Every New Ukrainian Development Shortens the Distance to Peace – Address by the President on the Arms Makers’ Day

13 April 2026 – 19:18

This is what strength looks like – forged in battle, in pain, in fire. This is what protection looks like, and the will for freedom and justice. This is what quality and precision look like, excellence and long-range capability – and this is what independence looks like. The tools to defend it. The arguments to win our peace.

Today is the professional holiday of those who amplify this strength of ours. Amplify every day and every night – by hand and by mind. In the quiet of production halls and workshops – so that it roars for the enemy. Bent over blueprints and calculations –so that Ukrainian retribution is delivered with pinpoint accuracy to its intended target. The invisible heroes of our defense. Yet we see the results of their work every single day – and evil feels them every single day. These are our Ukrainian arms makers – all employees of Ukraine’s defense industrial complex. In four years, Ukraine has built a new defense industry. Large-scale, effective, and in every sense – impressive.

Our missiles, our unmanned systems, our interceptors, attack and naval drones, reconnaissance systems, artillery, our ammunition, armored vehicles, robotic platforms, and much more. All that today is truly proudly called – the weapons of Ukraine. They defend our skies, our cities and villages, save lives, and prove that “Made in Ukraine” is synonymous with effectiveness and strength. For this, I thank everyone working in our defense sector, in our arms industry. The capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry mean millions of FPV drones per year, our deep strikes, our interceptors, and millions of shells. Ukraine has its own long-range missile weapons. Not just in development, but a real force already at work. Flamingo and Ruta, Peklo and Neptune, Palianytsia and Vilkha – we can already be proud of all of this, but we will not stop here for sure. These are only our first steps – the industry will grow, and the enemy will feel it.

Everyone sees the historic long-range reach of our drones – striking 1,750 kilometers from our border. There will be more. And this is not about records – it is about justice that will find evil anywhere in the world. And our Sichen, Liutyi, Morok, Bars, Obriy, and FP are proof of that.

The future is already on the front line – and Ukraine is building it. These are our ground robotic systems. For the first time in the history of this war, an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned platforms – ground systems and drones. The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side. Ratel, TerMIT, Ardal, Rys, Zmiy, Protector, Volia, and our other ground robotic systems have already carried out more than 22,000 missions on the front in just three months. In other words, lives were saved more than 22,000 times when a robot went into the most dangerous areas instead of a warrior. This is about high technology protecting the highest value – human life.

Ukraine is not just keeping up with change – Ukraine is among the leaders in the development of security technologies. Our Ukrainian security experience and our military expertise are now the most sought-after products for dozens of countries worldwide. But we are not building new cooperation with partners on weapons the way it was done in the 1990s or early 2000s, when Ukrainian weapons and strength were sold off like a Black Friday sale. We are not making fairs of our weapons, nor are we emptying our stockpiles. We are offering security partnerships – long-term and profitable for Ukraine. Our interceptors are already operating in the Middle East and the Gulf countries. We are building a strong, integrated, multi-component system for protecting the skies. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have their own air defense against ballistic and other missiles. But with our military expertise, they have solutions to defend against “shaheds”: to detect this threat and respond at scale. Radar coverage, the necessary electronic warfare systems, communication between air defense components, and interception itself – Ukraine is capable of all of this. We are also in communication with Kuwait, Oman, Türkiye, and Syria. Countries in Asia and Africa are interested in our experience as well. Ukraine is a global producer of strength and security – that is already the case, and it will remain so. And none of this is a gift from Ukraine. Long-term security agreements in the Middle East mean funding for our state every year. It is fuel for Ukraine – essential in global instability. It is also the types of weapons that we lack but our partners have. We support those who support us – and we work so that everyone becomes stronger. Already this week, we will have discussions with Europeans – negotiations on creating a joint air defense system. I am confident: either Ukraine becomes an integral part of Europe’s security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the “Russian world.”

We also have experience in guaranteeing maritime security – objectively, the most current in the world. No one else has carried out missions like Ukrainians have in the Black Sea. When people talk about security in the Strait of Hormuz, it is often a theoretical discussion. Those who speak about it have not conducted such operations themselves. Ukrainians have. We have fought an enemy fleet, air strikes, and naval mines – we have been through all of it. And if partners offer us cooperation on equal footing, Ukraine can help. Our naval drones, Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan, are well-known, and this is Ukraine’s export offering too. As is our artillery, which we produce at the largest scale in Europe. As are our shells, which are now growing in numbers. As is our armor – armor, which becomes more effective every year. All of this is delivered by our defense industry – our defense industry professionals, our Ukrainian arms makers.

I thank everyone involved in this. In production halls, design bureaus, laboratories, test ranges, in production and repair – every day working for Ukraine. A strong Ukraine because it can defend itself. Modern, because it is changing the rules of the game. A Ukraine that matters because it can help others, and a Ukraine that is, in many respects, indispensable. All thanks to our experience, expertise, and technology.

At the start of the war, we lacked many things – but we had you. All those who did not stand aside, who found solutions, who launched the first new production lines in hangars and garages – and there is truly nothing shameful about that. The story of Apple and many of the world’s top companies began the same way. What matters is not where you start, but the goal you are moving toward. Our defense and industrial complex has become completely different. New. Strong. We preserve all the traditions of our industry. We work in a modern way. That is why our weapons are effective. That is why they are known and respected around the world. And every new Ukrainian development shortens the distance to peace. Our peace. A lasting one. And a dignified one. Glory to our arms makers, glory to our defense industry! I thank everyone who is helping Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

He also presented awards to Ukrainian armorers. Here’s the video:

Georgia:

Day 502 of uninterrupted, nationwide protests in Georgia. 🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 1:31 PM

The World Aquatics Organization:

World Aquatics has allowed athletes from russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags, with their national anthems, and in their official uniforms.

With Ukrainians being killed every day, Russian inclusion is nothing less than a promotion of war and murder!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM

The EU:

Kaja Kallas addresses UNSC on the wars in #Ukraine and the #MiddleEast

youtu.be/1UYmHZWVY7I

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— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) April 13, 2026 at 7:47 PM

Here’s the full video:

VON DER LEYEN: People of Hungary have spoken and reclaimed their European path. This is a victory for fundamental freedoms. To the Hungarian people: you’ve done it again, against all odds.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 1:54 PM

Just like in 1956, when you courageously stood up. Just like in 1989, when you were the first to cut the barbed wire dividing our continent.

With this result, our Union is stronger and more united. Yesterday was an exceptional evening.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 1:54 PM

Belgium and Spain:

Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov: Belgium is allocating €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, along with additional F-16 fighter jets and spare parts for the existing fleet.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM

/2. Spain is also providing €1 billion in support this year, with a focus on expanding defense industry cooperation under the European SAFE mechanism.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Hungary:

Publika photoreporter @mindiagabadze.bsky.social Gabadze’s video of Hungarian people celebrating last night.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 5:12 AM

Peter Magyar confirmed that Szijjarto, Orbán’s FM, has barricaded himself with some of his closest colleagues and is shredding documents related to the sanctions on Russia any other evidence of treason.

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) April 13, 2026 at 9:49 AM

Szijjarto has been found: he’s in the Hungarian Foreign Ministry building, shredding documents.

Seems they are trying to hide evidence of their crimes. Expect him to run away as fast as he can before the paper shredders have even cooled down.

Assholes, all of them.

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 12:15 PM

“Péter Szijjártó appeared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 10 a.m. (where Russian hackers had operated for years, accompanied by State Secretary for Administrative Affairs Eszter Gyarmati).

He and his inner circle are now destroying sanctions-related documents.” – Magyar

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 6:34 PM

The question will be if Szijjarto and his aides also wiped the hard drives and done so in a way as to make restoration very difficult.

Magyar on Ukraine 🇭🇺🇺🇦:

“Everyone in Hungary knows that Ukraine is a victim of this war and no one should tell them under what conditions they should enter a peace or sign a peace treaty. We cannot tell any country to give up their territory.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:57 AM

And this is what the Fidesz politicians said. Then I would like to ask them: What would you do if Russia attacked Hungary? Which Hungarian counties would you be willing to give up?

Ukraine should receive security guarantees and territorial guarantees that can be observed and kept.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:57 AM

Ukraine, under the Budapest Memorandum, gave up its nuclear arsenal for guarantees, but those guarantees were violated repeatedly by Russia.”🔚

This is a good starting point. Hopefully, the relationship between our countries can be mended from here.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:57 AM

Péter Magyar says he wants to restore EU funding to help strengthen Hungary’s economy, but does not support Ukraine’s “fast-track accession” to the EU. He also argues that Hungary should opt out of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine, saying the country is already in a very difficult financial position.

— Olga Nesterova (@onestpress.onestnetwork.com) April 13, 2026 at 12:07 PM

This is an improvement over Orban in that Magyar is not looking to block EU funding for Ukraine. It is a slight improvement on Ukrainian EU membership in that it is no longer outright opposition, just opposition to fast track accession.

😎 Zsolt Hegedűs, a likely candidate for Hungary’s health minister, really got the party going at the “Tisza” victory celebration 🇭🇺

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 9:01 AM

The US:

HODGES: Russia’s enjoying and revelling in the fact that there’s zero pressure from United States on them to do anything. Instead, sanctions have been lifted on Russian oil.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:32 AM

There are zero repercussions from United States for intelligence and aid Russia’s providing to Iran, which is targeting American troops and our partners in the region. Zero consequences for them for that.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:32 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Ukraine reckons Russia’s daily total combat losses, which includes killed, wounded, missing, and captured, at 1K to 1.2K per day. That’s an average monthly net deficit of ~10K, which would explain why fascist Russia is now tapping its strategic reserve to raise troops.

Russia’s not winning.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 5:37 AM

Ukraine unveiled a new missile Areion during a defense exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Developed from the “Palianytsia” project, it can be launched from Neptune systems or mobile trailers, with a warhead of up to 120 kg and a range of up to 600 km.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:48 AM

A single crew intercepted 19 Shahed drones in one day using STING interceptor drones

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:44 AM

“For the first time in the history of this war, Ukraine has captured an enemy position using only ground robots and drones. The occupiers surrendered. The operation was carried out without infantry participation and with zero losses on our side.” – Zelenskyy.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 1:16 PM

Kharkiv:

Explosions reported in Kharkiv!
Russia is attacking the city with drones, reportedly V2U models equipped with AI guidance.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 4:26 AM

In Kharkiv region one person was killed and three others injured as a result of a Russian drone strike on the village of Velykyi Burluk.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 9:54 AM

Russian occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

The USF unit “Raid” struck Russian logistics deep in occupied Zaporizhzhia region:

• Supply warehouse
• Logistics hub
• Fuel tanker

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 9:24 AM

Russia:

Russia’s military recruitment is losing momentum. Per researcher Janis Kluge, 2026 recruitment rates have dropped by about 20% compared to 2025. This downward trend is now evident even in Russia’s own statistics.
janiskluge.substack.com/p/russian-re…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM

While Russia was recruiting 1,000-1,200 contract soldiers per day in the first quarter of 2025, that number fell to just 800-1,000 per day by early 2026.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM

This is happening despite the fact that Russians continue to increase sign-on bonuses and contract payments. Russia’s current war system is built on commercial recruitment, but this model is beginning to stall.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM

Vologda Oblast, Russia:

In russia’s Cherepovets, the PhosAgro plant is on fire after the visit of flying sanctions 🔥

The enterprise is one of the country’s largest producers of ammonia and ammonium nitrate, which are used for manufacturing explosives and gunpowder.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 8:38 AM

The moment of today’s attack on the chemical plant in Cherepovets, Russia.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 4:27 PM

KiberBoroshno confirms black smoke rising from two out of three ammonia units with a total capacity of 900,000 tons per year. There is also a possible hit on the ammonia storage facility of these units.
t.me/c/1742466857…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:11 AM

KiberBoroshno confirms black smoke rising from two out of three ammonia units with a total capacity of 900,000 tons per year. There is also a possible hit on the ammonia storage facility of these units.
t.me/c/1742466857…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:11 AM

The hit production facility accounts for about 6% of Russia’s ammonia output, while the plant as a whole is responsible for approximately 10% of the country’s total ammonia production.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 10:11 AM

Magyar confirmed the strike on the Russian chemical plant “PhosAgro.”

“Bon ‘Apatit’ to the Cherepovets chemical plant – the SBS Birds’ homemade Easter eggs have been delivered.” – the SBS Commander wrote.
t.me/c/1680956281…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 13, 2026 at 3:04 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.

Here is some adjacent material.

Druzhkivka in eastern Ukraine has turned into an evacuation point as drones make communities uninhabitable. The Hachiko team is supporting this center where families & terrified pets come to await transport—we also make sure they have food for the road. It’s very dangerous here.

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— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 10:46 AM

Open thread!

Easter Greeting from the President of Ukraine and the First Lady

12 April 2026 – 09:01

Dear Ukrainians,

“God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved.” These words are inscribed here, above our Oranta, in our great Saint Sophia.

And these words are endowed with extraordinary strength – a strength we have felt for more than fifteen hundred days of the battle for life, in which our Ukraine, our capital, our people, and our faith remain unshaken.

And this is so important today, when the war is not only fought on the battlefield, but is also a fierce struggle of emotions, character, and spirit – a struggle of truth against lies, faith against despair, hope against despondency. It is not easy for any of us to carry on this struggle. Especially in times of turmoil, when it feels as though the world is plunging into the abyss and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

At such moments, it is Easter – and its meaning – that shows us how not to lose heart, where to find the light so as not to lose our way.

These answers, these signs, are right beside us. In our loved ones, in our families, in our people – in every act, every glance, every embrace, in every message, and in every word of support.

In our “How are you?”

“Don’t be afraid,” “I’m here.”

“Take care of yourself.”

“Everything will be alright.”

This is the light – the light in our people – that fills us with the strength to stand together as one great family. The family of Ukraine.

And it was precisely this way – together – that we got through this winter. The hardest in our history. But one that lost. Lost to us. The cold retreated ingloriously, and we lived to see our spring. And today, together, we celebrate our Easter.

For the fifth year in a row, we do this despite the pain, all the trials, and the evil that surrounds our land. We do it, proving that Ukrainians always remain Ukrainians. And no war will erase that. So for us, this day has always been about family, the warmth of home, about children’s laughter in it. So that this laughter may be heard, thousands of Ukrainians on the frontline defend Ukraine and their families.

And no matter how dark the clouds over the sky, we preserve our identity and our family traditions. Each year, we prepare – we put together Easter baskets, paint pysanky, bake paskas, decorate our homes, plant trees and flowers. And all of this is not about food or decoration at all, but about people who want life to bloom around them.

And this is precisely the meaning that Easter holds for all of us. It has been so through all the centuries that Saint Sophia has stood. It is so today, as Ukraine stands firm, resolute, unshaken – knowing for whom and for what. So that the fifth Easter in a time of war is followed by the first Easter in peace. Across all our land, for all our people. When the Easter bells are not interrupted by the sound of air raid sirens.

When winter and all evil retreat from our land. And when everyone is reunited with their loved ones – from the frontline, from captivity, from occupation.

When loved ones are near, and our parents are holding grandchildren, and we are once again at one table.

This is worth fighting for. And we have been doing so for 1,509 days now. And on Easter, as never before, our faith is strong – the faith in the victory of peace over war.

Four years ago, we all prayed for Ukraine to survive. We prayed and fought for it. Four years later, we are all praying and fighting for Ukraine to live in peace.

We rely not only on heavenly forces, but also on our Security and Defense Forces; we believe equally in God’s mercy and in our own courage; we place our hope in the intercession of our Oranta and in the precision of our long-range strikes.

Today, Ukrainians not only believe in miracles – they create them themselves, every day, with their own hands, through their actions, their work, their courage, their selflessness, their strength of spirit.

To stand together. To stick by one another. To believe in Ukraine. To believe in one another. As long as this remains unchanged, evil is powerless.

So may the hope and warmth of this day unite the hearts of all our people. May God protect those who protect us.

And may the heavens watch over all who defend both our sky and our land. May the will of all who fight against oppression be strong.

May everyone who helps and seeks always find. May everyone on the journey always make it through. May everyone who does everything possible for Ukraine never lose faith that anything is possible.

We sincerely congratulate you on this great and bright day. All incredible people. Incredible children. Boys and girls who are brave beyond their years, who have not forgotten how to believe in goodness.

Our mothers and fathers, all our cities and villages that have earned the right to a peaceful life – to see calm days and nights, the triumph of justice, light, and truth, and the victory of peace across all our land.

May it be so. May there be peace. And may Ukraine stand.

Happy Easter, dear Ukrainians!

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The Zelenskyys also met and spent time with the children of Ukrainians killed in action.

President and the First Lady Wished a Happy Easter to the Children of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine

12 April 2026 – 11:00

At St. Sophia of Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with children from Kyiv and the Kyiv region whose parents gave their lives for our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska spoke with the children and presented them with Easter gifts.

An excursion, an Easter egg-hunting quest, traditional spring and Easter songs, and a stained-glass workshop were organized for the children on the grounds of St. Sophia.

“We want to wish you a happy holiday. Of course, we wish you warmth, kindness, and light. Your smiles are so beautiful – do not lose them. And we wish victory to all of you,” the President said.

The event took place within the Socially Responsible Business Platform “To the Children of Our Defenders,” which brings together nearly 90 businesses, entrepreneurs, and the state. With the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine for Children, and Ukraine’s International Chamber of Commerce, they support children who have lost their parents in different regions of Ukraine – organizing excursions, activities, and camps.

The President emphasized that during the war, it is important for businesses and entrepreneurs to be socially responsible and to support children whose parents gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression.

Georgia:

Can’t believe we were the first country to stand up to Russia and become a wider regional success, then Russia had its revenge, and now Assad, Maduro, Ayatollah, and Orban are all gone before Bidzina Ivanishvili 🫠

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 6:12 PM

⭕ Georgian Dream members are monitoring the Hungarian elections.

Parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on October 26, 2024, and both their integrity and the legitimacy of Georgian Dream are being questioned.

Photo by government TV channel Imedi.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 6:54 AM

I believe there’s a lot to be learned from Magyar. But also, I suspect many Georgians will now temporarily forget that GD is not the kind of power that would ever concede, and that opposition victory needs money and legislation that isn’t outright banning opposition.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 6:08 PM

Georgia’s Opposition Alliance congratulates Hungary! 🇬🇪🇭🇺🇪🇺

“We congratulate the Hungarian people on the victory of the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, in the parliamentary elections. This result represents a clear and decisive choice by the Hungarian people in favor of democracy.

1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM

Hungary is an integral part of European civilization, as reflected in Viktor Orbán’s concession of defeat. The peaceful transfer of power remains one of the most important achievements of democratic tradition.

2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM

Hungary’s firm and principled stance in the ongoing confrontation with Russia and other adversaries of the free world is of great importance to Georgia and to the broader international community.

3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM

We wish the new Hungarian government every success and express our hope that, in the new reality shaped by the Hungarian people’s choice, the influence of forces aligned with Putin’s Russia within the European Union and the wider free world will be significantly reduced.

4/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM

We also hope that cooperation among free nations in the field of security will be further strengthened.”

5/5.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM

Sweden:

🚢🇸🇪Panama-flagged bulk carrier Hui Yuan, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, was detained in Sweden after being caught dumping coal waste into the Baltic Sea.

The vessel, sailing from Russia to Las Palmas, was intercepted and boarded south of Ystad by the Swedish Coast Guard.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 9:02 AM

Italy:

🤡 The pro-war RT festival “Time of Our Heroes” was held in 🇮🇹Italy, featuring the film “Bloody Puppets of the West.”

The Russian propaganda festival “RT.Doc: Time of Our Heroes” is taking place in Bologna, Italy.

Before the festival, Italian Senator Scafarotto filed a complaint against it.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 2:34 PM

The festival in Italy was organized by Italian journalist and founder of TG channel Donbass Italia. He collaborates with International Reporters and RT television channel, holds a Russian residence permit, and has worked in the Kremlin-occupied territories of Ukraine. He currently resides in Russia.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 2:34 PM

The EU:

🇭🇺🤝🇪🇺

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 3:46 PM

Norway and Belgium:

✈️🇺🇦 Nearly half of the pledged F-16 aircraft have been delayed for various reasons. This raises questions about whether the issue is systemic, what constraints exist, and how many F-16s Ukraine currently has in service.

Belgium and Norway are delaying the transfer of 36 F-16 fighters.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:09 PM

The reasons are different: Belgium is waiting for new F-35s, and Norwegian aircraft are under repair due to a shortage of spare parts.

In total, the partners promised Ukraine 79 aircraft, of which up to 39 may currently be in service, taking into account combat losses.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:09 PM

The US:

Something tells me Trump’s first phone call with Peter Magyar is going to be a bit uncomfortable after Trump’s posts yesterday.

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 3:38 PM

Back to Ukraine.

Easter Kyiv today.

And Russian shills keep telling people Christianity is “banned” in Ukraine.

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— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 8:16 AM

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— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Christ is Risen!
Budanov: Information confirmed.

🐣When you head out for Easter, but the contents of your basket are strictly classified. The Easter cakes have been cleared for foreign objects, and the eggs are painted in colors that can’t be detected by thermal imaging.

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 1:42 PM

Budanov and his wife on Easter Sunday.
A beautiful couple 🖤

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— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 1:42 PM

This is how Ukrainians celebrated Easter today 🐣

Don’t show this to Anna Paulina Luna! she insists that we “banned Christianity,” and its going to be awkward 😁

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 12:03 PM

🇺🇦 He closes his eyes for a moment because it smells like home. Like childhood. Like his mother’s hands. Like that morning when you wake up and know that today is a holiday, and everyone is together, and everything is fine. He opens his eyes—and he’s on the front lines.
#Easter #ukraineWar #ukraine

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 8:55 AM

On Easter, let’s be clear: the only real threat to Christians and Christianity in Ukraine is russia.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 1:58 PM

DroneBobmer mapped March Russian air defense hits on Ukrainian drones, plotting over 1,000 points from enemy monitoring channels, only within Russia’s internationally recognized borders.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 10:38 AM

Beautiful, high-resolution footage pf STING interceptor taking down a Russian jet-powered Shahed kamikaze drone high above the clouds.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 8:51 AM

❗️ Russia has already launched Shaheds from many directions. The first drones will fly in after 00:00.

The launches were from Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, Rostov and Primorsk-Akhtarsk.

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 3:38 PM

Bucha:

Meanwhile in Bucha.

Happy Easter! 🐣

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— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 1:55 AM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv on Easter.

People gathered outside a church. Air raid siren in the background.

So much for a “ceasefire.”

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 5:26 AM

Easter in Kharkiv 🐰

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 8:29 AM

Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:

Easter greetings from the Kupiansk direction in Kharkiv region, by the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

Hundreds of thousands of defenders are guarding us on the frontline this Easter, just as they have every day for more than four years. Eternal respect and gratitude!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 11:22 AM

Kharkiv Oblast:

Russia’s so‑called ‘Easter ceasefire’ looks like their Molniya drone that crashed in someone’s yard in the Kharkiv region this morning.
They can’t be trusted. Ever.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 9:08 AM

Odesa:

❤️🇺🇦 Rescuers meet two-year-old Karolina, who was pulled from the rubble of a house in Odesa after Russian shelling.

The attack took place on the night of April 6. A two-year-old girl and her pregnant mother were trapped under the debris. They are now safe.

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— Savchenko Volodymyr (@savchenkoua.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 12:12 PM

Rostov Oblast, Russia:

🔥 ATESH destroyed a diesel locomotive in the Rostov region, dealing a blow to Russian Armed Forces supplies in the Zaporizhzhia sector.

Agents of our movement carried out a successful act of sabotage near the Likhovsky railway station in the Rostov region.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 2:32 AM

Oryol Oblast, Russia:

Russia has started using cheap improvised SAMs against drones. In Oryol, a likely truck-based R-77-1 launcher was spotted, a concept Ukraine has used for years with Raven.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 10:11 AM

Novgorod Oblast, Russia:

Seven new Pantsir air defense towers were built around Putin’s Valdai residence, bringing the total to 27, Radio Svoboda reports from satellite imagery. The sites form two rings and construction began March 17, with some towers already equipped.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) April 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.

Here is some adjacent material.

On this Easter weekend in Ukraine, our friend “Specs” is both defending the front line from Russian invaders, and feeding cats with Hachiko food we sent him. You can see at the end of the video how destroyed it is where these pets are living. 😔

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— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) April 11, 2026 at 10:44 AM

Open thread!