• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

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

You cannot shame the shameless.

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

This isn’t Democrats spending madly. This is government catching up.

People are complicated. Love is not.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

Welcome to day five of every-bit-as-bad-as-you-thought-it-would-be.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

Let there be snark.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

It is possible to do the right thing without the promise of a cookie.

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

Accountability, motherfuckers.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

No offense, but this thread hasn’t been about you for quite a while.

One lie, alone, tears the fabric of reality.

You come for women, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

Mobile Menu

  • Seattle Meet-up Post
  • 2025 Activism
  • Targeted Political Fundraising
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • COVID-19
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • 2025 Activism
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • Targeted Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Archives for Foreign Affairs / Military

Military

War for Ukraine Day 1,205: Indirect Effects

by Adam L Silverman|  June 13, 20259:59 pm| 10 Comments

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

Joint Publication 3-60: Joint Targeting defines indirect effects as:

Indirect effects are the delayed and/or displaced second-, third-, and higherorder consequences of action, created through intermediate events or mechanisms. These outcomes may be physical or behavioral in nature. Indirect effects may be difficult to recognize due to subtle changes in system behavior that may make them difficult to observe. For example, an indirect effect of destroying a communications node or capturing a terrorist cell courier may degrade the effectiveness of the fielded enemy force’s C2 structure. Effects such as this have real benefits but may be more difficult to assess and measure individually or in the short-term. Although a factor for consideration, difficulty of assessment should not be the primary factor for choosing to create direct or indirect effects.

Regarding Shahed drone production used against Ukraine, today’s strikes in Iran are unlikely to have a direct impact. Russia has not only localized production for some time now, but has also modernized and improved the systems to make them more resilient to countermeasures

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 4:48 AM

From The Kyiv Independent:

Kyiv on June 13 expressed concern over the security situation in the Middle East after Israeli air strikes against Iran, but stressed that Tehran remains a “source of problems” in the region “and beyond.”

The statement follows what Israel called a “preemptive” strike against Iran overnight on June 13, targeting the country’s nuclear program and reportedly killing top military officials.

“We would like to remind you that the Iranian regime supports Russia in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and provides Moscow with weapons to kill Ukrainians,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Kyiv nevertheless also warned that further hostilities could destabilize the region with “negative consequences for international security and global financial stability, especially in oil markets.”

Israeli strikes were quickly followed by a surge in oil prices, Russia’s key export commodity, with Brent and Nymex crude prices jumping by more than 10%.

“We are convinced that restoring peace and stability in the Middle East will serve the interests not only of the region but also of the entire international community,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

Back to JP 3-60:

(b) Cascading Effects. Effects can ripple through a target system, often influencing other systems. This most typically occurs through nodes and links that are common and critical to related systems. The cascading of direct and indirect effects, as the name implies, usually flows from higher to lower levels. As an example, destruction of a headquarters element or capture of a terrorist senior leader will result in the loss of C2 and thus degrade the effectiveness of subordinate organizations. A nonlethal example could be if counter threat finance (CTF) actions are taken against a threat network and a significant portion of the threat group’s funds are seized and financiers are arrested by law enforcement, the cascading effect could be a loss in the ability to pay enemy.

(c) Unintended Effects. Effects often spill over to create unintended consequences, which may be counterproductive or may create opportunities. An example of a counterproductive consequence entails injury or collateral damage to persons or objects unrelated to the intended target. Conversely, some unforeseen effects may create opportunities the joint force can exploit to help accomplish objectives. Unintended effects may also occur if the pre-strike analysis was incorrect and the enemy’s reaction differs from what was expected, complicates operations, or causes a change to operations (e.g., the enemy as expected to withdraw, but they counterattacked with their strategic reserve instead). The pre-strike analysis may also have miscalculated the local civilian population perceptions/reactions and international public opinion, ultimately resulting in more restrictions on target selection or engagement timing. Planners and targeteers should consider second-, third-, and higher-order effects, especially political-military effects, during planning and assessment. While estimating outcomes is rarely an exact process, estimation becomes increasingly difficult as effects continue to compound and cascade through targets and target systems. In addition, the impact of a single event can often be magnified over time and distance that greatly exceeds the span of the direct effect associated with that one event.

Another potential cascading and unintended effect is that Israel’s attempt to decapitate Iranian military and civilian leadership has created an opening for the Paydari Front to accumulate even more power.

The Paydari Front, or Front of the Stability of the Islamic Revolution, are Shia supremacists who oppose any kind of compromise with anyone inside or outside Iran. They deride their critics as atheists and counter-revolutionaries and want to turn Tehran’s parks into mosques. They consider any kind of reconciliation with the West such anathema that some of their ilk burnt the text of the JCPOA, the deal Iran signed with six world powers in 2015 limiting its nuclear programme, in parliament. They liken “strategic patience” in the face of Israeli attacks to appeasement.

Their opponents speak of state capture. Ebrahim Raisi, the hardline cleric who was elected president in 2021, has given them prominent positions in his government. His father-in-law is perhaps Iran’s most radical cleric; his sermons fire the Paydaris’ zeal. They tightened their grip on power in last month’s parliamentary elections after many people boycotted the vote. Paydari Front candidates trounced Mohammaed Bagher Qalibaf, a pragmatic former mayor of Tehran, IRGC commander and relative of Mr Khamenei’s. They are now seeking to oust him as speaker of parliament. They have passed new chastity laws. Against the advice of IRGC old-timers, they are seeking to reimpose the mandatory hijab after its de-facto suspension following widespread protests in 2022. On the same day that Iran struck Israel, they sent the morality police back on the streets after a year-long hiatus.

The Paydari Front’s clerics have also infiltrated the ranks of the IRGC. The most recent generation of commanders spent their careers attending summer camps run by Paydari clerics, many of whom are also posted to their units. “The new generation is more ideological and abrasive, less experienced and less pragmatic,” says Saeid Golkar, an expert on the IRGCat the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Unlike earlier generations, they have no memory of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. They use religious texts to devise strategy. “Those who don’t know war are more eager to fight,” he says, quoting an Iranian saying.

Now we watch and wait.

President Zelenskyy does not seem to have addressed the Ukrainian people today most likely because he’s on his way to the Canada for the G7. He did present awards to members of Ukraine’s military.

show full post on front page

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the warriors for defending Ukraine, presented the highest state awards, and handed over the Orders of the Golden Star to the families of fallen Heroes who were posthumously conferred this title.

The Head of State noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, over 113,000 Ukrainian defenders from various branches of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine have been awarded orders and medals, most of them specifically for participation in combat.

“Behind each such combat award is the story of a warrior, the story of a fight against circumstances, the story of a fight against evil, a fight against the occupier. And behind all such our Ukrainian awards is the story of a state that many in the world had written off and once ignored, but which, despite everything, has endured and defends its right to life and independence every day,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President remarked that we must protect Ukraine and ensure a normal life for Ukrainian children to be worthy of those who gave their lives for our state. A minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of each person who died for Ukraine.

The Head of State presented the Orders of the Golden Star to the families of fallen Heroes of Ukraine. Those posthumously awarded this title include:

Captain Andrii Antykhovych. On the night of February 24, 2022, he brought a combat aircraft out of harm’s way during a missile attack on the airfield. In the following days, he destroyed columns of Russian vehicles — his flight of two aircraft was among the first in Ukraine to seek and destroy them. During his sortie on February 26, a Russian fighter aircraft launched a missile. Andrii Antykhovych realized the hit was unavoidable, reported to his commander that he would provide cover, and changed the plane’s course. The warrior had no opportunity to eject.

Sergeant Yurii Balanchuk. He participated in combat clashes and special operations, during which Ukrainian warriors eliminated senior Russian officers and took some prisoners. Together with his brothers-in-arms, he regained control of the “Tavryda” and “Petro Hodovanets” drilling rigs in the Black Sea. In October 2023, he took part in a special operation in temporarily occupied Crimea. Yurii Balanchuk died on October 4, 2023, during a battle in the Black Sea, ramming one of the enemy boats and ensuring the evacuation for his brothers-in-arms.

Sergeant Pavlo Baltian. He defended Ukraine in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Donetsk regions. He commanded an anti-tank reserve and led the repulsion of an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group attack, organized circular defense, and personally destroyed over 25 occupiers and seven enemy vehicles. He repeatedly evacuated wounded brothers-in-arms under fire. On February 27, 2023, Pavlo Baltian suffered a fatal injury in battle, but thanks to his actions, his subordinates were able to clear an enemy position and hold their ground.

Junior Sergeant Serhii Voloshchuk. On July 20, 2023, as a combat medic, he was carrying out a task in the Kharkiv region. He was blown up by a landmine while in a vehicle. Despite his injury, he engaged in a firefight with an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group and forced it to retreat. Thanks to this, Serhii Voloshchuk saved the lives of many warriors, but he died himself.

Junior Sergeant Roman Holub (National Guard of Ukraine). Using a handheld grenade launcher, he destroyed an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) with its crew and four occupiers, and with automatic rifle fire destroyed another IFV and enemy ammunition. Together with fellow warriors, he found and destroyed 32 grenade launchers, over 80 artillery shells, two anti-tank “Fagot” systems, 18 VOG grenades, and other munitions. Despite being wounded, he covered the retreat of ten brothers-in-arms but died himself.

Senior Soldier Yevhen Horin. He repelled enemy assaults on the Bakhmut direction, where in battle he destroyed over 20 occupiers. He participated in an assault during which he captured a Russian radio station, which helped Ukrainian warriors obtain information on the timing and direction of the enemy attack. On March 15, 2023, Yevhen Horin was killed in artillery fire, covering his brothers-in-arms with his body.

Junior Sergeant Oleksii Dziubka (National Guard of Ukraine). With automatic rifle fire, he eliminated nine occupiers, which later allowed the destruction of enemy equipment, about two infantry platoons, and forced the occupiers to retreat. He was the first to storm an enemy trench and destroy a machine gun crew with a grenade. On December 18, 2023, he remotely detonated a section and killed 12 Russian invaders; nine others were wounded. Later, with a grenade launcher, he hit two armored personnel carriers (APCs) and about 20 infantrymen. However, during the retreat, Oleksiy Dziubka was killed in enemy artillery fire.

Sergeant Hennadii Kernychnyi. Since 2015, he took part in battles in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In 2019, while covering the evacuation of a wounded brother-in-arms, he sustained a severe leg injury that required partial amputation. During the full-scale Russian invasion, despite the prosthesis, he participated in defense, assaults, liberation, and clearing of settlements in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. Hennadii Kernychnyi was killed last year on September 23 in a Russian FPV drone strike on his vehicle.

Lieutenant Colonel Denys Kyryliuk. After the full-scale Russian invasion began, he moved aviation equipment to operational airfields. He completed 62 combat sorties. On February 27, 2023, he destroyed aerial targets flying a Su-27 despite intense Russian air defense and electronic warfare efforts. During one of the missions, Denys Kyrylyuk diverted his damaged aircraft away from the city of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, but was killed himself.

Junior Sergeant Andrii Kolodiaznyi. He took part in battles in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Personally destroyed an IFV, a T-72 tank, and 12 occupiers. He was wounded, but after recovery, he returned to defend Ukraine. He led an assault group that reclaimed its positions and captured enemy ones, holding the line. On April 14 of last year, Andrii Kolodiaznyi was killed by enemy small arms fire.

Chief Sergeant Yevhenii Lemeshenko. He commanded a special forces group that conducted reconnaissance, including identifying enemy weapons and positions, and clearing mines. His group completed combat missions and captured enemy positions in the Kherson and Kursk directions. Yevhenii Lemeshenko was killed on September 15 last year as a result of artillery fire.

Sergeant Andrii Liniichuk. One of the first Ukrainian warriors to use the man-portable air defense system Starstreak in combat. He shot down 16 Russian Orlan-10 UAVs, one ZALA UAV, and a Ka-52 helicopter. On April 28, 2023, he spotted another drone and attempted to destroy it, but was killed by an enemy artillery strike.

Sergeant Leonid Khelemskyi. As a group commander, he organized the defense of a position in the Bakhmut direction. When three defenders were wounded during shelling, he personally held off the advancing Russian forces and eliminated six occupiers. Later, he carried a severely wounded brother-in-arms to an evacuation point but came under fire and was killed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also awarded the Order of the Golden Star of the Hero of Ukraine to Chief Sergeant Andrii Orlivskyi (National Guard of Ukraine). In the Donetsk direction, he neutralized 70 explosive devices, enabling assault units to prepare for an offensive. As part of a group, he laid mines that destroyed three enemy tanks, two IFVs, four APCs, and enemy personnel. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, he rescued five crew members from a vehicle engulfed in flames.

In addition, the Head of State awarded ten defenders the Crosses of Military Merit. The awards were presented to:

Lieutenant Colonel Yaroslav Burkovskyi. In December of last year, an airborne assault battalion under his command held the line in the Kursk region. The unit repelled 20 assaults by superior enemy forces, eliminating 27 occupiers and wounding another 61. Yaroslav Burkovskyi also organized a counterattack that prevented Ukrainian forces from being encircled, and a counteroffensive that allowed the restoration of lost positions.

Seaman Yurii Vizinskyi. In February of this year, during assaults and while repelling enemy attacks in the Donetsk region, he eliminated over 30 occupiers, destroyed an ammunition depot, and hit an enemy APC with an RPG shot. Yurii Vizinskyi also covered his brothers-in-arms and organized the defense.

Senior Lieutenant Dmytro Zhukov (National Guard of Ukraine). In the area of the Serebrianskyi forestry, over two days, he eliminated 12 occupiers, provided aid to wounded brothers-in-arms, and organized their evacuation. In the Kharkiv direction, he was the first to engage in battle and killed 15 Russian invaders. On September 28 last year, he was wounded by the explosion of an enemy shell.

Major Serhii Zavaliy. In autumn of last year, as part of a combined unit, he carried out missions in the Kursk region. He repelled enemy assaults by superior forces, destroyed enemy personnel, and ensured the evacuation of the wounded. Despite being wounded himself, he held the position with a brother-in-arms until the evacuation group returned.

Private Andrii Zahainyi. In spring of this year, in the Kharkiv region, he tracked enemy movements, directed fire, eliminated occupiers and their UAVs, engaged in combat against larger enemy forces, and repelled attacks on observation posts. He was wounded but managed to provide aid to himself and a brother-in-arms and brought him to the evacuation point.

Commander of the 46th Separate Airmobile “Podilska” Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Kapitula. In October of last year, during an operation in the Kursk region, he made a swift and unexpected decision to counterattack. As a result, Russian troops were cut off from their main forces and struck by artillery: 19 occupiers were eliminated and two were taken prisoner. Dmytro Kapitula has participated in numerous combat engagements and consistently motivated his troops by personal example.

Commander of the 79th Separate Tavrian Air Assault Brigade, Colonel Eduard Kolodii. In July of last year, in the Kurakhove direction, the brigade under his command repelled an enemy assault, destroying six tanks, seven armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) with personnel, 12 motorcycles, and 37 occupiers — forcing the enemy to retreat. Thanks to the leadership and actions of Eduard Kolodii, all tasks assigned to the unit were fully accomplished.

Captain Yevhen Korzhyk. Since January of last year, the strike UAV company under his command has carried out reconnaissance and fire correction missions. As a result, dozens of enemy targets were destroyed — including infantry, artillery, and armored vehicles. In particular, FPV drones launched by his crews attacked enemy positions and equipment during battles near Krynky.

Senior Soldier Rodion Marynskyi (National Guard of Ukraine). In the Bakhmut direction, just 250 meters from enemy firing positions, he evacuated a wounded brother-in-arms. During a four-hour battle, he destroyed an enemy machine gun position and seven occupiers, broke through an encirclement, and helped eight wounded warriors. On June 27 last year, he was wounded while evacuating a fellow warrior.

Senior Sergeant Viacheslav Savchenko. In 2022, he held positions in the Kherson region, and in 2023, he defended and liberated settlements in the Donetsk region. Leading an assault group, he organized a breakthrough, cleared enemy positions, and evacuated the wounded near Krynky. In October last year, he was wounded by an FPV drone but remained at his position and commanded the defense for another four days until reinforcements arrived.

Georgia:

Day 198 of #GeorgiaProtests

Heavy rainfall this evening.

But our unyielding people are there, including the elderly who have seen it all.

We must win soon enough for them to see freedom.

Friends can aid us avoid costs that can be avoided by clarity, sanctions, etc.

📷 MOSE

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM

“Victory to Ukraine! Victory to Georgia!” 🇺🇦🇬🇪

Day 198 of daily #GeorgiaProtests

[image or embed]

— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM

1/ Nika Gvaramia — Another opposition leader has been placed in pre-trial detention after refusing to pay bail in the case of refusing to appear before the Georgian Dream’s investigation commission.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 4:50 AM

2/ Nika Gvaramia will be the third political leader from the Coalition for Change after Zura Japaridze and Nika Melia to be placed in detention on the same charges.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 4:50 AM

3/ Former Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili is also in detention, while court hearings for several other opposition leaders are still ongoing.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 4:50 AM

🗣️“The oligarchy must fall,” said Nika Gvaramia, as he was handcuffed after voluntarily turning himself in at the prison.

Gvaramia is charged for refusing to appear before a parliamentary commission set up by Georgian Dream to investigate opposition leaders.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 13, 2025 at 6:36 AM

Honestly, this is so witty, amusing, and confident in the face of injustice and hostile takeover.

Instead of attending the farce trial, third democratic forces leader now jailed, Nika Gvaramia, arrived with his bag at the prison entrance before his verdict was even announced.

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 5:26 AM

A total of 18 individuals — including journalists, activists, and politicians — have been summoned to court under a repressive law for Facebook posts allegedly “insulting” members of the Georgian Dream party.

#TerrorinGeorgia

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 9:58 AM

Why we fight – my interview about the Georgian struggle with Theo Allthorpe-Mullis available on various platforms, including YouTube.

Theo does series of podcasts on freedom fighters around the globe. Please support him!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=w5ik…

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM

THIS!👇🏻

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 10:51 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, has stated that Ukraine is no longer interested in continuing negotiations with the Russian Federation unless a ceasefire is agreed upon.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 9:02 AM

Sybiha emphasized the futility of past discussions, noting, “We’ve witnessed the complete inadequacy of the Russian delegation; they are demanding our capitulation.”

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 9:02 AM

Soledar:

An epic video of a Russian Su-25 crash has appeared online.

Some say another Russian Su-25 shot it down, while others believe the plane fell apart for a different reason. All I see is fewer Russians in our skies. 🍿🔥

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 12:12 PM

A Russian Su-25 was lost today in what appears to be a friendly fire incident during the launch of unguided rockets (most likely S-13).

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 11:53 AM

Vovchansk:

A little over a year ago, Vovchansk was a town of nearly 18,000 people. Then, Russia destroyed it.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 10:43 AM

Russian occupied Crimea:

In the occupied Crimea, “the russian FSB have seized a Ukrainian couple, Oleh and Natalia, with their 9yo child taken from school and placed in care.” Pure horror. Occupation is not peace.
khpg.org/en/1608814722

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 5:15 PM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Ukrainian drone operators from the “Raid” battalion destroyed a Russian stockpile of anti-tank mines in the Kursk region. The operation also eliminated a Z-STS “Akhmat” armored vehicle, along with trucks, pickups, and vans used for Russian logistics.
#UkraineWarNews
#UkrainianView

[image or embed]

— Ukraine War News (@ukrainewarnews.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 6:03 AM

Donetsk:

The “Phoenix” Recon Battalion of the 5th Separate Assault Kyiv Brigade executed a precision operation, using Ukrainian drones to clear pipes where Russians hid. Likely on the Donetsk front.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM

Russian military convoy was struck by a HIMARS early this morning near Donetsk during personnel transportation. All vehicles involved have black military license plates. At least one body of a Russian soldier in uniform is visible near the convoy. Preliminary reports mention up to 20 killed.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Obligatory:

Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

MiG-29 air strike on Russian base. Zaporizhzhia front. t.me/kpszsu/36248

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 8:11 AM

The Kherson front:

Precise FPV drone strike hits Russian decision-making center. Kherson front.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 5:39 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

Alexei Surovtsev, is a Ukrainian actor who risked his life surveying destroyed buildings in the city of Irpin looking for abandoned pets.

#MenWithCats

His longer story is in the alt-text

[image or embed]

— Greg Morosoff (@gregmorosoff.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 2:37 AM

From the alt-text:

Alexei Surovtsev, a Ukrainian actor who risked his life surveying destroyed buildings in the city of Irpin looking for abandoned pets.

While the city was under siege, he handed over more than 200 animals to his owners’ cats, dogs, parrots and turtles. Helping any sentient creature in distress or suffering is a kindness.

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,205: Indirect EffectsPost + Comments (10)

War for Ukraine Day 1,204: Off the Looking Glass & Through the Map

by Adam L Silverman|  June 12, 20258:37 pm| 14 Comments

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

We are, once again, off the map and through the looking glass.

Trump: “Russia fought with us in WWII and everybody hates them. And Germany and Japan, they’re fine — some day somebody will explain that…Everybody hates Russia and they love Germany and Japan…It’s a strange world.”

[image or embed]

— The Bulwark (@thebulwark.com) June 12, 2025 at 12:59 PM

Weak and spineless, if he’s serious; diabolical, if he’s bs-ing. The passive voice about things getting bombed is bothsiding, as if it doesn’t matter that Ru attacks and Ukraine defends.

[image or embed]

— Maria Popova 🇨🇦 (@popovaprof.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 2:03 AM

While Ukraine mourns its people and cities, the US toasts the one that erased them. Russia doesn’t dream of the future — it kills it. There is no balance between fire and what it burns. You didn’t make a gesture. You made a choice.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 2:48 AM

Kellogg: The United States wants to stop the hostilities along the current front line and bring Russia “back into the civilized community.”

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM

Oy vey!

“The United States remains committed to supporting the russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future,” Rubio wrote today. I am speechless. These are the “aspirations for a brighter future.”

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 7:17 AM

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

show full post on front page

Our Units in the Sumy Region Are Gradually Pushing the Occupier Back – Address by the President

12 June 2025 – 18:45

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, we continued bringing our people back from Russian captivity. This is already the third stage of the exchanges agreed upon in Istanbul. Among those who have now been returned are guys who had been in captivity since 2022. There are also those who had been considered missing in action. It is important to check every name, all available information. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. I’m grateful to everyone who helps bring our people back.

Just now, Defense Minister Umerov delivered a report – we discussed certain details of the overall negotiation efforts with him. We also discussed issues related to financing our defense and defense production in Ukraine. Every single day, both in Ukraine and together with our partners, we focus on ensuring our defense – on everything that provides protection for our state and our people, both here and now, and in the long term.

Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi delivered a report – the front line, first and foremost the Pokrovsk direction, the Kursk operation, the border areas of the Sumy region. Our units in the Sumy region are gradually pushing the occupier back. Thank you! I thank every one of our soldiers, sergeants, and officers for this result. Every unit.

We are also preparing for upcoming international meetings in the next few weeks. A clear task has been set for all levels of our representatives: it is essential that our partners understand that sanctions against Russia truly work. They truly work when they stay ahead of the Russian authorities’ attempts to adapt to these sanctions. Sanctions on oil. Sanctions on Russian banks and the entire financial sector. Sanctions on individuals and legal entities that help Russia adapt to global pressure. There must be a clear limit to Russia’s ability to adapt – pressure they cannot withstand. That will mark the turning point in the war, beyond which a reliable peace is possible.

Today, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv. Our discussions focused specifically on what can strengthen Ukraine’s positions and provide greater protection for our cities and our Ukrainian communities. I am grateful to Germany – to Chancellor Merz, Minister Pistorius, the entire German political class, and to the society that understands what is at stake and remains willing to continue providing assistance. Germany is one of the leaders in providing support. We appreciate the fact that when Germany makes a promise, it is actually fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who stands with us, stands with Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

President Zelenskyy also addressed the Global Security Forum. The video hasn’t posted yet, but here’s the transcript.

No Country Can Afford to Stay Behind in Technological Development – Speech by the President at the Global Security Forum

12 June 2025 – 13:39

Thank you so much! Thank you very much for the invitation.

Ladies and gentlemen!

President Pavel! President Vass!

Thank you for inviting me to the GLOBSEC forum this year – in a time of big changes and important decisions, ones that will affect people’s lives and how we think about security for years to come.

Really, twelve days ago, we completed the final stage of our operation called, as I said, “Spiderweb.” Probably no one in this room missed it. Inexpensive drones – part of a low-cost operation by Ukraine’s Security Service – hit something very, very expensive for Russia, in every sense of the word – strategic bombers at distant military airfields. And it was a completely legitimate operation targeting the very aircraft Russia used to terrorize our country and to send a message of threat to NATO. And these were not just similar strategic bombers, but the exact same ones Russia had used to simulate missile strikes on NATO territory. In total, as I said, 41 Russian military aircraft were destroyed or heavily damaged – and all of this happened almost live, for the world to see. And it clearly shows how the technologies of war are changing. Ten years ago, such a strike would have been unimaginable. Today, we can’t even imagine what kind of strikes a country might be able to carry out 10 years from now. But one principle is clear – no country can afford to stay behind in technological development when it comes to security.

Here’s another example. Statistics. Today, on June 12, in the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, our military has recorded more than one million Russian casualties – killed and wounded. This is the price Putin and those like him are willing to pay for their sick geopolitical fantasies. A million losses – and still, they are doing everything to avoid ending this war. They even ignore the United States and President Trump, who have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and an end to the killings.

Russia doesn’t really care about such human losses. What they do worry about are harsh sanctions, especially those against Russian oil, including a new price cap. That’s what really threatens them – because it could cut off their funding for war and force them to seek peace. And they’re also concerned about sanctions on the banking sector, and about political isolation – when Moscow is not invited to international forums, and about new joint defense efforts between Ukraine and our partners in Europe and around the world. Russia is worried about money, about so-called “prestige” in foreign policy, and about our resistance. But they are not concerned about the lives of a million of their own people. And I ask you to see this not just as another fact about dictatorships like Russia, North Korea, or Iran – but as a security challenge to all of us.

We have to confront those who treat human life as worthless, just as we defend our own safety. This fight isn’t limited to Europe; it matters in every region nearby. When life means nothing to those in charge, then no crime is off the table – not even full-scale aggression.

Dear friends!

We now have very clear priorities.

First, I want to thank Czechia for its initiative on ammunition supplies. It clearly showed that united efforts can really make a difference in modern warfare.

We must strengthen all the forms of defense cooperation – especially those that help us become more and more technologically advanced and use drones of every kind – in the air, on land, and at sea. Ukraine is ready to increase drone production by 40% in the near future, already this year. Our factories have the capacity, what we lack is financing. And this must be addressed. And I urge your countries to treat drone production with the same urgency and attention that we do. We must all be faster in drones than our enemies.

Next.

We should be realistic about those who brought war to Europe. You can’t talk Russia into peace. But there are forms of pressure that hurt those in charge. I ask you to support a serious increase in sanctions against Russia. Our goal must be to significantly reduce Russia’s oil income and financial capabilities. If Russian oil sells for no more than $30 a barrel, suddenly Moscow will start sounding peaceful. And we must shut down all the loopholes helping to fund the Russian federal budget. We need to apply enough pressure to force at least a real ceasefire. Without pressure, this will not happen.

And one more thing.

We should remember that respect for human life is not just a moral value, it’s a security factor. That’s why our joint policy must include support for those who value life – and restrictions on those who show contempt for it. This can only be done at the level of all Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community. Only together we are strong enough to defend our way of life and life itself. So I ask you to support decisions that do not leave behind European nations that deserve to be in the EU and NATO. This includes Ukraine. Moldova. Balkan nations and others. Everyone deserves fair decisions. And I urge you to back every initiative that strengthens the global weight of the EU and NATO. Because only through real unity we can set the security conditions for our neighbors – conditions that make them safe for us, and force them to act in ways that do not threaten anyone, including themselves.

Thank you for your attention. Thanks for the invitation. Thank you for your support.

Glory to Ukraine!

He also met with German Minister of Defense Pistorius today. Here’s the video of their joint press conference:

Georgia:

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 197

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 1:19 PM

Tbilisi now, Day 197 of uninterrupted #GeorgiaProtests

“F Russia! F the Georgian Dream!” ✊🏻

A tent is now there too, by the way.

📷 Giorgi Zhamerashvili

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Say what you want, but the Chavchavadze protest in November was among my favourites.

And we are back there!

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 2:52 PM

Today, 21-year-old political prisoner Mate Devidze was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison under Article 353^1 of the Criminal Code.
Several citizens were injured at the courthouse after they were forcibly removed from the building.
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 12, 2025 at 12:06 PM

Citizens gathered on Melikishvili Avenue, where Mate Devidze, a prisoner of the Georgian Dream regime, was arrested on November 19, 2024. It is the 197th day of continuous protest.

#GeorgiaProtsests

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 12:35 PM

June 12, #Tbilisi

After Court sentenced 21yo political prisoner Mate Devidze to 4.5 years, #GeorgiaProtests moved to a major intersection near Tbilisi State University, junction of Varaziskhevi, Chavchavadze and Melikishvili where they are setting up tents and calling on citizens to join.

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 12, 2025 at 2:19 PM

The 5th president of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili was fined 5,000 GEL (≈$1,800) for participating in a protest march on March 3 to mark Mother’s Day. “I stood where all mothers should have stood — with the mothers of prisoners of conscience”, Salome Zourabichvili wrote.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 7:57 AM

People’s President! ❤️

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 12:29 PM

Germany:

Germany plans €9B in military aid for Ukraine in 2025, including long-range weapons.

Thank you, Germany 💙💛

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 2:36 PM

Back to Ukraine.

There is nothing better than seeing their smiles, seeing their emotions when they call their loved ones for the first time in years. That overwhelming joy, with a pinch of heartbreaking disbelief behind their eyes, as if they expect to wake up and find themselves captive again.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 9:46 AM

Welcome home, our dearest. This is not a dream.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 9:46 AM

Activists of the “Yellow Ribbon” movement held a resistance campaign on Russia Day, reminding that residents of the temporarily occupied territories are waiting for liberation.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM

“Under the guise of “drills” in Belarus, the Russians could launch an offensive on the northern border regions. This threat should also be taken into account, although they have not yet made a decision on whether to attempt it.” – Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 4:46 AM

Izium, Kharkiv Oblast:

In Izium district of Kharkiv Oblast, russian forces deliberately targeted a demining crew with a drone strike — hitting the machine’s working compartment. One sapper was killed. Two more were injured.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 3:37 AM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv, after tonight’s Russian drone strike. At least 12 people injured. Homes destroyed. Russia does this every single day.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 10:08 PM

Last night, russia struck Kharkiv with 12 drones, targeting apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure. Fifteen people were injured, including four children. The youngest is just two years old.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 3:05 AM

Russian drones struck Kharkiv again tonight.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 10:14 PM

Rescuers have recovered the body of the fifth victim from the rubble of the civilian facility in Kharkiv, which was massively attacked by russian drones on the night of 7 June.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 3:27 AM

Super-secret NATO generals’ base destroyed by Russia tonight—oh wait, no, just an apartment in Kharkiv, attacked like they do every day.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 8:42 AM

Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast:

A Russian glide bomb struck a house in Zolochiv, Kharkiv region. A woman and her 11-year-old son were rescued from the rubble.

Why? What was the purpose of this strike? The answer is simple: terror, pure and unfiltered.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Moscow Oblast:

Strike drones attacked the “Rezonit” Technopark in the Moscow region last night, according to the General Staff.

The plant is involved in the mass production and assembly of printed circuit boards, as well as the manufacturing of electronics used in Russia’s high-tech weaponry.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new video!

@patron__dsns

Віддав найдорожче, що мав у кишені🤭 #песпатрон

♬ оригінальний звук – Patron_official

Here’s the machine translation of the caption:

He gave the most expensive thing he had in his pocket🤭#песпатрон

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,204: Off the Looking Glass & Through the MapPost + Comments (14)

War for Ukraine Day 1,203: Unfortunately the Quiet Won’t Last

by Adam L Silverman|  June 11, 202510:04 pm| 18 Comments

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

Painting by NEIVANMADE. A Ukrainian Soldier leads several Ukrainian civilians. He is holding the hand of one woman. They are painted in golden yello and are standing on the crest of a hill that has concertina wire and other anti-tank and anti-personnel obstacles on it. The hill and the obstacles are painted black. They are facing away and to the right where the sun is rising in the east and the sky is lightening from a light yellow to an orange. Below the Ukrainian Soldier and Ukrainian civilians, written in gold, is "TOGETHER YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Right now, at 4:20 AM local time in Ukraine/9:20 PM EDT, things are quiet. The only air raid alerts up are for Sumy, Luhanks, and Donetsk Oblasts, and Russian occupied Crimea. The air raid alerts for Luhansk, Donetsk, and Crimea are always up 24/7/365. Unfortunately the quiet won’t last.

The cost:

A 65-year-old internally displaced man, Serhiy Kapranov, originally from Yenakiieve in the Donetsk region, was killed during Russian strikes last night. He relocated to Kharkiv in 2014

Russia ruined his life and then came back to kill him

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 7:24 AM

Why is the world silent about russians targeting Ukrainian rescuers? Today, the invaders attacked with a drone rescue workers clearing mines in the Kharkiv region. 37yo sapper Vasyl Belinskyi was killed, two of his colleagues were hospitalized. This is a war crime.

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:01 PM

The bodies of 1,212 fallen defenders have been successfully returned to Ukraine.

The remains of Ukrainian soldiers were brought back from the Kursk region, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions.

Eternal glory and remembrance to all the fallen heroes.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 6:21 AM

President Zelenskyy addressed the Southeast Europe Summit today.

Prior to the start of the summit, President Zelensky and the other senior leaders in attendance honored Ukrainians killed in action at the Alley of Heroes in Taras Shevchenko Park.

🇺🇦 Odesa. Alley of Heroes. Together with the leaders participating in today’s Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, we honored the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders- OVA.
Eternal honor to our heroes who defended Ukraine at the cost of their own lives.

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM

Video below, English transcript after the jump.

show full post on front page

Speech by the President at the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit

11 June 2025 – 19:12

Welcome everybody!

So, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, I sincerely thank each of you for being here today in Odesa. And thank you that we started your visit to our summit from a very heroic place where we can see our heroic people and our patriots from Odesa. Thank you very much for this moment.

Odesa is a very important city for all of us and not just a symbol of southern Ukraine; it’s a crossroads between Northern and Southern Europe, between the Balkans and the Caucasus, and between European stability and the threats to undermine it. Odesa has always been a gateway and today stands as a gateway to our shared security.

The security of Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea is indivisible. And this has been obvious to Ukraine since 2014 and became clear to the entire continent in 2022. Yet, even today, we are compelled to fight not only for our country but to ensure this reality becomes the cornerstone of a new regional policy.

And I am pleased to welcome the following leaders here today in Odesa: Presidents of Moldova, Maia Sandu; Montenegro, Jakov Milatović; Romania, Nicușor Dan; Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić; Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Rossen Jeliazkov; Croatia, Andrej Plenković; and the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; and the Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Elisa Spiropali; and First Deputy President of the Government and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia, Izet Mexhiti; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.

Our today’s agenda will cover the following issues: regional security, resilience to hybrid threats, bolstering trade and transport networks, energy security, demining, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation, health improvement, and support of military personnel, children and veterans.

Dear friends, dear leaders,

I’m glad to welcome you to our very beautiful city, to Odesa, again, and we continue our regular meetings with the countries of Southeastern Europe.

Sadly, our region is one of Russia’s main targets – main targets for causing chaos. We’ve seen this before – across the Balkans, where Russia fueled ethnic tensions, sabotage, and even coup attempts. We’ve witnessed attempts to manipulate public opinion in Romania, with Moscow’s involvement. And for three decades now, Russia has tried to keep Moldova in poverty and instability, to bring it fully under its control. If Europe loses in Moldova this year, it will embolden Russia to interfere even more in your countries – taking from you your resources, your sovereignty, even your history. That’s why supporting a European Moldova – not pro-Russian or oligarchic forces – is a critical task for all of us. And the same goes for Ukraine. Moscow doesn’t see Ukraine as a country, just as a pile of resources and a military staging ground for its next invasions. We all in the region are dealing with the same source of destruction.

Today, I suggest we focus – and especially I will focus –  on three things: defense, unity, and real development.

You can all see – Putin does not want to end this war. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he stays politically alive. But no matter what he believes, our job is to force Russia into a position where they must seek peace and political survival by non-military means. This is absolutely possible.

Defense support for Ukraine. We need it to protect our cities and villages from Russian attacks, and to make Russia feel the real cost of war at home. Air defense systems and drones are crucial. Another key tool is, of course, sanctions. Your support for joint EU sanctions decisions is vital. The EU announced its 18th sanctions package. It can be stronger, especially in targeting Russian oil tankers and its financial sector. And on the oil price cap – a cap of $45 is better than $60. Anyway, it’s understandable. It’s true. But real peace comes with a $30 cap – that’s the level that will truly change thinking in Moscow.

Next point.

We all share the same interest in EU enlargement and the strength of NATO. The EU gives Europe the power to compete globally. Without it, European nations could be overwhelmed by other big global players. That’s why we must support each other – those of you moving toward the EU, and Ukraine in its membership talks. This year, Ukraine needs a clear decision on the negotiating clusters. We’ve met every condition. Blocking progress now only wastes time for all of Europe. All our nations count and deserve fair enlargement. The same applies to NATO. Yes, Europe has to do more for its own defense. But everyone in the United States should remember – twice before, destabilization in Europe dragged American soldiers into devastating wars. That’s why it’s so important for America to stay engaged in European security. NATO holds the security structure of Europe together. And every European country has the right to choose its own security path. The upcoming NATO Summit must confirm that.

Just as the EU and NATO are essential, so is our cooperation in infrastructure. Transport routes, energy, communications, digital systems – we need to show people clear annual progress in all these areas.

Russia’s war and its blockade of Ukrainian ports showed us how vital alternative routes through neighboring countries are. We already have those alternatives thanks to you, of course, dear guests. And every country should have the same readiness for any crisis.

And finally, again, we’re here in our beautiful city, in Odesa. This beautiful city is a target for Russia. It wants to destroy it like it did countless cities and villages in occupied territories. Russian war plans point to this region – Odesa, and then toward the borders with Moldova and Romania. Of course, we need protection now. But even more, we need long-term guarantees that this can never happen again. That’s why I’m asking all of you to treat security guarantees after this war as a practical need. From air defense to cyber threats – we need real tools for deterrence and rapid response. Let’s look at our agreements, armies, and infrastructure – and strengthen everything that keeps our nations safe.

Thank you again for coming. Thank you very much.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Just one day in Georgia, and it’s not even evening in Tbilisi:

The first thing we learned upon waking was that Temur Katamadze, a Turkish citizen of Georgian descent, was forcibly expelled to Turkey overnight, unable to notify anyone or even say goodbye to his wife. 1/

[image or embed]

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

Katamadze, 56, who lived in Georgia since 2012 and sought citizenship, gained attention during ongoing anti-government, pro-EU protests. Known as “Batumi’s flag bearer” for proudly waving a Georgian flag at daily rallies in the coastal city, he became a symbol of resistance. 2/

[image or embed]

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

He was arrested on January 11 for allegedly disobeying police and again on January 16 for what officials claimed was illegal residence. Katamadze endured a 48-day hunger strike in detention. 3/

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

GD’s Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said the expulsion was carried out “with force” and “in accordance with Georgian legislation,” citing a court order. In April, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals denied Katamadze refugee or humanitarian status. 4/

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

Meanwhile, half of GD’s leadership, including Ivanishvili’s PM, his MFA, Tbilisi Mayor, and several MPs, attended a lavish “opening” of the Georgian consulate in Milan. HOWEVER, the consulate has been operating since November 2023. 5/

[image or embed]

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

The British embassy in Tbilisi announced it canceled grants for civil society aimed at voter education and election monitoring for the upcoming municipal elections. The GD failed to finalize a decree for grant approvals, leaving no mechanism or timeline for decisions. 6/

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

A criminal case was launched against activist Nino Datashvili over an incident at Tbilisi City Court during a sham hearing for regime prisoners. The regime claims Datashvili attacked a court security employee. 7/

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

Last week, GD slapped activists with a lawsuit for using insulting language against them on social media. Today, numerous activists and politicians got called in for questioning.

The terror in Georgia grows every single day. 8/END

— Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarish.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM

2/ The head of the Social Justice Center (SJC), Tamta Mikeladze, wrote on social media that Katamadze was deported to Turkey last night.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

2/ “The deadline for voluntary departure expired yesterday, and he couldn’t use that right because he did not have a valid document — the Turkish side had revoked his passport in 2020. It was also not possible to issue a one-time travel document”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

3/ “This morning, a friend of ours living in Turkey, with whom I am in constant contact, informed me. The police had contacted him at Temur’s request and informed him that he is now on Turkish territory”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

4/ “He is in the city of Ardahan and will be transferred to the city of Ordu, where the absurd case against him has been launched and where questioning and investigation will begin,” Katamadze’s wife, Nino Kakulia, said on air with Formula TV.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

5/ Temur Katamadze is a descendant of Georgian Muslims who were exiled to the Ottoman Empire by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. He has been living in Georgia since 2012 but has not been granted citizenship despite repeated attempts.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

6/ According to his family, in Turkey Katamadze faces imprisonment, as turkish authorities consider him a member of FETO, the movement led by Fethullah Gülen, which is designated as a terrorist organisation in Turkey.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM

The UK:

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine will receive nearly £1.7 billion from the United Kingdom for additional weapons purchases, including Rapid Ranger air defense missile systems and Martlet lightweight missiles.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM

The US:

Bipartisan House Members Urge Secretary Rubio to Save Program Tracking Kidnapped Ukrainian Children
doggett.house.gov/media/press-…

[image or embed]

— Timothy Snyder (@timothysnyder.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM

They simply do not care.

McConnell: “Who’s the aggressor and who’s the victim in the conflict?”

Hegseth: “Russia is the aggressor.”

McConnell: “Which side do you want to win?”

Hegseth: “This president is committed to peace.”

[image or embed]

— The Bulwark (@thebulwark.com) June 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM

He’s committed to acquiring a piece of Donetsk and Luhansk. And a few slices of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson too.

What Hegseth means is that he doesn’t care if Ukraine perishes, as long as the war ends. In fact, that outcome is preferable to him because it’s fast and requires no effort from his side.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 11:18 AM

Moscow on the Potomac:

Having a weapon doesn’t entitle someone to murder their neighbors at will.
Possessing tanks doesn’t grant them the right to loot other people’s homes.
Operating warplanes doesn’t justify abducting children—not ours, and not yours.
Even possessing nukes doesn’t entitle them to any of the above.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 9:59 AM

Once we allow that line to be crossed, simply because it’s us being murdered, our homes looted, or our children abducted instead of yours, then no one will ever be safe again.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 9:59 AM

Gabbard is just delusional. We are not closer to nuclear annihilation than ever before. We are not closer than during the Cuban missile crisis when the cool head of the Soviet submarine fleet commander stopped a nuclear launch, nor during Able Archer 1983 when another cool headed Soviet officer recognized he signals the Soviets were intercepting were from a war game and not actual US nuclear forces beginning a strike.

Back to Ukraine.

Last night, russia turned most of its terror arsenal on Kyiv alone — 322 air threats in a 5h nonstop assault.
The Defence Forces neutralized 284, incl:
– 213 drones & 64 jammed/lost,
– 2 ballistic missiles,
– 5 cruise missiles.
Ukraine needs #SkyShieldNow and more air defences.

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 2:26 AM

The Ukraine war shows countries don’t need a small amount of the best equipment. They need a huge quantity of less-impressive gear.

[image or embed]

— Business Insider (@businessinsider.com) June 11, 2025 at 5:48 AM

From Business Insider:

Ukraine’s defense industry is urging the West to abandon its longtime fixation on high-end, expensive weaponry in favor of cheaper, mass-produced arms, the kind needed to survive and win a grinding war of attrition against an adversary like Russia.

Serhiy Goncharov, the CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries — which represents about 100 Ukrainian companies — told Business Insider the West’s long-standing focus on fielding limited numbers of cutting-edge systems could be a serious disadvantage in a protracted conflict. Those systems are good to have, but mass is key.

The war in Ukraine shows that instead of a handful of ultraprecise, expensive weapons, countries need a massive supply of good enough firepower, Goncharov said.

He said the expensive weapons such as the US military’s M982 Excalibur guided munition (each shell costs $100,000) “don’t work” when the other side has electronic warfare systems and the kind of traditional artillery rounds that are 30 times cheaper in tremendous supply.

Goncharov pointed to the M107, a self-propelled gun that was first fielded by the US in the 1960s, as an example of inexpensive firepower that can be effective in large numbers.

“You don’t need 10 Archers from the Swedish that are probably one of the best artillery systems in the world,” he said, referring to the artillery system made by BAE Systems that was given to Ukraine by Sweden. Instead, you need 200 cheap howitzers, such as the Bohdana one that Ukraine makes.

The significant rate of ammo and equipment attrition in a fight such as this means a constant supply of weaponry is needed to keep fighting, especially when there isn’t any guarantee the high-end weapons will be the game changers promised.

Russia’s invasion has chewed through equipment. The UK Ministry of Defense said in December that Russia had lost more than 3,600 main battle tanks and almost 8,000 armored vehicles since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The Russians have the mass to absorb those losses. Ukraine has struggled with weapon and ammo shortages, as well as deficiencies in manpower. Ukraine turned to small, cheap drones as an asymmetric warfare alternative; Russia has employed uncrewed systems in battle as well.

China, another concern in the West, has built a similar kind of force, one with the mass to take losses.

The West, on the other hand, has spent the past two decades and change fighting lower-level adversaries where its forces can win the day with superior capabilities.

Goncharov’s warning is one that has been echoed by other Western defense officials and companies.

Countries have been keen to learn lessons about fighting Russia from the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in Europe, where many countries warn Russia could pursue further aggression in the future, and defense spending is growing rapidly.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former defense minister of Lithuania, a NATO ally bordering Russia, previously described the war to BI as one of “high quantities.”

He said that while the West had largely focused on new and expensive weaponry that takes a long time to manufacture, Russia had been “building something that’s cheap, that’s expendable, that’s fast.”

He said the West had “been preparing for a different kind of war” than what it would face in one against Russia, focusing on impressive equipment that is “very expensive.”

Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish defense minister, previously told BI that “one of the lessons” from Ukraine was that the West needed far greater quantities of inexpensive weaponry to meet the threats posed by Russia and China.

More at the link!

What the Ukrainians are demonstrating and, based on demonstration through actual operations, talking about is change to the character and characteristics of war. A very 21st century tweak to older concepts.

🇺🇦 Wounded Ukrainian soldier rescued by unmanned ground vehicle.

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 10:04 AM

Consider this.

During the February “Oval Office Ambush”, Zelensky was fully aware of SBU plans to launch a big attack on fascist Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in Operation Spiderweb.

Sitting there, being told he had “no cards” to play, Zelensky must have thought Trump and Vance were utter fools.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 3:11 AM

Overnight, russia bombed residential houses across Ukraine, burying people in the ruins of their homes.
Ukraine hit the Tambov gunpowder factory — a key supplier of propellants for russian weapons.
Is it really that hard to tell who the villain is in this war?

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM

More of GBU-62, AASM HAMMER 250 and GBU-39 air strikes on Russian targets. t.me/utac_team/138

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 5:04 AM

Kyiv:

Defense Express: Russia’s new jet-powered Shahed drone hits Kyiv for the first time — 3X faster than earlier models

Russia’s Geran-3 — its jet-powered version of the Iranian Shahed drone — reaches speeds of up to 600 km/h.

euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/11/r…

[image or embed]

— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 4:08 PM

From EuroMaidan Press:

Russia has likely used a new jet-powered attack drone, the Geran-3, in a recent missile and drone strike on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express.

The development comes amid a sharp escalation in Moscow’s drone warfare. Russia is now deploying high-altitude, dive-bombing Shahed drones at scale—reportedly producing thousands monthly using Iranian designs and domestic assembly lines. These drones increasingly strike civilian infrastructure, overwhelming Ukrainian defenses and causing mounting casualties and destruction.

Photos of the downed UAV show several key components, including a compact jet engine, indicating that the drone was likely the Geran-3 — a Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed-238. This model marks a significant upgrade over the slower Shahed-136 (Geran-2), boasting reported speeds of 550–600 km/h and a range of up to 2,500 km, compared to the Shahed-136’s 185 km/h.

Residents of Kyiv reported hearing a distinct whistling sound during the strike, consistent with a jet-powered drone and unlike the quieter propeller-driven models previously used.

Among the wreckage, investigators found an avionics panel nearly identical to those used in the Shahed-136 — responsible for flight programming, engine control, and onboard systems — suggesting a shared design lineage.

Though the drone was heavily fragmented, Defense Express says the evidence points to either an imported Shahed-238 or a Russian-produced version built with Iranian-sourced components.

More at the link.

Kharkiv:

Russian drones over Kharkiv right now ‼️ air defense is working

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM

Russian drones over Kharkiv again‼️ The air defense is working. It’s the second attack on our city tonight.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Homes in Kharkiv still smolder from last night’s russian drone strikes — and already, the city is under attack again. Multiple explosions reported.

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 6:55 PM

More explosions in Kharkiv ‼️ just fuck off already, you murderous bastards!

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 7:56 PM

Kharkiv is mourning as a russian drone attack killed three people last night. Another 60 were injured, including seven children. The terrorist state struck the city with 17 drones, destroying residential buildings, houses and civilian enterprise.

But the world won’t even flinch.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 2:36 AM

The death toll following tonight’s Russian drone attack on Kharkiv has risen to 4.
A 65-year-old woman has died in the hospital.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 11:50 AM

Russian drone strike on Kharkiv last night collapsed two floors of the apartment building. Killed at least 3 people and injured over 60

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM

Police have released the first minutes of bodycam footage following last night’s Russian drone strike on Kharkiv.

Collapsed structures, efforts to pull a person from the rubble as fire spreads, and the Ukrainian anthem he sings on the brink of death.

Turn your sound on.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 7:13 AM

Saratov Oblast, Russia:

Something is on fire in russian Engels again 👀

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Russian public channels report an explosion in Engels – a large column of smoke can be seen.

According to some Telegram channels, the explosion occurred at the 9th Central Automobile Repair Plant, which is located less than two kilometers from the “Kristall” oil depot.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Tambov Oblast, Russia:

In Kotovsk, Tambov region, Russia, around 10 explosion sounds were heard.
Russian Telegram channels report that unidentified drones are attacking a gunpowder plant.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 11, 2025 at 5:18 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.

Here is some adjacent material.

🐶 Together, they are an unbeatable team, ready to defend their homeland! 🇺🇦

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 3:57 PM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,203: Unfortunately the Quiet Won’t LastPost + Comments (18)

War for Ukraine Day 1,202: Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets in Kharkiv

by Adam L Silverman|  June 10, 202510:15 pm| 14 Comments

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

Painting by NEIVANMADE. It has a white background an in the center are Soldiers in green doing air defense by firing at incoming Russian missiles in the upper right. The missiles are red and yellow. In the upper left, written in green, is the text: "SAVE THE BRAVEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!" Below the Soldiers, also written in green, is "SUPPORT FOR KHARKIV"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

It has been a long day, I’m fried, so I’m just going to run through the basics so I can get cleaned up and rack out.

Note the repeating trend that happens at least twice a year when Russia starts an offensive: there’s talk that Ukraine’s defence lines are about to break and thousands of troops will be trapped. The results are always the same, yet Russians still think next time will be different

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM

Last night, russia turned most of its terror arsenal on Kyiv alone — 322 air threats in a 5h nonstop assault.
The Defence Forces neutralized 284, incl:
– 213 drones & 64 jammed/lost,
– 2 ballistic missiles,
– 5 cruise missiles.
Ukraine needs #SkyShieldNow and more air defences.

[image or embed]

show full post on front page

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 2:26 AM

Russia has targeted more civilian residential facilities in Kharkiv in the past couple of hours.

Pure nightmare in Kharkiv.

Attacking civilians at night when they are sleeping in their homes is russia’s bloody strategy.

But the world doesn’t give a damn about these innocent people.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 6:08 PM

At least 2 people were killed by russian drones in Kharkiv tonight. At least 28 are injured. Apartment buildings are on fire.

This happens almost every night! This is madness!

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM

Kharkiv right now ‼️ at least 2 people died in russian attack on our city, 37 others were injured, including 5 children.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 8:50 PM

Kharkiv tonight ‼️
Kharkiv almost every night for the fourth year.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM

As flames still rage in Kharkiv, a russian reconnaissance drone circles overhead — the final act of the strike. Somewhere, russian officers are watching the live feed of Ukrainian homes burning… and smiling. To them, burning civilians is victory.

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM

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

For Months Now, Russia Has Been Steadily Increasing the Number of Means of Destruction Used in Its Attacks – Address by the President

10 June 2025 – 19:54

Dear Ukrainians!

Today is another day of exchanges. We brought home our wounded, including those with very severe trauma. These are warriors from various components of our Defense Forces. All of them require serious medical care. We will make sure to provide all the support they need. We expect the exchanges to continue, and, for sure, there will be separate updates on that. The task is to find all of our people in Russian captivity and to free them all. I thank everyone who is helping us in this effort. I also want to thank all political figures, public leaders, and every media professional – everyone who continues to spread information about Russian strikes on our cities and our villages. It is vital that there is no silence in response to Russian escalation – and it is clear that escalation is underway. For months now, Russia has been steadily increasing the number of means of destruction used in its attacks. This is a consistent trend. And it means that Moscow fears no one in the world – no one among those who have called for an end to the killings and for meaningful negotiations on ending the war. Putin wants to continue killing and exploits the lack of a strong response. They don’t listen to Washington. And that says a lot to the world – to everyone.

The European Commission has taken an important step by announcing a new sanctions package. I am grateful that this 18th package is focused on Russian energy resources and banks. That is the right direction for pressure. But this package still needs to be filled with strong details. Russia’s ability to continue the war equals its ability to sell oil and circumvent financial restrictions. That is why it is essential to maximally restrict the Russian tanker fleet, their technological capabilities for extraction and processing, and to do everything possible to keep the price of Russian oil below what they can sustain. Each of our partners knows what the necessary price cap is – no more than USD 30. That price level would mean real pressure on Russia – they must be forced to seek peace, as they don’t understand any other incentives. I know that partners are currently discussing a compromise price, but enough compromising with Russia. Every such compromise only delays peace. We call for a real reduction in the price of Russian oil – in other words, a real step toward ending the war. And I especially want to thank those in the United States who are relying specifically on strength, including the strength of diplomacy through sanctions.

Today, our military officials delivered their reports. I had a separate discussion with Defense Minister Umerov on our efforts to counter drones, protect against missiles, and reinforce our air defense. The Russians have once again used ballistic missiles from North Korea. We are also tracking evidence that Russian-Iranian drone technologies have spread to North Korea. This is extremely dangerous both for Europe and for East and Southeast Asia. The longer this war continues on our territory, the more warfare technologies evolve, and the greater the threat will be to everyone. This must be addressed now – not when thousands of upgraded “Shahed” drones and ballistic missiles begin to threaten Seoul and Tokyo.

And one more thing.

Today’s Russian strike damaged ordinary residential buildings in various regions of Ukraine. In Odesa, a maternity hospital was hit. The Odesa Film Studio suffered major damage – decades of history destroyed. In the capital, even Saint Sophia Cathedral was damaged: part of the cathedral’s façade collapsed under the blast wave. To all those who truly know history and feel connected to Christianity, even the slightest threat of damage or destruction to Saint Sophia is utterly unacceptable, indeed catastrophic. But not for Russia. Possessed maniacs with their “Shaheds” and the red button. Catastrophe is the very purpose of their existence. They produce nothing else – and will leave nothing behind. This must be addressed. They must be stopped. And it is not only we in Ukraine that need this – the whole world will benefit when Russia is forced into peace. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

Today, First Lady Zelenska participated in and addressed the all-Ukrainian “Barrier-Free Means When You Can” social change campaign, which promotes accessibility.

Georgia:

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 195 of continuous protests in Georgia.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 1:45 PM

Day 195 of daily protests in 8+ cities across Georgia. #GeorgiaProtests

[image or embed]

— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM

Giorgi Akhobadze is one of the detainees from the pro-European rallies who is being accused of drug possession and faces a sentence ranging from 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. He denies the charges and says he is being punished for participating in the protests.

#TerrorinGeorgia

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 8:48 AM

“She saw the red flags, trained the people now dismantling democracy—and stayed silent too long.”

This is a great article. How the domestic illusion of security (that 🇬🇪 could never be Russified) got us where we are in a record time – and how Western money trained and enabled the dictatorship. 1/

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 1:02 AM

Thank you, @euromaidanpress.bsky.social, and thank you, Nino Robakidze, for speaking up. 2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 1:02 AM

From EuroMaidan Press:

“We fucked up.” It’s not often you hear a democracy activist open with those words, but Nino Robakidze, a veteran democracy activist with over 15 years fighting for Georgian freedom, isn’t interested in pretty narratives.

Speaking at the “FuckUp Night” panel at the Lviv Media Forum 2025, Robakidze laid bare how Georgian civil society enabled the fastest documented democratic collapse in modern European history.

The timeline is breathtaking: December 2023, Georgia receives EU candidate status. Eighteen months later, dozens of political prisoners, including four high-profile politicians, fill Georgian jails, independent media faces criminal prosecution, and the government has abandoned European integration entirely. Over 200 public servants were fired simply for posting pro-European statements on Facebook.

“Georgian civil society is in a perfect storm,” she says. “We saw the red flags. We really saw the red flags. But it was so uncomfortable to really talk about that.”

Twenty-one years after the Rose Revolution promised Georgia a European future, the country has achieved something unprecedented: the fastest documented slide from EU candidate to authoritarian crackdown in European history.

But Robakidze, former Country Director for IREX Georgia, isn’t just analyzing the crisis—she’s dissecting how democracy defenders like herself enabled it through a fatal dependency that made Georgian freedom hostage to foreign funding.

For two decades, the US government poured millions into Georgian civil society—building the independent media, NGOs, and democracy programs that became the envy of the former Soviet space. That investment created something genuinely remarkable: a vibrant civil society that helped Georgia become a beacon of democratic progress in the region.

For two decades, Georgian civil society lived on life support: US government funding. Independent media, NGOs, democracy programs—all relied heavily on American largesse because local businesses feared government retaliation for supporting critical outlets.

“This was mainly the US government funding because there was not enough advertising money in independent media,” Robakidze explains. Vulnerable to state pressure, “big business did not want to work with media outlets like this because they were investigating government corruption.”

The dependency created a catastrophic vulnerability. When Georgian Dream wanted to crush civil society, they had a ready-made weapon: the “foreign agent” narrative borrowed directly from Putin’s playbook.

But the irony runs deeper—and darker. Western funding didn’t just create the vulnerability; it actively trained the oppressors.

Georgian Dream created Western-funded strategic communication units across government ministries. “And then this communication in the crisis, when the crisis was approaching, was used against those who were actually protecting Western values—civil society, media, free media, etc.”

The absurdity was complete: civil society trained its own oppressors. “We were inviting representatives of this group to different trainings, on strategic communication, on public opinion research, and they learned the lesson really well. Maybe they were the best in their class, actually.”

The students became the masters, using Western-funded skills to dismantle Western values.

Much more at the link.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Zviad Kharazishvili (Khareba) has left his position – Roman Khartsivadze has been appointed as the new Director of the Special Tasks Department.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 9:05 AM

Norway:

Norway transfers over twice the number of F-16s promised to Ukraine

Norway’s arms report indicates eight more aircraft than declared.
euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/10/n…

[image or embed]

— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM

The US:

‼️In the US, Dmitry Gugnin, the founder of the crypto company Evita, has been accused of laundering over $500 million for Russia.

From 2023 to early 2025, Gugnin used his company to transfer ~$530 million through banks and cryptocurrency exchanges, concealing their origin and destination.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM

/2. According to the FBI, he helped sanctioned Russian companies move money and gain access to export-controlled western technology for the Russian government: www.justice.gov/opa/pr/found…

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM

Back to Ukraine.

Our people are home!

This time, Ukraine returns injured defenders from russian captivity.

Welcome home, heroes! 🇺🇦❤️‍🩹

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM

🇺🇦🫂 Birthday on the day of release—a Ukrainian soldier is free and celebrates this day with his loved ones, who have been waiting for him for so long.
Sincere congratulations to our hero!

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 12:18 PM

HUR commented on the condition of prisoners released from Russian captivity.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM

2xAASM Hammer air strike on Russian base.
t.me/BaluHUB777/1…

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 4:35 AM

Kyiv:

This is one of the worst and largest russian drone attacks on Kyiv I can recall, the buzz of incoming drones and air defences firing is literally non-stop. God, save us all.

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:24 PM

Kyiv last night. This is terrorism

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 7:45 AM

🔴 Russian forces launched a massive attack against Kyiv overnight.

The capital was attacked with drones. There is destruction in seven districts of the city, with high-rise buildings and private homes damaged.

[image or embed]

— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) June 10, 2025 at 2:33 AM

The Kyiv Patrol Police have released footage capturing the first moments of a Russian strike hitting a residential building.
t.me/c/1377735387…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 5:16 PM

🚁 A helicopter was deployed to extinguish fires in Kyiv that erupted as a result of a nighttime attack by the Russian army.

❗️As of this morning, the sky in the capital remains thick with smoke.

[image or embed]

— The Ukrainian Review (@theukrainianreview.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 2:35 AM

Russia launched a mass air attack on Kyiv for the third night in four days. Ukraine’s air force said Russia had fired 315 kamikaze drones, two ballistic missiles and five cruise missiles towards Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target. @fabricedeprez.bsky.social
on.ft.com/45dMdhH

[image or embed]

— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 10, 2025 at 10:02 AM

From The Financial Times:

Russia has launched a mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv for the third night in four days, following Moscow’s vow to avenge an audacious Ukrainian operation that destroyed Russian strategic bombers at air bases on the ground hundreds of kilometres from the front line.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia had launched 315 kamikaze drones, two ballistic missiles and five cruise missiles towards Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target. All the cruise and ballistic missiles and 220 of the drones were reportedly shot down.

The Ukrainian capital emerged from the night under thick plumes of smoke after dozens of drones had flown into the city over several hours, hitting several residential buildings and industrial areas, according to city officials. At least four people were injured in the attack.

The latest Russian aerial assault also targeted the seaside city of Odesa, in the country’s south. Two people died and nine were injured in that attack, with the drones damaging a maternity ward, residential buildings and a zoo, city officials said.

Russia has stepped up its bombing campaign and such attacks now routinely involve hundreds of kamikaze drones and decoy unmanned aerial vehicles at a time. It launched a record 479 drones and 20 missiles across Ukraine the day before, with the Ukrainian air force claiming to have intercepted the majority of those.

“Russian missile and Shahed strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a message published on X.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said earlier that a strike conducted overnight last week had been made in response to Kyiv’s “terrorist acts” committed on June 1 when Ukraine’s security service attacked four Russian airfields in several corners of the country, destroying at least 12 military aircraft.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also told Donald Trump that Moscow would have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields, the US president said on June 4.

“But Russia has done this sort of attack before and without any justification, just because they can do it,” said Pavlo Narozhny, a Ukrainian military analyst.

“They understand we lack sophisticated air defence systems, that we don’t have enough planes, and they want us to run out of all of this,” he added.

More at the link.

What a symbolic photo: the light vs the darkness in Kyiv. The light shall eventually prevail. Otherwise, the consequences will be felt globally…

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 3:38 AM

Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast:

A 70-year-old man was killed in an airstrike on Kupyansk when the Russians dropped a guided aerial bomb on the city today, according to Kharkiv region police.

Two other people, aged 68 and 38, were injured, and over 30 private homes were damaged.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 9:13 AM

Tsapivka, Russia Oblast:

At approximately 10:40 AM, Russian aircraft dropped two guided aerial bombs on Tsapivka in the Kharkiv region, hitting a densely populated private residential area. The strike damaged at least 10 homes, with two completely destroyed.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 9:02 AM

Odesa:

🔥🇺🇦 As a result of the night attack by russian Shaheds on our Odesa, two people were killed. Nine people were taken to the hospital: five were hospitalized, four are undergoing outpatient treatment.

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 6:05 AM

🙏 Residential buildings, a maternity hospital, an emergency medical station, a private medical clinic, a sports complex, a zoo, and a railway station building were damaged in the city.
The pavilions of a film studio were also damaged.

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 6:05 AM

At least 2 people died in last night’s russian attack on Odesa, and 9 others were injured.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 7:34 AM

The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage showing how mobile fire teams in Odesa region destroyed seven Shahed drones overnight.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 9:55 AM

Tatarstan, Russia:

There was no calm in Russia either. Some unknown drones carried out an attack on a Shahed drone production facility in Tatarstan.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 9:27 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

Kharkiv after the Russian drone attack‼️

survival means choosing life over belongings. In the chaos, stuff stay behind, but our little friends never do.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 10, 2025 at 8:55 PM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,202: Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets in KharkivPost + Comments (14)

War for Ukraine Day 1,201: Russia Continues It’s Nightly Bombardments

by Adam L Silverman|  June 9, 20259:37 pm| 7 Comments

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

A painting by NEIVANMADE> In the center of the painting is a green swing set. It is over a targeting reticle with the red dot dirctly under the swing. Behind it on both the left and right are residential apartment buildings and trees. Above the swing set is an incoming Russian missile. It is red with a yellow "Z" symbol on it. To it's left if the caption "Russian "Ceasefire" in red. Below the reticle, in black, is Stop Child Killers!

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

Russia set a new record for strikes on Ukraine last night:

Russia unleashed 499 air targets on Ukraine overnight — a new record of terror.

Art by Nikita Titov

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:41 AM

A staggering 499 drones and missiles were launched by Russia last night, targeting Ukrainian cities as their residents slept.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:48 AM

What a night.
– The Ukrainian Defence Forces intercepted 479 out of 499 enemy air threats;
– Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to target the russian war machine: hitting the Savasleyka airbase where at least 2 jets were hit (likely MiG-31 & Su-30/34) & a Shahed component factory in Cheboksary 🔥

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Again? Again.

Russian planes are in the air and on their way to bomb Ukraine.

After unleashing almost 500 drones and missiles on Ukraine just last night.

Too bad we couldn’t destroy all of them.

Please keep Ukraine in your thoughts tonight.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:42 PM

According to monitoring groups, planes landed back without launching missiles. We are under russian drone attack tho

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM

And they are back at it tonight. All of eastern and most of central Ukraine is under air raid alert for drone swarms at 3:50 AM local time in Ukraine/8:50 PM EDT.

A maternity hospital, along with other buildings, is on fire in Odesa following a Russian drone strike.

Monsters.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:03 PM

Russian drone strike damaged the administrative building of a maternity hospital in Odesa. The fact that no one died is nothing short of a miracle.

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:29 PM

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

show full post on front page

Every One of Our Units That Successfully Fulfills Its Mission on Its Front Is Protecting the Entire Country – Address by the President

9 June 2025 – 20:10

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, the first stage of the prisoner exchange agreed in Istanbul has begun. More stages will follow – at least, that’s what was discussed with the Russian side. This exchange is to include the wounded, the severely wounded, and also those aged 25 and younger. The exchange process is expected to take place over multiple days. The details of the process are quite sensitive, so for now, there is less information than usual. I thank everyone who is helping to carry out the exchange and working to ensure that all our people can return home from Russian captivity.

I held a meeting on June’s international agenda – much has already been planned. And one of the key issues will be precisely this: speeding up diplomacy and achieving real decisions. No meeting should be hollow – in Ukraine, we must always feel the exact value of each negotiation, each format. If a meeting doesn’t bring us closer to decisions that can end the war through diplomacy, then there must be decisions that will help strengthen our defense, our active operations, or increase pressure on Russia. Severe pressure on Russia or real, effective diplomacy to end the war – those are the only possible options.

Today, I held a meeting of the Staff. There were also separate discussions with Defense Minister Umerov, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, and Chief of the General Staff Hnatov. Intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine delivered their reports. The primary focus was the frontline, the formation and development of corps, and our strikes on Russian military targets: all their assets contributing to strikes against Ukraine. Our precision matters and should not only spoil the mood in Moscow, but also undermine the real capacity of military production, army supplies, and strategic potential. I thank all our warriors and companies who make this possible. I am also grateful to all our warriors for their tenacity.

The fiercest and most intense fighting continues in the Pokrovsk direction, in the areas of the Kursk operation, and along the border in the Sumy region. Russian tactics remain the same everywhere: ignore losses and try to advance, storming our Ukrainian positions in an attempt to seize even a single meter, anything at all. But their potential is not infinite. That’s why a certain level of Russian casualties – and our actions – should and do hinder their advance. Every one of our units that successfully fulfills its mission on its front is protecting the entire country. The Pokrovsk direction: the 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade and the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade – thank you, warriors, for your strength! The Kursk direction: the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade and the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade – thank you! And every unit in the Sumy region, in the Kharkiv region – all those defending Ukraine’s border areas and doing so effectively – thank you! Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Day 194 of #GeorgiaProtests

“No justice, no peace!”

📷 George Burjanadze

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM

Speaking about Ambassador Fischer, who’s been attending journalist Mzia Amaglobeli’s court hearings, Tsulukiani says that he “doesn’t miss the trials of opposition leaders” and offers him “the opportunity to attend the GD investigative commission’s sessions instead”.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:13 AM

🟥Tina Bokuchava, leader of the UNM party, has stated that her husband, Kote Ioseliani, was abducted and threatened with harm to their children shortly before recording a video apology to Uta Ivanishvili, the son of Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Acc/to her, abduction aimed to intimidate her.

[image or embed]

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 9, 2025 at 4:37 AM

I am not afraid, I will not be silenced, and I will fight till the end to demolish your violent regime!”

– UNM Chair Tina Bokuchava states after the Georgian Dream regime kidnapped & blindfolded her husband; threatened with their 3 children in order to silence her.

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:23 AM

1/ The UNM chair Tina Bokuchava said her husband was kidnapped and beaten, and that he was threatened — including threats to their children’s safety — to force him to record a video denying his seven-year-old statement about Ivanishvili’s son’s sexual orientation.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:34 AM

2/ Tina Bokuchava said: “My husband was attacked at night by five masked men near the entrance to our house, close to Vake Pond. Fortunately, they were unable to inflict serious physical injuries”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:34 AM

3/ “During the physical confrontation, he was forced into a car, blindfolded, handcuffed, and abducted in an unknown direction. As she was blindfolded, it is impossible for us to determine the exact location”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:34 AM

4/ “However, based on the distance and trajectory, we believe he was taken to the Module building, where he was held for many hours”.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:34 AM

5/ Tina Bokuchava claims that the pressure is intended to silence her in her role as the leader of the UNM, and that is why her family is being subjected to it.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:06 AM

Head of Patrol Police Vazha Siradze steps down for real, confirming it with a post of gratitude to the regime.

The Georgian Dream is getting rid of all those sanctioned. At the same time, it isn’t really able to recruit people of the same caliber, downgrading.

More sanctions!

[image or embed]

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Giorgi Bachiashvili said today that Anri Okhanashvili, the current head of the State Security Service, was also on the plane that brought him back to Tbilisi from Abu Dhabi following his kidnapping.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM

Back to Ukraine.

We’ve become basically desensitised to successive record breaking air attacks by Russia against Ukraine. “Russia launched almost 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian forces said on Monday.” www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/w…

[image or embed]

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 4:06 PM

From The New York Times:

Russia launched 499 drones and missiles overnight, Ukraine said on Monday, the largest air assault of the war as Moscow intensifies attacks and peace talks stall.

Russia has been stepping up attacks in recent months, an effort that appears to have escalated further after Ukraine mounted a large-scale, coordinated assault on Russian air bases on June 1. In the days since, Russia mounted one of the biggest aerial assaults of the war — which Moscow described as retaliation for the surprise Ukrainian strikes on its bombers.

On Monday, the Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia had launched 479 drones and 20 missiles overnight — the largest number of drones recorded since the war began more than three years ago. Most were intercepted, but 10 strikes were recorded, according to the air force.

One person was killed in the Rivne region of western Ukraine and a Russian strike damaged a private home in the Kyiv region, according to the local authorities. Officials in the Sumy region said that nine people had been injured over the past day. There were no other immediate reports of further damage or casualties.

Amid the intensified bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine urged civilians to pay attention to air-raid warnings.

“Please take care of yourselves,” he said in his overnight address. “Take care of yourselves and Ukraine.”

More at the link.

The Ministry of Defense also released a video from the first stage of the prisoner exchange involving servicemen under the age of 25.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 10:20 AM

Welcome home, heroes.
The first group of Ukrainian soldiers under 25 has returned from russian captivity.

Today marks the beginning of a long-awaited exchange that will unfold in stages.According to the plan, Ukraine is set to bring home the wounded, the severely wounded, & young defenders under 25

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 8:14 AM

Welcome home! ❤️‍🩹🇺🇦

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 8:11 AM

💔 “Mom, you are the most precious thing I have. Thank you for being there for me”: the first call from a young soldier released from enemy captivity!
May every mother receive the long-awaited news 🙏

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 10:04 AM

WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC IMAGERY!! WARNING!! WARNING!!

Russia has no place in the civilized world

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:12 AM

Almost 500 drones – a record I think. Not so missiles – could fascist Russia be short of bombers for some reason?

Also worth noting that Ukrainian intelligence was warning weeks ago, long before the present “escalation and retaliation” nonsense, that Russia was planning 500+ drone attacks.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM

Switchblade 600 strikes on Russian BMPs and a tank.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 11:21 AM

Fiber optic FPV drone destroys hidden Russian military engineering equipment.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:59 AM

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has published a detailed analysis of the new Russian strike UAV V2U on the War&Sanctions portal.

This drone is actively used by Russian forces near Sumy and features AI-based autonomous target detection and selection.
war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/page-uav-v2u

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM

According to HUR, Russia is currently producing over 5,000 long-range drones per month — 2,700 of them are real “Shahed-136” drones, while the rest are decoys.

This is five times more than in August 2024, when Russia was producing around 500 drones per month.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:57 AM

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk invited Donald Trump to come to Ukraine, live in his home, and experience the daily Russian terror firsthand.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 7:12 AM

Kyiv:

Kyiv is under massive russian drone attack right now

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv rescuers have been working tirelessly for several days without sleep, amidst smoke, ruins, and pain, to clear the aftermath of Russian attacks.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 8:55 AM

After the massive June 7 bombing of Kharkiv, 6 people remained missing in an enterprise fire. For 2 days, our heroic firefighters fought tirelessly, making a titanic effort against the raging flames and rubble.Their perseverance paid off today. 2 people have been rescued alive!

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 1:04 PM

You guys, this fire has been burning for two days—I had completely lost hope that any workers could still be alive, trapped under the rubble, surrounded by flames and smoke for so long. But they made it. I’m so unbelievably happy right now.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM

This is a Kharkiv firefighter — right after rescuing people from a russian airstrike that set a civilian enterprise on fire. Covered in ash, exhausted yet decisive.

Siding with russia means siding with terrorists who unleash horror on innocent people — every single day.

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 12:40 PM

Zaporizhzhia:

Zaporizhzhia following the russian glide bomb attack. At least two people got injured.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 6:52 AM

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 6:52 AM

Russian occupied Kharkiv:

At the Saky airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea, the Russians are building concrete shelters to protect their aircraft.
Interesting… wonder why that might be.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

HIMARS rockets struck a Russian military deployment site near Rylsk in the Kursk region, and everything is burning beautifully.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:19 AM

Moscow:

Errol Musk in Russia alongside Lavrov, just hours after their country unleashed nearly 500 drones and missiles on sleeping Ukrainian cities.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:39 AM

Cheboksary, Chuvashia, Russia:

A Russian plant VNIIR-Progress in Cheboksary, approximately 1000km from the frontline, under drone attack.

VNIIR-Progress is producing components for S-300/400/500 air defense systems, T-90M and Armata tanks, BMPs, Terminator, Orlan-10 and Orion UAVs, Su-34 aircraft, etc.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 2:11 AM

Russia, Cheboksary, a factory that produces electronics for their army.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 9:13 PM

Kazan, Russia:

A large fire erupted at a factory in Kazan, Russia. While Russian sources haven’t identified the facility, Ukrainian Telegram channels suggest it may be a gunpowder plant.

Russian officials claim the blaze originated in a “paint and varnish workshop,” allegedly due to a solvent tank issue.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Nizhny Novgorod, Russia:

On June 9, Ukrainian SOF, with other Defense Forces, struck Russia’s “Savasleyka” airfield in Nizhny Novgorod.

The site is used for attacks on Ukraine, including MiG-31K fighters with “Kinzhal” missiles. Preliminary reports suggest two Russian aircraft – likely MiG-31 and Su-30/34 – were hit.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 9:10 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

🐶🇺🇦 His hands, calloused from holding weapons, gently cradle her trembling body, and his quiet whisper—“Don’t be afraid, little one, I won’t leave you”—sounds like a promise, warming them both in the cold silence of war.

[image or embed]

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM

War for Ukraine Day 1,201: Russia Continues It’s Nightly BombardmentsPost + Comments (7)

War for Ukraine Day 1,200: Another Long Night & Early Morning of Russian Drone Swarms

by Adam L Silverman|  June 8, 20258:30 pm| 28 Comments

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

Painting by NEIVANMADE. It has a white background an in the center are Soldiers in green doing air defense by firing at incoming Russian missiles in the upper right. The missiles are red and yellow. In the upper left, written in green, is the text: "SAVE THE BRAVEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!" Below the Soldiers, also written in green, is "SUPPORT FOR KHARKIV"

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

The cost:

Ukrainian artist 0lha_art visualized this heart-wrenching moment. Eternal memory to the fallen.

[image or embed]

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM

Air raid alerts are up over 3/4 of Ukraine, including parts of western Ukraine, as of 2:30 AM local time in Ukraine/7:30 PM EDT. As of 3:00 AM local time/8:00 PM EDT, the air raid alert maps are showing MiG-31Ks (Foxhounds), as well as what’s left of Russia’s other strategic fixed wings, up over western Russia and the air raid alerts have been extended to all of Ukraine. The K in MiG 31K stands for 47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles as they are the Foxhound variant designed to carry and fire them.

Here it goes. 😒 bloodthirsty neighbors are bombing us again

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 6:55 PM

Monitoring channels warn that tonight, russia may launch yet another massive combined attack on Ukraine with 400–500 drones and dozens of missiles.

What will they call it “retribution” for this time — Ukraine’s very existence?

[image or embed]

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM

Last night Big R asked:

My thoughts every time I review one of Adam’s updates (for which I am very grateful) are always complicated and confused. With the understanding that I’m sort of thinking out loud, I wonder about the following things:

1) Ukraine has all these successes; shooting down and destroying or damaging expensive aircraft, preventing drone and missile attacks from being even worse terrorist attacks than they are, and now more and more being aggressive with their own drone warfare. Are these successes completely disconnected from tactical reality, or are they creating strategic environments for future success at halting and reversing Russian advances?

2) Speaking of Ukrainian air defense, while every strike and every loss is a tragedy, I’m wondering how attacks that cause as much property damage as we see take so few lives. Is it just the magnificence of Ukrainian emergency response? Or are the Russians screwing up their attempts at terrorism? (For the sake of completeness, a third low-probability option: Russian drone operator units are pulling their punches because they see the horror of the orders they’ve been given; drones are flying with little to no explosive.)

3) Earlier in the war these updates often included maps of current front line placements and movement. Have those gone away, or are they not as useful as the war transitions into a more stand-off posture, or is this one of the things that’s been tossed by the wayside because you’re working way too hard?

Let’s take these in order:

  1.  No, the successes are tactical reality within Ukraine’s theater strategy and campaign plan and their overall strategy for withstanding Russia’s genocidal re-invasion. Moreover, they are adaptations – branches and sequels – to the existing plans as the Ukrainians are able to bring their own new advances in military tech online or something else changes.
  2. The Ukrainians have gotten very good at getting the air raid alerts up and getting their people into hardened shelters. I highly doubt the Russian drone operators are tanking their own efforts.
  3.  One of the reasons the map use fell of was the switch to using Bluesky. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense’s Bluesky account was up and down for about three weeks, then went down, and I’ve just not checked to see if it’s back. Chuck Pfarrar hasn’t skeeted in six months. Illia Ponomarenko has gone back to X/Twitter. Another reason is I got tired of being yelled at in the comments by people with no experience reading maps prepared by and for military personnel that the maps were wrong or misleading because they didn’t understand what was being visualized on the maps. The final reason is, as Jay mentioned in his answer to your question, that the front lines are not moving much. I’ve seen some reporting that Russians may be in trouble with their own salient in Kursk, but right now maps will obscure more than they clarify as things look static day to day despite all the activity. I’ll poke around and see if I can find someone who posts maps that I’m comfortable with.

I’ve posted a few of the early released clips from President Zelenskyy’s interview with ABC News. Here’s the full video of the interview:

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

show full post on front page

Russia’s Intentions Remain Unchanged, and Everything Depends on Our Warriors and on Everyone Who Helps the State – Address by the President

8 June 2025 – 19:58

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

We are already preparing for the upcoming international events in the coming weeks. Important meetings and negotiations will take place in Ukraine. We are also doing everything to ensure that the June summits – the G7 Summit in Canada and the NATO Summit in the Netherlands – are not hollow. A lot depends on Europe’s resolve, as well as on our relations with the United States. I’m grateful to everyone helping to keep those relations grounded in reality. We must increase pressure on Moscow. We must tighten sanctions. We must explore ways to use frozen Russian assets to support our defense. Russia only truly understands one language — the language of force. That is precisely the language that must become the working one across all formats of international engagement in the coming months.

I’ve spoken both today and yesterday with Defense Minister Umerov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence Budanov, and Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Maliuk – Ukraine continues to do everything possible to secure the release of our POWs and the return of our fallen Ukrainian warriors. Unfortunately, the full lists from Russia for the exchange of over one thousand people, as agreed in Istanbul, have still not been provided. In typical fashion, the Russian side is once again trying to turn even these matters into a dirty political and information game. It’s important to achieve the result. It’s important that people be brought back home. We believe we’ll be able to keep the exchange track moving forward. And for our part, we are doing everything we can to make it happen. And if the Russians fail to comply with agreements even on such humanitarian issues, it will cast serious doubt on all international efforts – in particular those of the United States – regarding negotiations and diplomacy.

Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi delivered a report. The Pokrovsk direction, the Lyman direction, other directions in the Donetsk region, as well as the situation along Ukraine’s border in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. In some areas, the situation is very difficult, but everything depends on the resilience of our units. I want to thank each and every one who ensures Ukraine’s defense. Russia’s intentions remain unchanged, and everything depends on our Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine – on our warriors and on everyone who helps the state. This week, I would like to especially commend the warriors of the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade and the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade for their results in the Pokrovsk direction. In the areas of the Kursk operation, the 33rd and 225th Assault Regiments have been particularly effective. In the Lyman direction, special thanks go to our warriors of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade. I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine and everyone who works for our state and our people. And be sure to pay attention to air raid alerts these days. Please take care of yourselves. Take care of yourselves and Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

1/ Bishop Giorgi (Jamdeliani) of Marneuli and Hujabi says that a member of the current government was planning to poison him and that they had a nun under their influence who was passing information from the diocese. He spoke about this during his sermon.

[image or embed]

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM

2/ The bishop claims that the person involved is a representative of the security service. According to him, for a year, the nun was instructed either to put poison in his food or to apply it to his hand, which would have resulted in his death within an hour.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM

3/ Jamdeliani also told the parish that this nun was expelled from the diocese two months ago, that the person who was ordering his poisoning was beaten along with the security guards, and that now any provocation can be expected from her.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM

France:

Renault to launch drone production in Ukraine with two French defense firms, per Franceinfo. Located away from the frontline, it’ll leverage Ukrainian drone expertise.
www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe…

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM

The US:

We agreed with Biden on transferring 20,000 missiles to Ukraine to fight ‘Shaheds.’ We counted on them, but the US recently sent them to the Middle East instead, says Zelenskyy.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 11:02 AM

The Biden administration’s strategic incoherence and malpractice, let alone their cruelty, of announcing weapons shipments to Ukraine and then not actually sending them continues to impede Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion. Biden and his natsec team didn’t do what they said they were doing when they said they were doing it and, as a result, this has allowed the Trump administration to do nothing, which is what the latter wants to do anyway.

Back to Ukraine.

Somewhere in the southern area of responsibility:

AASM Hammer air strike by the MiG-29 on Russian base with ammunition. Judging by the explosion pattern something with solid rocket fuel was stored there. t.me/soniah_hub/1…

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 10:17 AM

RBC Ukraine has details on other Ukrainian action in the southern AOR:

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian railway convoy with a powerful attack. The strike destroyed more than 10 tanks, informs the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine.

The Southern Defense Forces said they successfully hit a locomotive carrying a column of Russian military equipment. The enemy’s losses included:

  • 13 tanks;
  • more than 100 armored and automotive vehicles.

Kharkiv:

Russian drones in Kharkiv skies right now ‼️

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 4:10 PM

Two explosions have been heard in Kharkiv ‼️ russian glide bombs.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 4:03 PM

The drone attacks on Kharkiv are relentless, daily, and people are dying almost constantly. It’s the same grim reality across all frontline regions. Russian drones are killing people every single goddamn day here.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 10:26 AM


Kherson:

Russia murdered 4 people in the Kherson region today, when shelled the area with FPV drones and artillery. 15 others were injured.

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 6:49 AM

Kyiv:

Rumors abound in Kyiv of coming Russian mass air attack on night of June 8-9. Record-breaking 500 Shahed drones, followed by waves of cruise and then ballistic missiles feared to strike civilian infrastructure. Shakespeareanly, there’s a thunderstorm in Kyiv.

[image or embed]

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM

Russian occupied Crimea:

Russia reinforces Crimean Bridge with two lines of anti-drone defenses, notes Supernova.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM

The Toretsk front:

Azov 12th Brigade air defenders down Russian drones with UAR-15 rifles and FPV drones on the Toretsk front.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 10:22 AM

Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Fire breaks out at the Hydromash factory in occupied Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 3:44 AM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Russians confirmed that one Su-35S was destroyed in the Kursk sector. According to Ukrainian sources the Russian plane was downed by a F-16.

[image or embed]

— (((Tendar))) (@tendar.bsky.social) June 7, 2025 at 7:06 PM

New footage shows a Russian Su-35 fighter jet destroyed yesterday by Ukrainian Air Forces.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 5:02 AM

Saratov Oblast, Russia:

Oil depot in russian Engels is burning for the 3rd day 👀🔥

[image or embed]

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 11:53 AM

Belgorod Oblast, Russia:

Logistics of the Russians moving toward Ukraine’s border destroyed in Belgorod region. Losses include a BRDM and various vehicle types. Ukrainian pilots of the Perun unit, 42nd Mechanized Brigade, carried out the strike.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Tula:

Russians claim Ukraine hit the Azot plant in Tula with drones overnight, sparking a fire. They say air defense downed 61 drones over Bryansk, Belgorod, Kaluga, Tula, Oryol, Kursk, Moscow, and Crimea. Novomoskovsk reported up to 12 explosions.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 4:06 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

DUCK OF WAR:

Today, we have a duck of war that swam peacefully along the Dnipro River in Kyiv, unfazed by the massive Russian attack overnight on Friday. It showed its friendliness to Mariana and her friends by diving playfully into the water every minute!

[image or embed]

— Tim Mak (@timkmak.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 9:18 AM

Open thread!

War for Ukraine Day 1,200: Another Long Night & Early Morning of Russian Drone SwarmsPost + Comments (28)

Open Thread: ‘Send in The National Guard’

by Anne Laurie|  June 8, 20253:04 pm| 124 Comments

This post is in: Military, Republican Venality, Trump Crime Cartel

MARKWAYNE MULLIN: They were literally out there protesting, carrying a foreign flag. That's absolutely insane. They are not just peaceful protesters. These are illegals.
BASH: Carrying a flag is not illegal
M: A foreign fag — a foreign flag while you're attacking law enforcement, it's pretty bad

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) June 8, 2025 at 9:28 AM


===

What this really demonstrates is despite the fact that they all want you to think they revel in being hated, it actually really bothers them and they can't understand why people don't think they're right and thank them for how obviously smart they are.

[image or embed]

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM


===

Unfortunately completely expected.

[image or embed]

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) June 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM


===

Cannot stress enough that this is a pitiful action by a weak, scared, pathetic group of insecure, wannabe authoritarians, and they should be mocked until the end of time for wanting to bring in the military over some people protesting them at a Home Depot.

[image or embed]

— Mike Masnick (@mmasnick.bsky.social) June 7, 2025 at 11:47 PM


===

the white house thinks brute force is, no pun intended, a trump card. they don’t anticipate pushback and they don’t know how to handle it with anything other than escalation. the issue is that each escalation is itself a gamble. if protesters refuse to back down, you’ve lost face. (1/?)

— jamelle (@jamellebouie.net) June 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM


===

show full post on front page

if your putative allies — local cops — decide that the unrest just isn’t worth it, you’ve lost face. if your goons are impotent in the face of the crowds, you’ve lost face. (2/?)

— jamelle (@jamellebouie.net) June 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM


===

and if you call out the national guard and tell them to, against their training, their mission, and likely the intuitions of the service members, use force against protesters, there is a good chance you are on the path to losing face, with no other way to escalate. (3/?)

— jamelle (@jamellebouie.net) June 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM


===

i don't want to dunk on any of the people who replied or quoted this with a "well ackshully the national guard will shoot protesters, look at kent state," but my request is to a) remember that kent state was over half a century ago and b) read about the NG's response in its aftermath

[image or embed]

— jamelle (@jamellebouie.net) June 7, 2025 at 11:16 PM


===\

i also frankly think a lot of you would do well to actually talk to anyone who serves in the guard or who is active duty military, because it's clear to me that these people are mostly an abstraction for you

— jamelle (@jamellebouie.net) June 7, 2025 at 11:17 PM

Informative thread:

There's actually an extremely large scholarly literature about this. With some regularity, dictators order their troops to shoot protestors, the troops are like "wtf no," and then the dictator falls. I'll dig ho and dump some cites below in a second

[image or embed]

— Paul Gowder (@gowder.io) June 8, 2025 at 9:10 AM

Open Thread: ‘Send in The National Guard’Post + Comments (124)

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 305
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

On The Road - Christopher Mathews - Iceland: Season's Fleeting 3
Image by Christopher Mathews (6/13/25)

PA Supreme Court At Risk

We did it!

We raised the 25,000 for The Civics Center, and with the external matches, that gives them $60,000 for this Spring effort!

You guys rock!

Recent Comments

  • artem1s on Open Thread: Tracking the Protests (Jun 14, 2025 @ 10:33am)
  • prostratedragon on Saturday Morning Open Thread: No Kings (Jun 14, 2025 @ 10:32am)
  • PJ on Saturday Morning Open Thread: No Kings (Jun 14, 2025 @ 10:32am)
  • Dorothy A. Winsor on Saturday Morning Open Thread: No Kings (Jun 14, 2025 @ 10:32am)
  • Heidi Mom on Saturday Morning Open Thread: No Kings (Jun 14, 2025 @ 10:32am)

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
War in Ukraine
Donate to Razom for Ukraine

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)
Fix Nyms with Apostrophes

Social Media

Balloon Juice
WaterGirl
TaMara
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
DougJ NYT Pitchbot
mistermix

Keeping Track

Legal Challenges (Lawfare)
Republicans Fleeing Town Halls (TPM)
21 Letters (to Borrow or Steal)
Search Donations from a Brand

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc