ukrainian ex-President Poroshenko and Russian opposition figure Garry Kasparov, in addition to Rep. Joe Wilson’s reps. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

In the conversation, the President stated that since the closure of USAID and slow European action in terms of transferring promised funds to civil society instead of state institutions, the democratic camp has been starved. 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

Surprise surprise, cracking down on any and all funds of CSOs (because it depends vitally on foreign aid since there’s basically no local independent money) starves CSOs and the democratic camp! Who would have thought?! Certainly not the illegitimate regime that adopted such laws! 4/4.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

The US:

“This week is going to be a very important week, in which we will have to make a determination about whether this is an endeavor we want to continue to be involved in, or if it is time to focus on some other issues that are equally, if not more, important”- Rubio about Ukraine.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 9:32 AM

You didn’t do anything yet. You had no time to do anything meaningful whatsoever🤦‍♀️

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 9:32 AM

Make an effort!

Is he ok

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— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 8:54 AM

No, no he is definitely not okay.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 The U.S.-Ukraine natural resources deal will be finalized, said advisor Mike Waltz. He noted that Secretary Bessent and President Trump have been working hard to close the agreement, and that Trump is fully committed to getting it done.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM

Again, there is no deal here. There is a list of demands from the US that the Ukrainians are not, because they cannot, going to agree to. If something does actually get done, it is not going to look anything like the proposal that Trump and his team have put forward.

Back to Ukraine.

I agree with Minna…she’s smart and she’s right. Ukraine should not take a bad deal that doesnt meet their interests. They are actually winning on the battlefield, according to SACEUR Cavoli’s testimony in front of HASC and SASC…and the Russians will never live up to any agreement unless compelled.

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— Ben Hodges (@general-ben.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 6:53 AM

The author of the essay in The Times is Professor Mark Galeotti: (emphasis mine)

Has Donald Trump finally had an epiphany about Vladimir Putin’s appetite for peace, appropriately at the Vatican? His social media post, after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky, that the Russian leader “maybe doesn’t want to stop the war” but instead is “just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently”, offers Ukraine some hope that he might modify the proposed deal he had previously said was “set in stone”. In the past, though, such moments of clarity have been brief and quickly forgotten, so for now Kyiv must still grapple with the implications of that ultimatum.

The deal is a terrible one, at odds with both international law and basic decency. But it may yet prove impossible for Ukraine or its other western allies to improve the terms as long as Trump remains in the White House. For all their courage, Ukrainians cannot afford to fight for another three years and nine months without America’s backing. As even Vitali Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion who is now mayor of Kyiv, admitted last week, the “painful solution” of trading land for an end to the fighting is “not fair” but may now be necessary.

The peace plan has not publicly been detailed, but its terms are clear. It envisages an immediate ceasefire and the start of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine would be barred from joining Nato and would sign the planned minerals and infrastructure deal with Washington. Meanwhile, America would formally accept Russian sovereignty over annexed Crimea, and informally recognise its control over the other occupied territories. The US would also lift its sanctions on Moscow, although there may be an immediate “snap back” in case of renewed Russian aggression.

It will be immensely hard for Ukraine to accept terms so generous to the invader. Perhaps half a million dead and wounded across the military and civilian population; some 20,000 forcibly abducted children; ten million refugees, of whom seven million have fled the country; £135 billion in damage to the nation’s infrastructure. These figures represent a terrible toll that cannot be overlooked.

There are of course grounds to worry that, if accepted, this deal will only embolden Putin, just as the West’s acquiescence to Russian gains following his 2008 invasion of Georgia and his 2014 seizure of Crimea encouraged him to take the biggest gamble of his rule and mount a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is also possible that Beijing would see the Kremlin essentially being rewarded for seizing part of another sovereign nation and regard it as licence to take Taiwan.

These are arguments against the current peace terms that it is for America and its European partners to consider. But Ukraine, locked in an existential struggle for survival, does not have the luxury of worrying about other’s countries’ fates.

Would such a deal mean the end of Zelensky’s political career? Even if many Ukrainians want peace — polls suggest that half may be willing to consider a peace-for-land swap — they may make him the scapegoat for their understandable anger. If the deal is accepted, it might well become the last service that this extraordinary wartime president undertakes for his nation.

The immediate response from many Ukrainians and their supporters abroad is that the country can and must fight on. This is certainly an option: the Ukrainians have demonstrated extraordinary fortitude in this war.

However, the Trump administration has so far seemed determined to wash its hands of the whole situation if Kyiv rejects this latest version of the deal. A reported counter-proposal in which the US would provide firm security guarantees for Ukraine seems a non-starter.

More at the link.

First, as I’ve stated here repeatedly, whatever the Ukrainians decide they have to do, is what they should do. Second, I’m not really sure Professor Galeotti is really grappling with his own statements of fact. There is no doubt that Putin will not abide by the accord as he has never abided by any of the other one’s he as the leader of Russia and Russia itself have agreed to. If the recording is correct, what Trump and his team envision as a deal is that Russia gets rewarded for genocidally re-invading Ukraine, committing hundreds if not thousands of war crimes, while Ukraine just has to live with it. It isn’t that such a “deal” isn’t fair, it is also not necessary.

The Ukrainians seem to be far more aware of the actual reality than Professor Galeotti is:

Ukraine is nowhere near real negotiations to end the war — we are at the same point as last fall, says former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

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— NOELREPORTS (@noelreports.com) April 27, 2025 at 2:21 AM

Even Tory Party leader Badenoch, who seems to be a gibbering bigoted ignoramus on a good day, seems to get it:

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch: “Ukraine fights for all of Europe. Russia isn’t an ally—Ukraine is. We must preserve its territorial integrity, support it with US help.” She added that a peace deal with territorial loss is just a “reward for Putin’s aggression.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:40 AM

Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:

In Kupyansk, Kharkiv region, the Russian army targeted a civilian car with a drone, injuring a local doctor.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:21 AM

Russians launched around 10 glide bombs on the Kupiansk districts of the Kharkiv region overnight, killing one person and injuring four others.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 7:26 AM

Sumy Oblast:

Ouch!

A Russian assault group on quad bikes simultaneously drives over mines while attempting to attack Ukrainian positions.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM

I’m sure that’ll buff right out.

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Ukrainian scouts from the 92nd Assault Brigade, using a Shark UAV, detected an enemy logistics base and coordinated a devastating artillery strike on it, likely on the Kursk front.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 3:18 AM

Per DeepState, fighting in Kursk continues this morning, despite Russian leadership’s claims of “liberating” the region. The enemy remains active near Gornal and Oleshnya, the last villages under Ukrainian control.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 2:32 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.

🐿🇺🇦 Come down my darling, I’ve brought you some food.
Don’t worry! You’re safe! 🫂

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 27, 2025 at 10:25 AM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,158: The Conditionally Unconditional CeasefirePost + Comments (13)

War for Ukraine Day 1,157: A Meeting of Some Minds

by Adam L Silverman| April 26, 20259:45 pm| 34 Comments

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

Air raid alerts for drone swarms are up for all of eastern and most of central Ukraine as of 8:35 PM EDT/3:30 AM local time in Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy traveled to Rome and Vatican City today for Pope Francis’s funeral. While there he had a few bilateral engagements on the sidelines.

“Applause broke out when Zelenskyy, dressed in the black military-style garb that has become his wartime staple, stepped into St Peter’s Square.”
on.ft.com/4jrVruR

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) April 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM

Some clearly important diplomacy happening in Rome/Vatican City this morning

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— Mujtaba Rahman (@mijrahman.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 8:51 AM

“You did a horrible job” Vs. “Bonjour, mon ami!”

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Don’t just watch this from an American point of view and our handshaking culture.

The French shake EVERYONE’S hands. ALWAYS. In contexts where we don’t.

So for Macron to skip it is wow…

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— Cathy Gellis (@cathygellis.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 11:21 AM

Zelenskyy and von der Leyen discussed Ukraine’s EU accession steps in Rome. “Europe will always stand by Ukraine in its pursuit of peace. You can count on our support for a just and lasting peace,” von der Leyen wrote on X. She added they reviewed Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU family of nations.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Zelenskyy on his Trump meeting to journalists: “We discussed very sensitive issues and the results of the London talks, but I’d prefer not to go into details.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 8:41 AM

Trump after meeting Zelensky in Rome:
“[T]here was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities… It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?””

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) April 26, 2025 at 9:51 AM

Obligatory:

Last night, way2blue asked:

Tonight’s sparked a couple questions about Trump’s ‘negotiating strategy’:

I will remind everyone that there is no deal to sign.

Is the purpose of Trump saying a deal is close—to simply set the narrative that his failure to end the war is Zelenskyy’s fault? And when Trump say Ukraine will never join NATO—how does he have any say—given the U.S. is slow walking away from it’s NATO commitments?

Let’s take these in order:

Is the purpose of Trump saying a deal is close—to simply set the narrative that his failure to end the war is Zelenskyy’s fault? I think there’s two things going on here. The first is that Trump has been a lifelong adherent to Norman Vincent Peale’s power of positive thinking. That boils down to him believing he can simply conjure his successfully achieving his objectives out of thin air by willing them into being and relentlessly asserting he’s succeeding. Of course when he doesn’t succeed, he then places the blame on everyone but himself and/or asserts that he actually was successful. I would expect that he’s decided that Zelenskyy and all Ukrainians will be quite appropriate to blame.
And when Trump say Ukraine will never join NATO—how does he have any say—given the U.S. is slow walking away from it’s NATO commitments? NATO ascension requires unanimous consent of all members. Which is why Orban has been stating he’ll block Ukrainian joining NATO for three years now. This is, of course, Russia’s position and part of Putin’s and Russia’s list of grievances against the US and NATO. Which is that the US expanded NATO into the states that had freed themselves from Russia’s control and orbit at the fall of the Soviet Union, thereby depriving Russia of its historic near abroad and sphere of influence as the successor state to both the Soviet Union and imperial Russia. Orban’s adopting this position is especially rich as Hungary is one of those states that Russia still claims it should hold sway over. I’ve written here before that once this war is over, NATO will need Ukraine as much, if not more than Ukraine needs NATO. Whether Trump is still president by then or even if he’s not he’s pulled the US out of NATO are things we’ll have to wait and see on.

As I’m sure you’ve surmised, President Zelenskyy did not make an address today because he was traveling for Pope Francis’s funeral.

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Georgia:

🟥Day 150 – Tbilisi, #GeorgiaProtests

📢The “Freedom March” arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office, demanding the resignation of the “illegitimate government” of Georgian Dream and the release of political prisoners.
Police are mobilized in the area.
#Georgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) April 26, 2025 at 9:05 AM

Rustaveli is blocked again.

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 150

📸Tako Tolordava

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM

Today’s “Step down, illegitimate regime!” march also focused on retribution against the corrupt judiciary, prosecution, false witnesses, etc., and asked for more targeted international sanctions against them.

We need systemic changes.

Day 150 of #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM

🔴 On the 150th consecutive day of the #GeorgiaProtests, the “Freedom March” is heading to the General Prosecutor’s Office in Tbilisi with the call: “The illegitimate government must resign.”

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) April 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM

73-year-old Mzisa Gabeshia has been protesting the Georgian Dream’s pro-Russian decisions alone for 150 days in the small town of Martvili.

#GeorgiaProtests

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 1:50 PM

Day 150. Gathering for the routine protest after a big day.

We simply will not stop – because we cannot stop.

You can help us whatever costs can be avoided by targeted sanctions, regime non-cooperation, and calls for new, free and fair Parliamentary elections.

#GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 2:21 PM

“Freedom for the regime’s prisoners” — protest in the Tbilisi metro

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 150

📸 Rusudan Jakeli

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 11:31 AM

Day 150.

“The illegitimate regime must step down” march.

#GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM

“Freedom March” — On the 150th day of continuous protests, citizens’ demand is clear: “The illegitimate government must resign.”

Photo: Nino Kikvadze/Publika

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 150

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 7:29 AM

And seem to be on the track of outright wanting the Georgian Dream gone rather than them even taking part in a new, free and fair elections.

But it’s a process, let’s see.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 10:17 AM

The EU flag waves in front of the statue of King David the Builder — one of Georgia’s greatest leaders, known for uniting the country, defending its independence, and leading sweeping reforms that strengthened the state.

Day 150 of daily protests in Georgia. 🇬🇪🇪🇺

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 10:06 AM

The 5th President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Both traveled to the Vatican to attend the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis.

Mikheil Kavelashvili, representing GD, is also in the Vatican; however, his photos have not been released yet.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 4:50 AM

Back to Ukraine:

The monthly production of the Ukrainian 155mm 2S22 Bohdana wheeled self-propelled howitzer has reached 36 units. militarnyi.com/uk/news/vyro…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 8:40 AM

Watch the story of an 18-year-old girl who escaped Russian occupation.

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— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) April 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM

Chornobyl:

🙏 Today is April 26, the day of remembrance of the Chernobyl tragedy.
We bow before the heroic deeds of the liquidators. Bright memories to those who lost their lives and condolences to all whose lives have been changed forever.
Picture: Marina Sochenko – “Tears of Chernobyl”.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM

HBO made Chornobyl’s tragedy known.

But it’s really the story of hundreds of thousands of lives — stories we must remember so history never repeats.

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— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) April 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Chief of the General Staff, Gerasimov, while reporting to Putin, said: “I would like to specifically highlight the participation of servicemen from the DPRK in the liberation of the border areas of the Kursk region.”
Something long known but often denied by pro-Russian shills

ria.ru/20250426/kur…

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Russia has for the first time admitted North Korean fighters are battling on their side. The Russian General Staff praised the “high professionalism” of North Korean assault meat in Kursk. Previously, the Kremlin dismissed reports of their involvement as fake.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 9:08 AM

The Kremlin today claimed that all Ukrainian troops had been pushed out of Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine literally called “bullshit.”

Also, Russia confirmed for the first time the role of North Korean soldiers in the fighting.

Story w/ @maxseddon.bsky.social: www.ft.com/content/7107…

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) April 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM

From The Financial Times:

The Kremlin has claimed that all Ukrainian troops have been pushed out of Russia’s Kursk region and for the first time confirmed the role of North Korean soldiers in the fighting, as Donald Trump questioned Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war.

Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported on Saturday to President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine’s forces inside Kursk had been repelled, nine months after their surprise incursion — which was the first by a foreign army into Russian territory since the second world war. Gerasimov claimed Ukraine had suffered “huge losses”.

“The Kyiv regime’s adventure has completely failed,” Putin said in a carefully orchestrated video meeting that aired on state television.

A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Putin’s claim was “bullshit”. The official insisted that Kyiv’s forces still held ground in the Kursk region, although the amount of territory it controlled had fallen to about 30 sq km from the roughly 1,300 sq km it captured in August.

The Kremlin made the claim as Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met briefly at the Vatican before the funeral of Pope Francis. It was the first time they had seen each other in person since their explosive meeting in the Oval Office in February.

Trump said that Russia and Ukraine were “very close” to agreeing a deal after his special envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow on Friday for a fourth round of talks.

But on Saturday in a post on Truth Social after meeting Zelenskyy, the US president questioned Putin’s willingness to end the war. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns over the last few days,” he wrote.

“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!”

Putin struck a defiant note on Saturday. “The complete defeat of the enemy in the Kursk border area creates conditions for further successful actions by our troops in other important areas of the front,” he told Gerasimov.

Gerasimov praised the North Korean troops for their bravery, saying they fought “shoulder to shoulder” with their Russian comrades. More than 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to the region, according to the Ukrainian, South Korean and American governments. Moscow had not previously officially acknowledged their presence.

Ukraine’s General Staff said Russia’s claims “do not correspond to reality”, calling them “a propaganda ploy” and “wishful thinking”.

It said its “defensive operation . . . in certain areas in the Kursk region continues”. “The operational situation is difficult, but our units continue to hold certain positions and carry out assigned tasks, while inflicting effective fire damage on the enemy from all types of weapons, including active defence tactics.”

It said that five enemy assaults had been repelled and that another battle was under way, adding that there was no threat of encirclement of its units, which also remain present in Russia’s neighbouring Belgorod region. That operation is small in comparison to Kursk, however; Zelenskyy has said the goal is to create a “buffer zone” to prevent future Russian assaults from the region.

More at the link.

Derhachi, Kharkiv Oblast:

An enterprise in Derhachi, Kharkiv region was attacked by russian drones.

As a result of the strikes, two employees were injured and hospitalized. 4 drones struck it in 20 minutes.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 7:04 AM

Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast:

Video of russian drone hitting a house in Bila Tserkva.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 6:20 AM

The Donetsk front:

Looks like the anti-drone accessory didn’t help the Russians with their assault. Ukrainian forces destroyed this engineering gimmick faster than it could spread online. Donetsk front.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 26, 2025 at 12:19 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material:

He is the mascot of his brothers, bringing good luck: he warms the warriors on cold nights, purrs during lulls, and is the first to hear the hum of enemy drones, signaling action. Indestructible, like the spirit of the AFU, and loyal, like the heart of Ukraine 💙💛

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,157: A Meeting of Some MindsPost + Comments (34)

JD Vance Is the Worst Kind of American Tourist

by Rose Judson| April 26, 20251:42 pm| 286 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Open Threads, Assholes

Any decent, well-mannered American who travels abroad probably crosses paths with a Stars-and-Stripes Stereotype now and then: a fellow American on holiday making an ass of themselves. I once saw an American guy shaking with rage at an airport counter in Charles De Gaulle. All our flights had been upended by a transport strike, and he was DEMANDING that he be seated in business class, as per his original ticket. “I am an AMERICAN and we don’t care about your little SOCIALIST COUNTRY,” he said. “I have RIGHTS as a CUSTOMER.”

There are the idiots, like the woman I heard insisting that the place we were both visiting—Conwy Castle, in Wales—was a copy of the original, because there was no way the original would still be standing, as “no buildings last more than 400 years.” There are also the people visiting small towns where English isn’t spoken trying to communicate with locals by speaking English LOUDLY AND SLOWLY. (And in the interest of fairness, I’ll note that I’ve also seen a lot of similar behaviour from Brits in Europe. Must be something about faded empires run by white guys.)

These people are all pikers compared to our heinous douchecanoe of a vice president. Per the Times of London, “JD Vance and His Forty 4x4s Visit the Vatican During Trip to Rome” (that’s an archive.is link; there’s no paywall):

A trip to the Sistine Chapel is near the top of the bucket list for most Americans making their first trip to Rome. Few visitors are able to do so in such grand style as JD Vance, who turned up at the Vatican on Saturday aboard a traffic-clogging motorcade of 40 black 4x4s. . . .

He was accompanied to the Vatican by his wife, Usha, and their three young children. The second family was then given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Later Usha enjoyed an evening visit to the Colosseum — which her husband had also been scheduled to attend before a last-minute change of plan — where she was given a personal tour of the arena, famous for its gladiatorial combats and naval battles, by Alfonsina Russo, the director.

Lesser mortals unlucky enough to have booked their own visit had to make do with a refund — but not all of them had got the message. There were chaotic scenes as some would-be visitors tried to open the gates surrounding the building, while others climbed over the fences, ticket in hand, trying to force their way in. Some chanted “shame” or anti-American slogans when they learnt the reason for the closure, Italian media reported.

Haven’t any of those angry tourists heard that Vance doesn’t care about due process? It is grimly amusing that one of the people cheated of their visit by Vance was a MAGAt. His take is quite a thing to behold:

Among the disappointed was Stephen Fishler, 58, a businessman from New York who arrived with his family in good time for his 6pm slot, but was turned away without explanation. “What does he think he is, special?” complained Fishler, himself a Trump voter. “JD should have waited until the Americans who had tickets had their visit and then gone in.” His wife, Anila, tried to calm him down and blamed the Italians.

Screw tourists from any other country, obviously: the Americans deserved special treatment.

I despair. Open thread, though I hope those of you who have visited or lived abroad will vent about the idiot American tourists you’ve encountered.

JD Vance Is the Worst Kind of American TouristPost + Comments (286)

War for Ukraine Day 1,156: A Brief Friday Night Update

by Adam L Silverman| April 25, 20259:25 pm| 8 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

It’s been a long, but good week. And I know with the news today it was a long day for many, so I’m just going to run through the basics tonight.

At 8:15 PM EDT/3:15 PM local time in Ukraine, air raid warnings for drone swarms are up over all of eastern and parts of central Ukraine.

Kyiv mourns 12 killed in violent Russian attack. Largest flag lowered in their memory

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:34 AM

President Zelenskyy visited the site of the Russian missile attack on Kyiv to pay his respects to those killed and wounded.

At the site of a Russian ballistic missile strike in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored the memory of those killed and received a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs.

The Head of State laid flowers at the wall of the residential building destroyed as a result of the massive Russian attack on the night of April 24. This attack claimed the lives of 12 people. Among the victims was a married couple and their 17-year-old son; their 14-year-old daughter is currently in the hospital.

“First and foremost, I would like to once again express condolences personally and, I am sure, on behalf of all our people. Sadly, for the tragic losses. For such a horrific strike by the Russian aggressor against our people, against our civilians,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the rescuers, police officers, and all those who assisted the victims and responded to the consequences of the strike.

The memory of Ukrainians killed by Russia was also honored by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland Thomas Byrne, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Sigitas Mitkus, 65 ambassadors of foreign states and international organizations, representatives of the Office of the President, and Government officials.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their support of Ukraine and their solidarity with Ukrainian citizens.

“Your presence here is a sign of great respect for the Ukrainian people, for this struggle for life,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported to the President that the emergency search-and-rescue operations at the site of the tragedy were only completed this morning, and emergency recovery efforts are currently underway. According to him, 87 people were injured, including 10 children and 25 elderly people. More than 30 of the injured remain in hospitals, some with serious wounds and amputations.

In total, 51 apartment buildings and several non-residential structures were affected by this massive Russian missile strike.

“We have received statements from every resident of this neighborhood. The military administration and local authorities have already begun the relocation of these people,” the Minister noted.

The commemoration was attended by Ambassadors of Australia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Vietnam, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Indonesia, Ireland, China, Korea, Lithuania, Libya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Hungary, Finland, Croatia, Montenegro, Sweden, Japan, as well as Chargé d’Affaires of Austria, Algeria, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, Spain, Italy, Canada, Germany, Palestine, South Africa, North Macedonia, Slovakia, the United States, Sudan, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, the Deputy Head of the Polish Mission, and heads of missions of GUAM, EUAM, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, the EU Humanitarian Aid Office, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, UNHCR, UNICEF, the EU, NATO, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, and the International Organization for Migration.

In front of foreign ambassadors at the site of Russian missile attack, Zelensky outlines Ukraine’s position on peace plan: these are temporarily occupied territories — talks can begin only after full unconditional ceasefire.

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM

President Zelenskyy agrees with Trump that Ukraine lacks the weapons for a military retake of Crimea, but other levers of influence exist. He stresses Ukraine is open to any talks in any format, but only after a genuine, unconditional ceasefire.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 12:54 PM

Zelenskyy stated Ukraine will never recognize occupied territories as Russian. Only Ukrainians define their land within constitutional, internationally recognized borders. Per the Constitution, all occupied territories remain Ukraine’s and will never be legally ceded.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM

Here is his address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

show full post on front page

In the Coming Days, Very Significant Meetings May Take Place That Should Bring Us Closer to Silence for Ukraine – Address by the President

25 April 2025 – 21:06

Dear Ukrainians!

I have just held a Staff meeting. Today, there was also a separate report from the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. The top priority today is air defense. Securing air defense systems for Ukraine, and missile supplies for them. Our agreements with our partners. Contracts. Our readiness to produce air defense systems in Ukraine, and negotiations regarding licensing. There were reports from the military and government officials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with specific responsibilities. We will seek to reach a corresponding agreement with the United States as well — an agreement on Patriots for Ukraine. We are ready to purchase the necessary number of Patriot systems for our country. This is not about charity. We have proposed concrete deal options to protect our people. I have instructed our diplomats to work more actively toward a response on Patriots.

Today, together with diplomatic representatives of the states and international organizations operating in Ukraine, we visited the site of the ballistic missile strike in Kyiv. The very place where the explosion of the missile claimed the lives of 12 of our people. My sincere condolences. Ordinary apartment buildings were destroyed. The rescue operation was completed only recently. More than 50 embassy representatives were present at the site, along with 11 representatives of international organizations. Together, we honored the memory of the fallen. All the diplomats saw with their own eyes whom Russia is targeting with its ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles they are receiving from North Korea. I am grateful to all the states that stand with Ukraine in such circumstances, in such moments: Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific region, North America — I want to thank all our partners for their support at this time. I also thank all the international organizations that are helping us, that are helping our state and supporting Ukrainians. And I want to express separate gratitude to all journalists — both Ukrainian and foreign, every blogger, podcaster, everyone who is spreading the truth around the world about what is happening here in Ukraine, and about how much we need peace.

In the coming days, very significant meetings may take place — meetings that should bring us closer to silence for Ukraine. An unconditional ceasefire is needed. Real pressure on Russia is needed so that they accept either the American proposal to cease fire and move towards peace, or our proposal — whichever one can truly work and ensure a reliable, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, and then — a dignified peace and security guarantees. Diplomacy must succeed. And we are doing everything to make diplomacy truly meaningful and finally effective. Finally.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

On the 149th consecutive day, Rustaveli avenue is blocked.

Here, we read out the names of our 50+ political prisoners and, as always, express solidarity with Ukraine. 🇬🇪🇺🇦

Keep an eye on us for a big rally tomorrow for the 150th day of daily protests.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 2:03 PM

1/ Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) reports that during their monitoring, 10 protesters detained on criminal charges said they were mistreated—either during transport or at the police station.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

2/ Those who reported this include: Saba Skhvitaridze, Revaz Kiknadze, Nikoloz Katsia, Anatoli Gigauri, Davit Khomeriki, Davit Lomidze, Temur Zasokhashvili, Archil Museliani, Anastasia Zinovkina, and Mzia Amaghlobeli.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

3/ Context: On November 28, 2024, Georgian Dream announced its decision to suspend Georgia’s EU accession process until 2028.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

4/ A few hours later, tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the parliament building to protest. In response, the police forcibly dispersed the protest and brutally beat dozens of demonstrators. Some required medical treatment and remained in the hospital for days.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

5/ In the following days, even more people took to the streets. They were protesting not only the Georgian Dream’s decision but also the physical violence against civilians and the disproportionate use of force by the state.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

6/ The protests and clashes between the police and demonstrators intensified over several days. Soon after, the police began arresting protesters, not just at the demonstrations, but also in the streets and in their homes.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 6:01 AM

🟥Irakli Garibashvili said he will continue his work in the private sector. He also did not rule out a return to politics.

🗣️“I remain a loyal soldier of both Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili’s team and our country,” Garibashvili said.

🧷 netgazeti.ge/news/772218/

#Georgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) April 25, 2025 at 4:29 AM

1/ Irakli Garibashvili, Chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, resigned from politics today, citing his belief that he is no longer fit for the role. The move comes amid rumors of a rift with GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. #GeorgiaProtests

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— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

2/ In a lengthy speech, Garibashvili thanked Ivanishvili, reaffirming his loyalty to him and GD. He stated he had done all he could, claiming the party is “stronger than ever,” despite Georgia’s ongoing political crisis following the disputed October 2024 elections.

— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

3/ Garibashvili, a long-time Ivanishvili ally since before entering politics, served as Prime Minister twice (2013–2015, 2021–2023) and as Defense Minister in between. Ivanishvili once said Garibashvili “never needs to be told anything twice,” reflecting his deep loyalty.

— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

4/ However, after GD’s post-election fallout and U.S. sanctions on Ivanishvili in December 2024, Garibashvili appeared to distance himself. Sources suggest he may have been protecting his son, who studies at Princeton University in the U.S., from potential repercussions.

— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

5/ Rumors indicate Garibashvili’s lack of sanctions—while Baltic States and the U.S. have targeted most of Ivanishvili’s inner circle—caused tensions within GD. Ivanishvili, known for his mistrust, reportedly grew wary, fueling speculation of internal conflict.

— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

6/ Garibashvili’s exit marks another shake-up in GD amid a deepening crisis. Protests, ongoing since October 2024, demand new elections. The party faces growing international pressure over democratic backsliding.

— 64 Project (@64project.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:30 AM

Georgian politics just lost a giant. I don’t know how we survive this blow.

But for real, some interesting stuff on likely inner discord in the dictator’s circle, and what it has to do with international sanctions👇🏻

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 5:04 AM

‪On December 11, 2024, when crackdowns and clashes were raging, Garibashvili got hospitalized over arm injuries. It was rumoured that he was beaten by other Georgian Dream representatives while the party maintained he sustained injuries during a workout.‬

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 5:39 AM

The US:

I think Russia and Ukraine are moving forward, but the situation is very fragile, – Trump

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 9:37 AM

Trump complains Ukraine, headed by Zelenskyy, has delayed signing a critical rare earth metals deal with the US for three weeks. “We hope the deal is signed IMMEDIATELY. Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are moving smoothly, success seems near!”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM

I will remind everyone that there is no deal to sign.

Trump: “Crimea will stay with Russia.”

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 25, 2025 at 7:09 PM

The throughline as always is Trump refuses to criticize Putin

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 25, 2025 at 7:08 PM

Trump says the cause of Russia’s war on Ukraine was Ukrainian interest in joining NATO (and not Putin’s invasion)

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 25, 2025 at 7:06 PM

Steve Witkoff met with Putin for 3 hours. “This conversation allowed Russia and the US to bring their positions closer together not just on Ukraine, but on a number of other international issues as well,” said Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser. w/ @maxseddon.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4jQztBI

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) April 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM

From The Financial Times:

Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, met Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday amid the White House’s faltering efforts to broker an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Witkoff met the Russian president for the fourth time this year as part of Washington’s attempt to rebuild relations with Moscow.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, told reporters the three-hour meeting in the Kremlin was “constructive and very useful”, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

“This conversation allowed Russia and the US to bring their positions closer together not just on Ukraine, but on a number of other international issues as well,” he said.

Ushakov said the US and Russia discussed resuming direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv, which have not taken place beyond back channels since the war’s early months.

Ukraine, however, has resisted US pressure to accept a peace deal that legitimises Moscow’s territorial conquests. It says ongoing Russian attacks show the Kremlin is not serious about negotiating, more than three years after Putin ordered the full-scale invasion.

In eastern Ukraine, a Russian drone attack on the city of Pavlohrad overnight killed three people and injured 10 others when one hit an apartment building. An elderly father and his son were killed in the nearby village of Yarova, when a Russian 250kg guided aerial bomb crashed into their home.

In Moscow, a senior Russian military officer was assassinated on Friday morning as Witkoff’s plane approached the capital. Officials said Yaroslav Moskalik, the deputy head of the Russian general staff’s main operations directorate, was killed in a car bombing outside a residential building in Balashikha, an eastern suburb of Moscow.

More at the link.

The son of the deputy head of the CIA was killed in Ukraine while fighting in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. He believed Putin’s speeches and signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry.

Full article: storage.googleapis.com/istories/en/…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM

From Meduza:

Michael Gloss, an American citizen and the son of CIA Deputy Director for Digital Innovation Juliane Gallina Gloss, was killed in Ukraine while fighting in the Russian military last year, the independent outlet iStories reported on Friday. He was 21 years old. Gloss’s father, Larry Gloss, is a U.S. Navy veteran and head of Security Information Systems, a company that develops software for the U.S. Department of Defense. Meduza shares an English-language summary of Gloss’s story.

Michael Gloss joined the Russian army in 2023 after spending several months traveling around the world. According to iStories, he left the U.S. no later than the winter of 2023, dropping out of college. He moved to Italy, then traveled to Israel before being deported. He spent the next few months in Turkey, attending a gathering of the counter-culture group Rainbow Family of Living Light and volunteering in Hatay Province to help with earthquake relief.

A friend of Gloss’s who hosted him in Istanbul told iStories that he “was always talking about doom and gloom — poverty, the collapse of civilizations.” According to the friend, Gloss “was convinced that Western hegemony was coming to an end and that BRICS would take its place.” Another acquaintance in Turkey recalled that Gloss had been watching videos about Palestine and “was very angry” at the United States. “He started thinking about going to Russia. He wanted to fight against the U.S. But I think those conspiracy theory videos really got to him,” the friend said.

Gloss arrived in Russia in August 2023. Before obtaining a visa, he asked people he knew to help him get an official invitation to enter the country. He gave different people varying reasons for the trip, including that he wanted to learn Russian, that he planned to apply for citizenship, and that he had an environmental project he wanted to pursue. According to border control records reviewed by the publication, he crossed into Russia from Georgia on August 12.

Over the next month, Gloss traveled to Vladikavkaz, Taganrog, Volgograd, and Moscow. On September 1, he said his visa would expire in a week, and by September 3, he was looking for places to stay in Vienna and Bratislava. But two days later, on September 5, his name appeared in Russia’s unified military registration system. The address listed was a military enlistment office on Yablochkova Street in Moscow, and his “residence” was listed as medical exam room 302. According to iStories, this address has been previously used by foreigners coming to Moscow to sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry to fight in the war.

In the days that followed, Gloss appeared at the Avangard training center in the Moscow region, according to photos taken at the time. Around then, he created a profile on VKontakte under the name Hamza Ali and joined several groups, including “The Romance of Russian Villages” and “We Are Here from the USSR.” He also shared a video titled “Putin calls for the creation of an independent Palestine,” as well as footage from Israel, accusing Israeli troops of “firing on Israeli civilians” in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023.

After two weeks of training, Gloss’s group — mostly made up of Nepali citizens — was transported by bus to a military unit. He was assigned to the 137th Guards Airborne Regiment (Unit No. 41450) based in Ryazan, iStories found. One of his fellow soldiers said that Gloss “had his own ideas about how he could be useful on the front.” “He studied construction and engineering in college, so all his thoughts were about inventions and innovations,” the soldier said. Gloss was deployed to the front in December 2023. “If I’m not mistaken, after training he was sent to an assault unit,” the soldier added. At the time, the 137th Regiment was operating northwest of Soledar in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

Michael Gloss was killed on April 4, 2024 according to an obituary published by his family, which did not mention that his death occurred in Ukraine. That same day, a Telegram channel linked to the 106th Airborne Division — which the Ryazan regiment belongs to — reported that the unit was carrying out an offensive near the villages of Rozdolivka and Vesele in the Donetsk region. The exact circumstances of Gloss’s death remain unknown. His funeral took place in the U.S. eight months later, on December 21, 2024. A friend of Gloss’s from the Rainbow Family gathering said she spoke with his sister, who told her the Russian authorities had contacted the family and informed them that Gloss had died in Ukraine.

According to a member of the Rainbow Family, Gloss said he joined the Russian army to obtain citizenship, not to fight. A fellow soldier from his unit in Ryazan said Gloss “was a passionate supporter of Russia and loved it,” but that during the war, “he had no intention of picking up a weapon.” None of Gloss’s family members responded to iStories’s request for comment.

I’m sorry, what now?

Back to Ukraine.

I hadn’t realised there was a former Tory MP serving in Ukraine’s armed forces.
www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/a…

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— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 4:41 PM

From The Times:

Ukraine will not have a “stitch-up deal” forced upon it and its armed forces are prepared to carry on fighting without US backing, according to a British former MP turned soldier in Ukraine’s military.

Jack Lopresti, who is serving in the International Legion’s military intelligence unit as well as in a liaison role helping with weapons procurement, said Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal amounted to “appeasement” of a dictator.

On a brief visit to London, he said that Ukraine could continue to fight without US equipment as long as Britain and Europe ramped up their military support.

He said: “They are not going to put up with having a stitch-up deal forced upon them. They are prepared to fight and carry on fighting. The morale is incredibly high; it’s astonishing.

“They are fighting for their existence, for their survival, and they are not going to give up any time soon, even if America withdraws.”

Washington’s proposal is to recognise the Russian annexation of Crimea and Russia’s conquest of a fifth of Ukraine’s territory in the east. Kyiv must also accept that membership of Nato is ruled out indefinitely, and hand over immediate control of Ukraine’s rare earth resources, as well as its oil and gas industries, to a joint fund from which America could profit.

Trump’s administration has already threatened to remove itself from the discussions if the two sides do not agree, raising fears US support for Ukraine could be pulled altogether.

“It’s been our worst nightmare what has transpired,” Lopresti said, wearing a fleece inscribed with “freedom can’t be stopped” in Ukrainian. “I think the deal is pretty disgusting, it’s appeasement.

“It basically says if you are a dictator and you take land and you kill people and commit war crimes and kidnap over 20,000 children, as long as you stay put, eventually you will get something and then you can come back for more.”

Lopresti, 55, a father-of-four, spoke to The Times after coming off the phone to friends in Kyiv. He had called them to check they were safe after a deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Wednesday night.

He travelled to Ukraine early this year to join Ukraine’s equivalent of the Foreign Legion after losing his parliamentary seat in July last year.

More at the link.

Kharkiv:

Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv last night destroyed a civilian enterprise and damaged dozens of homes

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 5:23 AM

Kharkiv after last night’s russian drone attack on the city

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 11:10 AM

Pavlohrad, Dnipretrovsk Oblast:

Pavlohrad. Russia struck an apartment building, killing at least 3 people and injuring 14 others, including 3 children.

It turns out “Vladimir, STOP” isn’t working. What now?

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 5:28 AM

In Pavlohrad, Russians killed a miner named Oleksiy and his 15-year-old daughter, Valeria, when a drone struck their building.

Valeria’s mother is currently in critical condition, and doctors are fighting to save her life.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM

The family had moved to the city from the Donetsk region after the war began, seeking refuge from the shelling.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Kyiv:

Kyiv, Ukraine.

Kids mourn their classmate and friend Danylo, killed in a russian missile attack on the city. They brought his portrait and flowers to his bombed out home.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM

Moscow:

A car belonging to Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik was blown up near Moscow. Russian media reports that he died 👀🔥

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 5:34 AM

Bryansk Oblast, Russia:

🚗💥Car Explosion in Bryansk: Russian Designer of Krasukha EW Systems Killed

Ritikov, a designer of modern Russian EW systems, was the head of the design bureau at the Bryansk Electromechanical Plant.

The explosion took place during the night of April 17-18. But the results become known only now.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 25, 2025 at 9:46 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.

🫡🇺🇦 Easter Sunday in Ukraine—Alex and Shayba.
The holiday is not about what is on the table, but about who is around. It is in the thoughts of those we love. In the memories of home. In children’s smiles and mothers’ hugs.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 20, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,156: A Brief Friday Night UpdatePost + Comments (8)

War for Ukraine Day 1,155: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice Part II

by Adam L Silverman| April 24, 202511:11 pm| 11 Comments

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

After a long night of genocidally bombarding civilian targets, Putin and Russia continued these attacks all day.

Russia bombed us all night—first drones, then missiles. Nine killed in Kyiv, and more might still be under the rubble. The city’s covered in smog. Is this what peace is supposed to look like? How much longer will Russia be allowed to kill us?

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 12:01 AM

Overnight, Russia launched a total of 214 targets. Seven Iskander ballistic missiles, 31 Х-101 cruise missiles, six Kalibr cruise missiles, 65 UAVs, and four Х-59/69 guided air missiles were shot down.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 4:40 AM

While this was going on, Trump personally appealed to Putin. On Truth Social.

Vladimir, STOP!

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— Josh Kovensky (@joshkovensky.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM

There’s several reasons there’s a direct line of communication on his desk in the Oval Office. One of them is other world leaders don’t have Truth Social accounts!

The President then had some thoughts about Putin’s and Russia’s genocidal re-invasion of Ukraine:

Trump again puts the onus on Ukraine to make a deal with Putin

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM

Trump says that Russia’s concession to Ukraine is not taking over the entire country

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM

That’s not a concession, that’s an ultimatum.

Thinking you’ll achieve peace by rewarding invasions is like thinking you’ll cure alcoholism with vodka.

— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 4:10 AM

We’ll get to more on the fact that Trump and his team are attempting to negotiate a fait accompli with Putin and Russia around Ukraine from a position of weakness after the jump.

President Zelenskyy was in South Africa today. Here is the video of his joint press conference with President Ramaphosa:

show full post on front page

First Lady Zelenska was also in South Africa with her husband to sign a memorandum of cooperation and the establishment of a Center for Global Ukrainian Studies.

During First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s visit to the Republic of South Africa, which was shortened due to a Russian shelling of Ukraine on Thursday night, the first memorandum on cooperation and the establishment of a Center for Global Ukrainian Studies on the African continent was signed with Professor Francis Petersen, Principal of the University of Pretoria.

“Ukrainian studies are not just about Ukraine – they’re about universal themes and values that resonate with the experience of many nations: about liberation movements, a history of subjugation, the fight for dignity, and the right to be yourself,” the First Lady said.

Olena Zelenska emphasized that dialogue between Ukraine and the Republic of South Africa is mutually beneficial and enriching. According to her, South Africa is well aware of transformation, historical challenges, and long-term changes on the path to freedom and equality of human rights. At the same time, Ukraine is an example of democracy at war – defending freedom and independence.

Background. The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies was launched with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska as a joint initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science and Sports, the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Crimea Platform Office, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Its main goal is to promote the development of Ukrainian studies – including Crimean Tatar studies – to ensure accurate and professional research on Ukraine’s history and culture, and to popularize the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages and cultures.

Georgia:

Rustaveli Avenue remains blocked on the 148th day of continuous protests. Citizens continue to demand a re-run of the parliamentary elections and the release of those arrested during the demonstrations.

#GeorgiaProtests

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 1:58 PM

Georgians chant support for Ukraine every single day, it’s a part of our protest ritual. And especially today.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 5:20 PM

More and more activists in Georgia call for outright resignation of the illegitimate regime as opposed to the universally demanded new free and fair Parliamentary elections.

Sometimes it seems to me that we are on a very slow but a very surely drafted path of history.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 1:50 PM

1/ Police officer Lasha Kharkhelauri, who participated in a body search, was questioned today at the trial of Nika Katsia, who is formally accused of drug trafficking but actually is arrested for participating in protests.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM

2/ After the hearing, journalists were not given the opportunity to ask him questions. The police officer and his companions physically assaulted the journalists and left the courthouse in this manner.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM

3/ Nika Katsia denies the charges and claims that he was drugged with 14 grams of cocaine.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM

1/ Fifth president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, says the discussion around suspending Georgia’s visa-free travel with the EU is not coming from Brussels but is part of Georgian Dream’s fear campaign.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

2/ If the visa liberalisation is ultimately halted, she added, the responsibility will rest with the Georgian Dream.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

3/ Representatives of the GD government have not ruled out the possibility that the EU could suspend visa-free travel with Georgia.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

4/ In recent days, GD leaders have downplayed the importance of visa-free access, suggesting it wouldn’t significantly affect Georgian citizens. Their comments have sparked widespread discussion and concern across the country.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

5/ Prior to this, the EU Council suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, but ordinary citizens continue to benefit from visa-free access to the EU for short-term (90-day) visits.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

6/ Georgia has benefited from visa-free travel with the European Union since 2017.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM

The US:

“Although the exact number of missiles the United States has is classified, it is likely a few tens of thousands. Russia has fired almost 12,000 missiles in … two years. [America] suffers from munitions shortages across almost every weapons category” www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state…

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— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

From Foreign Affairs:

The U.S. military is arguably the most powerful in the world. But it is not ready for such a conflict. Its weapons are sophisticated. Its soldiers are second to none. Yet the United States has low stockpiles of munitions, its ships and planes are older than China’s, and its industrial base lacks the capacity to regenerate these assets. The U.S. supply of precision-strike missiles, for example, would last no more than a few weeks in a high-intensity conflict and would take years to replace. In war games that simulate a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Washington runs out of key munitions within weeks.

American officials are aware of the shortages. In response, Congress and the Department of Defense have contracted to expand existing defense production lines and, in some cases, to restart old ones. Yet these recent efforts are insufficient to compensate for more than three decades of complacency and atrophy. Washington has hiked defense spending to $825 billion—a record nominal level. But this represents under three percent of U.S. GDP, the lowest level this century and among the lowest since World War II. Of that $825 billion, just 21 percent is dedicated to procuring new munitions and equipment.

To address this failure, Washington must act now. The Trump administration, in partnership with Congress, must undertake six urgent initiatives: modernizing existing assets, broadening defense capabilities, expanding stockpiles and manufacturing capacity for munitions, increasing competition and reducing supplier vulnerabilities, changing how the Pentagon does business, and increasing funding levels and continuity of funding. To be effective, these initiatives must be implemented together. A piecemeal approach will be insufficient. Increasing the American defense budget, for instance, is essential, but it will not be enough to meet U.S. needs unless Washington increases the number of companies in the defense industrial base and adds newer capabilities such as uncrewed systems, better space-based sensors, and software that can be continuously updated. Even then, American officials might struggle to get what they need unless the armed forces can more easily buy equipment and supplies from U.S. allies. Finally, the Pentagon needs to dramatically reform its management practices and procurement processes to focus on speed and efficacy.

Increasing defense spending may be a tough sell in Washington, given that both the Trump administration and progressives in Congress want to reduce the military’s footprint. But policymakers should remember that preventing a war is much cheaper than fighting one. With increased military spending on quantity and quality, Washington can make a potential Chinese invasion more costly and risky, creating doubt in Xi’s mind about his odds of succeeding. And if a U.S. military buildup does not stop a Chinese assault on Taiwan, Washington will be even happier that it expanded its arsenal. The United States, after all, will not have the time required to ramp up production once a conflict begins.

From 1989 to 1999, the United States cut its defense budget by nearly a third. The Cold War was over, so U.S. officials no longer saw the need for an enormous military. Congress continued to spend on major defense platforms, such as the F-22 aircraft and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. But it drastically reduced the budget for munitions and smaller weapons. The defense industrial base consolidated, and its investment in capacity and workforce declined. Suppliers focused on minimum rates of production, just-in-time inventory management, and cost reductions.

None of this worried most U.S. strategists. After the first Gulf war, in which the United States defeated the sixth-largest army in six days with very few casualties, analysts assumed that future wars would likely be short and would not require massive stockpiles of basic munitions and materiel. Military planners assumed there would be future quick victories secured by technological superiority.

For three decades, this reasoning largely held. From 2001 to 2002, the United States drove the Taliban into exile, and it rapidly defeated the Iraqi military in the second Gulf war that began in 2003. But the resulting, lengthy insurgencies in Afghanistan and Iraq proved that this vision of quick victories was a fallacy. Instead, asymmetric capabilities and sustained political will helped the insurgents outlast the U.S. military. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine was further proof that the equation had changed. Defying the predictions of defense analysts, the Ukrainians successfully ground the wealthier, better-equipped Russian military to a halt, locking the two sides in a war of attrition that has cost thousands of lives and millions of munitions. Now, militaries are relearning the lessons of both world wars: major conflicts can still turn into slugfests, and industrial capacity is decisive.

The American military suffers from munitions shortages across almost every weapons category. It lacks short- and medium-range missiles. Most important for a conflict in the Pacific, it has insufficient long-range precision missiles—such as the navy’s long-range antiship missiles, joint air-to-surface standoff missiles, and the army’s precision-strike missiles. According to war games conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the United States might use 5,000 long-range precision missiles per week and run out after three to four weeks. The United States would also not be able to replace these missiles fast enough. According to a 2021 CSIS study on mobilization, it would take two years to begin replenishing long-range antiship missiles. Such are the consequences of letting the stocks dwindle and the industrial base shrivel: American defense manufacturers lack the parts, expertise, and factory space required to churn out new munitions stocks, as well as the cash flow from new Pentagon orders to ramp up production or invest in capacity.

To understand why, consider the Stinger: a surface-to-air missile with infrared capabilities to home in on targets but that is lightweight and shoulder fired. Stingers are portable and highly effective against enemy aircraft and drones and have therefore been essential in Ukraine. As a result, the United States has sent well over 1,000 of them to Kyiv. Washington is trying to replace these weapons, but the Stinger was originally designed in the 1970s, and the military last ordered them 20 years ago. Raytheon, the defense contractor, has had to hire retired engineers to make new ones. It has had to re-create obsolete components. The resulting bottlenecks meant that Raytheon was able to make just 60 Stingers per month over the course of 2024.

Washington is also in need of new ships and planes—the average navy vessel is 19 years old, and the average air force plane is 32 years old. Some ships and planes are 50 years old. On average, major defense systems such as these take more than eight years to make. Meanwhile, 70 percent of the ships in China’s navy have been launched since 2010. China’s annual shipbuilding capacity is also 26 million tons, or a staggering 370 times the United States’ shipbuilding capacity of 70,000 tons. The United States does not even have enough industrywide capacity to make a single Ford-class aircraft carrier per year. (These carriers weigh 100,000 tons.)

Washington’s needs are particularly acute when it comes to the chemicals used in propellants and explosives, known as “energetics.” Investments in these substances and the productive capacity to make them have been especially low; the two energetics most widely used by the United States are chemical compounds from World War II, typically made in government factories from that era. Meanwhile, China and Russia have been aggressively funding more sophisticated energetics programs, leveraging U.S. research. Alarmingly, the United States relies on foreign countries, including China, for about one-third of the raw materials it uses in energetics production.

Washington lags not just when it comes to traditional military wares such as missiles, ships, and energetics. It is also behind on newer innovations, including affordable drones. These systems are absolutely integral to the future of war. Ukraine, for instance, has used swarms of cheap drones to destroy or disable a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Russia, meanwhile, has used them to knock out chunks of the Ukrainian power grid. And the Israel Defense Forces have used uncrewed systems to defeat Hamas in dense urban and subterranean complexes. But today, there are no U.S. manufacturers of low-cost drones anywhere near the size of DJI, the Chinese company and global leader, which makes a very capable $1,000 drone that has been heavily used in Ukraine. Meanwhile, until late 2024, there was only one U.S. supplier of loitering munitions (suicide drones designed to loiter in an area and locate and strike targets with precision): AeroVironment, which has a contract to make 1,000 of them.

The Defense Department has started to make larger investments in affordable drones. Its Replicator program, established in 2023, was created specifically to buy thousands of them. But since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has blown through an average of 10,000 drones a month. The American government has allocated only 0.3 percent of the defense procurement budget to this effort, about the same amount as it dedicates to the close-air-support A-10 Warthog, which the military no longer wants.

Much more at the link.

While this problem, actually a crisis, has been decades in the making, the most immediate issue is one I spent the last three years pointing out and emphasizing in these nightly updates: when confronted with the reality in a way that could not be denied, Biden’s senior natsec team failed to put the US on a war footing to force more funding for and a revitalization of the US defense industrial base. Biden and his team inherited this problem from the first Trump administration, the Obama administration, the Bush 43 administration, and the Clinton administration. Rather than deal with the crisis they inherited, they dithered and equivocated for three years and left this mess for Trump and his team.

President Trump has adopted a completely new phrase over the past three months – “doesn’t have the cards” – which I’m pretty sure he got from Musk who fancies himself a card sharp and master poker player. Right now the US has few cards. Putin, Xi, Kim, Khameini, and everyone else can and have read the reporting and assessments of the US’s weapons systems and munitions stockpiles over the past three years. They may not know exactly what is and is not in inventory, but they know that right now the US does not have the capability and capacity to meet demand if it needs to do so. The question right now is what will Trump, his team, and the GOP controlled Congress do to begin to fix the problem. You can’t put an emphasis on “warfighting” if you’ve got nothing for the warfighters to fight with. The actual term we use in the Profession of Arms is we’re out of Schlitz. In this case because we stopped making it or enough of it.

And this goes directly to either unwittingly or purposefully mistaking Putin’s ultimatum as a concession.

“Trump replied,”stopping the war,” suggesting that not “taking the whole country” is a “pretty big concession.” Putin hasn’t taken #Ukraine because he can’t. Because of Ukrainian courage & resilience. To suggest this is a Russian concession is ludicrous & morally corrupt. www.cnn.com/2025/04/24/p…

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— Mick Ryan (@warinthefuture.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM

From CNN:

Some US allies are highly alarmed by the framework the Trump administration is pushing to end the Ukraine war and Europeans are bracing for the outcome of another round of high-level talks between the US and Russia, multiple diplomatic sources told CNN.

The administration’s framework, presented in Paris last week, proposes significant sacrifices from Kyiv, including US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and Ukraine ceding large swaths of territory to Russia, according to an official familiar. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called “to freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today.”

Asked what concessions Russia was offering on Thursday, Trump replied, “stopping the war,” suggesting that not “taking the whole country” is a “pretty big concession.”

Multiple allied diplomats said they are rattled by what the Trump administration is proposing, because they believe such a framework sends a dangerous message to Russia’s Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, that illegal conquest could be rewarded, multiple diplomats said.

“This is about the fundamental principles of international law. This is very much about our own existence and the weakening of any safeguards that my or other countries have for our own independence,” an Eastern European diplomat told CNN. They and other sources spoke on background to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters.

“If one country in Europe is currently under pressure or being forced to give up parts of its own legal territory, territory that has been that has been recognized as part of Ukraine … if one country in Europe is forced to do that, no country in Europe or elsewhere can feel safe, NATO or no NATO,” the diplomat said.

The proposal for a de-facto US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia would reverse years of US policy affirming that, despite Russian occupation, Crimea is Ukrainian territory. European officials say they would not follow suit – leaving the US isolated.

Asian allies too are growing concerned about an end of war agreement that would reward Russia after the deadly conflict.

In private discussions with US partners, Asian diplomats have clearly articulated their concerns about the global implications of a settlement that violates Ukraine’s borders.

“China is watching. We have told the Trump administration that. We are worried about the message they might take away from any end to the war that appears to award Russia for the bloodshed,” said one Asian diplomat.

All eyes are now on the expected meeting between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin on Friday, which comes after sources say progress was made in talks with European, Ukrainian and US officials in London Wednesday. However, many Europeans fear that the progress might not be fast enough to satisfy Trump’s ambitions for a quick end to the war.

There are also concerns about what kind of additional promises Putin may make to Witkoff to garner favor with the US as European leaders warn that the Russian president is not to be trusted.

Officials are wondering what level of pressure will be applied on Witkoff’s fourth trip to Russia given the US’ desire for a quick end to the war and the US envoy’s past echoing of Putin’s arguments.

Trump on Thursday morning expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian leader after a deadly barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, saying that they were “not necessary, and very bad timing.”

More at the link.

The real problem is that the Russians have already decided that Trump and his team are, to continue with the poker metaphors, drawing dead, will walk away, and are easily manipulatable. This is a very public Russian influence operation.

Russia’s government paper: “It’s practically a foregone conclusion the US will pull out of Ukraine talks.” Another paper: “The unity of the West is gone. Geopolitically it’s no longer an alliance. Trumpism has destroyed the Atlantic consensus confidently & quickly.” #ReadingRussia

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— Steve Rosenberg (@bbcstever.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 4:08 AM

Here’s the full video:

Public Law 115 – 44 – Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act makes it very clear that Russia’s annexation of Crimea is illegal and that official US policy is to not recognize Russia’s claims to Crimea, any other Russian occupied portion of Ukraine, as well as areas in Georgia and Moldova that Russia is also occupying. (h/t Jay).

SEC. 253. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

The United States, consistent with the principle of ex injuria jus non oritur, supports the policy known as the “Stimson Doctrine” and thus does not recognize territorial changes effected by force, including the illegal invasions and occupations of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Crimea, Eastern Ukraine, and Transnistria.

EC. 257. <<NOTE: 22 USC 9546.>> UKRANIAN ENERGY SECURITY.

(a) Statement of Policy.–It is the policy of the United States–
(1) to support the Government of Ukraine in restoring its sovereign and territorial integrity;
(2) to condemn and oppose all of the destabilizing efforts by the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine in violation of its obligations and international commitments;
(3) to never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Government of the Russian Federation or the separation of any portion of Ukrainian territory through the use of military force;
(4) to deter the Government of the Russian Federation from further destabilizing and invading Ukraine and other independent countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucuses;

This legislation was signed into law by President Trump during his first term.

Back to Ukraine.

Earlier today Trump said Putin will listen to him and stop bombing Ukraine. The situation right now:

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM

Kharkiv:

Right now, Kharkiv is enduring yet another russian drone attack! Explosions reported in the city!

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Air defense working in Kharkiv‼️

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:38 PM

Kharkiv right now!

Russia yet again attacked our city with drones. Several households and businesses are on fire

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Kyiv:

A little girl tells journalists how loud the explosions were last night and how scared she felt.

Don’t our children deserve safety just like yours?

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 12:51 PM

Death tall after the russian missile attack on Kyiv last night has risen to 12.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 11:14 AM

Kyiv last night.

Russian attack killed at least 10 people and injured at least 100 others

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 6:38 AM

The Interior Minister reported that in Kyiv, approximately 10 people may still be trapped under the rubble.
According to him, this information is still being verified. Klymenko also added that two children from the same family might have died — this is also preliminary data.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 6:34 AM

During the night, Russia carried out a massive ballistic strike on Kyiv. Emergency response efforts are ongoing in five districts of the capital to deal with the aftermath of the nighttime attack.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 4:33 AM

🙏🫂 Today, Odesa mourns along with the rest of the country for the victims of the russian terrorist air strike in Kyiv.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:28 AM

Zelensky has confirmed that the Russians struck Kyiv with a missile from North Korea.

“According to preliminary information, the Russians used a KN-23 ballistic missile manufactured by North Korea. Our intelligence services are verifying all the details.”

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM

How do you stop an evil that fires a ballistic missiles into a city?

You might feel helpless – but YOU can do something.

Empower Ukrainians to fight back, defend their homeland.

Help Ukraine’s 44th Separate Rifle Battalion raise money for thermal imaging drones here: buff.ly/cdHY0Xy

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 11:22 AM

More information about the battalion’s fundraising appeal here: www.facebook.com/nikolay.beda…

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 11:22 AM

Russian occupied Crimea:

‼️Reported strikes on Russian targets in Crimea, April 21–23:

💥According to available information, the following Russian assets were destroyed or damaged:

• ST-68UM radar system — confirmed hit, photos attached (Apr 23)
• Tor SAM system (Apr 22)
• P-18-2 radar + support vehicle (Apr 21)

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 6:29 AM

Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

In largest in Zaporizhzhia Oblast assault since 2023, Russian forces lost nearly entire battalion attempting to seize Orikhiv

Ukrainian artillery, drones, & anti-tank units obliterated dozens of armored vehicles without ceding any ground
euromaidanpress.com/2025/04/24/f…

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— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 5:38 PM

From EUROMAIDAN Press:

Today, there are a lot of interesting updates from the Zaporizhzhia direction.

Here, after failing to make ground west of Orikhiv, Russian forces gambled on something bigger, a massive mechanized assault launched from the south and east. But what began as their boldest push in Zaporizhzhia in years ended in disaster, as nearly an entire battalion was shredded by Ukrainian artillery, drones, and anti-tank fire before reaching its objective.

The goal of the Russians is to achieve a longstanding operational objective and take the town of Orikhkiv before a ceasefire can freeze the frontlines. Orikhiv is a relatively small town of nearly 14 thousand people pre-war, but it is the largest and most strategically important settlement in this sector due to the many open fields here. Therefore, it is of high importance to both sides for its ability to accumulate a large number of forces.

The Russians previously tried to achieve a breakthrough near Stepove and Mali Shcherbaky to flank and approach Orikhiv to the west, but did not achieve further gains than their initial element of surprise had given them. So instead, they are now trying to approach the city from the south and east by conducting the largest mechanized assault seen in Zaporizhzhia in years.

The main advantage of the Russian forces is to the east of Orikhiv, which consists of an interconnected line of settlements from the town of Polohy to the prefrontal village of Novokarlivka, that is 16 kilometers away from the town. This allows Russians to conceal soldiers and armored vehicles relatively close to the frontline, and use the urban layout as a cover for movement until they reach Ukrainian positions.

However, while Polohy serves as a vital logistical hub just behind the frontline, the town sits dangerously close to Ukrainian artillery guns. This proximity places Russian staging areas within range of Ukrainian artillery, rocket systems, and accompanying reconnaissance drones. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces hold robust defenses in Mala Tokmachka, enforcing lethal fire control on any advancing Russian units.

South of Orikhiv, Russian troops around Kopani, Novoprokopivka, and Robotyne have virtually no cover to conceal their advance. The terrain, made up of open fields and settlements completely reduced to rubble during Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive, along with dense minefields, makes any assault costly from the start. Additionally, Russian assault groups must gather all the way in Tokmak, 23 kilometers from the front, stretching Russian logistics and allowing for easy detection by Ukrainian drones. The moment those columns roll into the open, Ukrainian artillery and drone crews stand at the ready to cut them down.

Russians initiated their mechanized assault with over forty armored vehicles, dozens of buggies and motorbikes for reconnaissance, and a total of 320 soldiers, making up almost a full battalion combined with rear support elements. They launched their assaults from two pincers, from Kopani to Novodanylivka in the south and from Polohy towards Mala Tokmachka to the east.

Much more at the link.

Toretsk:

The defense of Toretsk through the eyes of assault troops from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion “Carpathian Sich”.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM

Rostov Oblast, Russia:

🔥Saboteurs set the Russian Su-30SM ’35’ on fire at the Rostov military airfield in Russia. (47.2682720, 39.6226034) t.me/DIUkraine/5761

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM

Vladimir Oblast, Russia:

First low resolution satellite imagery of the Russian 51st Arsenal east of Moscow after the explosions

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 5:56 PM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,155: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice Part IIPost + Comments (11)

Low Quality Hires

by Betty Cracker| April 24, 202510:47 am| 122 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Open Threads, Republican Stupidity

I don’t mean to horn in on Adam’s territory, but remember when Trump said he was going to end Russia’s war against Ukraine within 24 hours of retaking office — nay, even before he takes office? Well, nearly 100 interminable days into his shitty and shameful second term, Trump is reduced to begging Putin to stop indiscriminately murdering Ukrainians.

Trump begs Vladimir Putin to stop bombing Kyiv via indirect Truth social post

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— FactPost (@factpostnews.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 9:07 AM

It’s usually poor form to tell someone how to post — as one funny dude on Bluesky put it, “it’s social media, not social youdia.” But yeah, maybe DM Putin instead of shrieking “Vladimir STOP!” like a Vladivostok fishwife? It’s embarrassing.

And this senator, sounding like an embarrassed dad trying to talk a Golden Corral manager out of firing his son, who was caught jerking off in the mop closet.

GOP Senator: Pete Hegseth can still be a great Secretary of Defense, he’s gonna need some help. He has lacked expertise in the building

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— FactPost (@factpostnews.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 2:48 PM

That’s not how it works, senator. That’s not how any of this works!

And then here’s this irredeemable asshole, who really sucks at her job:

Host: You’re the State Department spokesperson. It’s very fair for me to ask you questions about public information involving Rubio skipping Ukraine talks.

Bruce: I will not have this discussion on television. You need to accept my answers. You need to accept my answers

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— FactPost (@factpostnews.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 10:07 AM

Low quality hires from top to bottom. Like Kay says, they never get any better.

Open thread.

Low Quality HiresPost + Comments (122)

War for Ukraine Day 1,154: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice?

by Adam L Silverman| April 23, 202511:00 pm| 18 Comments

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

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

It is 10:00 PM EDT/5 AM local time in Ukraine and the entire country is under air raid alert. This is a combined Russian missile and drone attack. The alert has been up for hours:

Four more great big bangs here in the west of Kyiv. Ballistic missiles. Kharkiv also under missile attack. Whole country on alert.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:13 PM

The last several hours have been brutal here in Kharkiv. We’ve been hit by 7 missiles and 11 Russian drones. It was relentless, truly overwhelming, and terrifyingly, the attack continues.

Russian cruise missiles are already inside our airspace, and more drones are coming

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 8:54 PM

The Ukrainians are counterattacking:

Even as the Kremlin unleashes its missiles and drones on Ukraine, a very large Ukrainian drone counter-attack against fascist Russia is going on tonight as well.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM

The US brokered/backed negotiations between Ukraine and Russia broke down earlier today when the US decided not to show up.

Ukraine’s asked for support, not surrender instructions. If the US wants to redraw borders, maybe it should start with its own.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:32 AM

Predictably, peace negotiations involving the White House went nowhere. The regime in the White House was peddling a softer version of Russia’s demands, which were non-starters. Ukraine doesn’t need Trump to sign such deals.

Another failed election promise

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM

Reuters, citing sources, reports that Ukraine has prepared a document stating there will be no discussions on territorial issues until a “full and unconditional ceasefire” is achieved. This is reportedly the reason why the negotiations in London fell apart.
www.reuters.com/world/europe…

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 9:38 AM

From Reuters:

WASHINGTON/LONDON/PARIS, April 23 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy clashed again on Wednesday on efforts to end the three-year-old war in Ukraine, with the U.S. leader chiding Zelenskiy for refusing to recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

Trump’s Vice President JD Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to a U.S. peace proposal “or for the United States to walk away from this process,” echoing a warning from Trump last week.

Speaking to reporters in India, Vance said the proposal called for freezing territorial lines “at some level close to where they are today” and a “long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long-term peace.”

“The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, to freeze this thing,” he said.

A former Western official familiar with the U.S. proposal said it also called for the recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Since taking office in January, Trump has upended U.S. policy toward the war in Ukraine, pressing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire while easing pressure on Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in 2022.

Zelenskiy on Tuesday reiterated that Ukraine would never cede Crimea to Russia, which seized control of the peninsula in 2014 in a move that was condemned internationally. “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution,” he said.This all happened as both Trump and his spokeswoman amped up the rhetoric on Ukraine.

More at the link.

“Ukraine is ready to negotiate, but not to surrender.” -said First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 8:27 AM

Leavitt: “In order to make a good deal, both sides have to walk away a little unhappy. And unfortunately, President Zelenskyy has been trying to litigate this peace negotiation in the press. And that’s unacceptable to the president … the president is frustrated. His patience is wearing thin.”

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 23, 2025 at 2:50 PM

And there it is. Trump comes out in favor of codifying Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and blames Zelenskyy for Putin’s aggression.

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 23, 2025 at 12:04 PM

Russia can make this claim in the knowledge that Trump is busy savaging Zelensky in public & will probably blame Ukraine for any collapse of diplomacy.

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— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM

There is no address or press conference from President Zelenskyy today.

show full post on front page

Georgia:

Day 147 of #GeorgiaProtests.
New, free and fair elections, and the release of the regime prisoners.
📷 MOSE

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM

1/ Activist Albi Korzaia says the Ministry of Internal Affairs has initiated administrative proceedings against her — according to her, an investigator from the ministry informed her that she is being accused of insulting the head of GD’s investigative commission, Tea Tsulukiani.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:22 AM

2/ Albi Korzaia said: “They called me — it was an investigator. They said administrative proceedings had been launched against me for insulting Ms. Tea Tsulukiani”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:22 AM

3/ “I repeated the same words: that she is a Russian, a traitor to the country. They told me I need to show up, but I said I have no intention of going anywhere”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:22 AM

4/ On April 12, citizens gathered in protest outside Tea Tsulukiani’s residence. Dozens of patrol and criminal police officers were deployed to the scene.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:22 AM

5/ The protest was sparked after Tsulukiani referred to a national hero — who was beaten to death during the 2008 Russia–Georgia war — as someone “pointlessly sacrificed for someone’s PR stunt.”

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:22 AM

🔴Mariam Nikuradze has been fined for the fourth time for “artificially blocking the road” while performing her journalistic duties.

🔴The total amount of the fines has reached GEL 20,000 (approximately €6,400). According to @mariamnikuradze.bsky.social, all of the fines are being appealed.

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) April 23, 2025 at 11:06 AM

This man has been hospitalized after he was dragged by the court security today. There were brawls after an unlawful regime prisoner trial. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM

Remember this guy, Davit Gunashvili, visibly taken off the pedestrian sidewalk by the regime police for no reason whatsoever?

He’s now been jailed for 7 days for this grave offense. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 7:47 AM

The US:

I want to come back to this:

🔴 The Kremlin says Ukraine must withdraw from its four internationally recognized regions for the war to end—calling it a “condition for peace.”
united24media.com/latest-news/…

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— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) April 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM

From UNITED24 Media:

Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the war against Ukraine could end “immediately” if Ukrainian troops withdraw from four regions that Russia has included in its constitution.

Speaking in an interview with Le Point on April 23, Peskov reiterated Russia’s longstanding demands, stating, “We want to achieve our goals. Peacefully or militarily.”

According to Peskov, Russia sees Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a direct threat to its security. As a result, Moscow insists that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, which are currently under partial Russian control.

Russia’s actions are widely considered unlawful under international law, specifically the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the acquisition of territory by force.

“We need a neutral status for Ukraine and recognition of the reality for the territories,” Peskov said. He emphasized that Russia’s constitution now enshrines the four regions, asserting that any move by Ukraine to challenge Russia’s control would be unacceptable.

“If Ukraine withdraws its troops from these four regions, the military operations will cease instantly,” he added.

Peskov also stated that Russia does not demand the resignation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but he noted that any documents signed by Zelenskyy could be contested due to the “illegitimacy” of his leadership in Moscow’s view.

In related news, US President Donald Trump criticized Zelenskyy in a Truth Social post, calling Zelenskyy’s stance “very harmful” to peace negotiations, asserting that Crimea was lost to Russia years ago under former US President Barack Obama.

None of this is going to happen. No Ukrainian leader is going to recognize that Donetsk, Luhanks, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts are part of Russia. Just as no Ukrainian leader is going to admit that they will give up on Crimea even if achieving the strategic objective of retaking it is not feasible right now.

To answer Bupalos’ question from last night:

I have no idea what to make of this supposed leaking to Western Media of the plans to bribe and flatter Trump. Almost just sounds like a kind of insulting and trolling Trump. Or I guess it could be a genuine attempt to sabotage a cease-fire negotiation by the ultra-nationalist faction? Dunno. It’s certainly hard to take at anything like face value.

The point of those leaks, the point of Peskov’s statements, is to try to establish Russian assertions as facts and to make Trump and his team look weak and easily manipulated by Putin and Russia. To make Trump, his team, and the US look like a paper tiger.

The Financial Times has more on all of this:

President Donald Trump has attacked Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to recognise Russia’s occupation of Crimea, accusing him of harming peace negotiations with Moscow.

In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, the US president described the situation for Ukraine as “dire”. “He can have Peace, or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country,” Trump said.

“We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE,” he added.

Trump was responding to a remark by Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Tuesday, when he told reporters that Ukraine would “not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea”, the Black Sea peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014 and that is still internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory. “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”

The US president responded that the statement was “very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia”, adding that Crimea “was lost years ago . . . and is not even a point of discussion”.

Later on Wednesday, Trump again pointed to Ukraine’s president as the obstacle to a deal. “I will say that I think Russia is ready . . . I think we have a deal with Russia.” He added: “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, it’s been harder.”

His intervention came days after the US floated ideas for a possible resolution of the war that included Washington recognising Russian control over Crimea as well as at least acknowledging the Kremlin’s de facto control of parts of four regions in eastern Ukraine — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — that it holds.

As Trump spoke in Washington, Ukraine’s Air Force announced an air raid alert across the country. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko also reported several fires had erupted from drones downed by air defences.

“Putin is only showing a desire to kill,” said Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.

More at the link.

They are not very close to a deal. Largely because there’s no deal to be had here as this isn’t bartering in the marketplace. Russia has genocidally re-invaded Ukraine, has declared by fiat that even though it cannot take, hold, and control four Ukrainian oblasts that they are now part of Russia and will be for all eternity. Moreover, Trump’s team isn’t really trying to broker a truce, ceasefire, armistice, or even negotiated settlement to the war. What they are trying to negotiate is a new US-Russian diplomatic, economic, and financial relationship. Which is why this is all going nowhere.

I think so much about how we are reaping the fruits of the past – often democratic-led tepid mismanagement of crises in so many global flashpoints across eastern europe, the middle east, and south america. you really question what progressive foreign policy should look like going forward

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— Salome (@salome-gongadze.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Denmark:

It might be worth noting that the question of whether Russia believe the US “can’t or won’t support the European NATO-allies” in a conflict is one of the factors raised in the opening paragraph of the joint government-opposition parliamentary agreement for stage one of the new Danish naval plan.

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— Corporal Frisk (@corporalfrisk.corporalfrisk.com) April 23, 2025 at 4:03 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Here’s a solid peace plan: US declares Crimea and all four regions Ukrainian, calls Putin war criminal, labels Russia aggressor—Russia pulls out and pays for the damage it caused

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 12:42 PM

💥/1. The aerial reconnaissance unit of the 35th Marine Brigade shares exclusive footage with our community — the complete evaporation of a fully loaded Russian Grad MLRS, found and targeted with the help of a Vector UAV.

And now, they need your attention👇

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 11:39 AM

/2. They urgently require equipment worth $7,000 — and only 40% of that goal is left to raise.

The unit has already waited too long and are trying to secure funds for a month already. It’s time to change that.

🫶 35th Brigade rely on the support of our community:

PayPal [email protected]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 11:42 AM

/3. Funds are needed to purchase: cordless drill; chainsaw; angle grinder; rotary hammer; autonomous stove; 20 plastic 20L fuel canisters; 2 generators (MXR3500); 2 Starlink; 2 heavy-duty 30m extension cords; cables and mounting materials; 2 EcoFlow Delta Pro 3600W; charger for Bluetti AC200MAX.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv. Morning. Russian missiles

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM

4th explosion in Kharkiv. Third attack tonight

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 9:57 PM

After attacking Kharkiv during the day, russian forces continued their terror at night, striking the city with six drones and causing severe fires. Additionally, a Molniya drone hit a residential building in the early morning hours.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 2:27 AM

Kyiv:

Great big bang in Kyiv, and another – incoming missiles. Shaheds also in city, just heard anti-aircraft guns. And two more big bangs just as I write… Not been this noisy for a while…

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM

Kyiv right now ‼️
One of the Russian missiles struck near an apartment building.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 7:36 PM

Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:

The number of injured has risen to 42.

Nine people left for work this morning will never return back home because russia killed them.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 5:55 AM

This morning, Russian forces attacked the city of Marhanets in the Dnipropetrovsk region using a drone. An enemy FPV drone struck a bus transporting employees of a local enterprise, resulting in at least 9 fatalities and injuring another 30 people.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 7:29 AM

Donetsk Oblast (I think):

Russian hangar with armoured vehicles destroyed from the inside by fiber optic drones of the Birds of Magyar unit. youtu.be/hyvFWhT8bKM?…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM

Tatarstan, Russia:

Unknown drones visited Elabuga in Russia’s Tatarstan, where Russians are producing most of their Shahed drones that attack Ukraine daily.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 8:37 AM

⚠️/1. Right now, Yelabuga in Russia is under drone attack. Yelabuga is a known location where Russians assemble their Geran/Shahed kamikaze drones.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 5:43 AM

/2. Russian Geran/Shahed factory in Yelabuga is located 1150km from the frontline.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 5:51 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

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Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,154: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice?Post + Comments (18)

Someone should tell Republicans that violence is the last refuge of the incompetent, or possibly the first.

Every one of the “Roberts Six” lied to get on the court.

No one could have predicted…

You passed on an opportunity to be offended? What are you even doing here?

Second rate reporter says what?

Consistently wrong since 2002

In my day, never was longer.

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

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

When we show up, we win.

Every reporter and pundit should have to declare if they ever vacationed with a billionaire.

When you’re in more danger from the IDF than from Russian shelling, that’s really bad.

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty. ~Thomas Jefferson

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

Petty moves from a petty man.

Since we are repeating ourselves, let me just say fuck that.

The fight for our country is always worth it. ~Kamala Harris

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

DeSantis transforming Florida into 1930s Germany with gators and theme parks.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

This chaos was totally avoidable.

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

War for Ukraine Day 1,158: The Conditionally Unconditional Ceasefire

We Are Keeping Our Positions Strong So That We Have Every Opportunity for Proper Diplomacy – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 1,157: A Meeting of Some Minds

JD Vance Is the Worst Kind of American Tourist

War for Ukraine Day 1,156: A Brief Friday Night Update

In the Coming Days, Very Significant Meetings May Take Place That Should Bring Us Closer to Silence for Ukraine – Address by the President

War for Ukraine Day 1,155: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice Part II

Low Quality Hires

War for Ukraine Day 1,154: If a Paper Tiger Roars in the Forest, Does Anyone Notice?