We Are Scaling up Ukraine’s Potential, Particularly Regarding Interceptors – Address by the President

27 June 2025 – 21:15

Dear Ukrainians!

Today has been a full and busy day. I held a meeting of the Staff – specifically its technological division, the Technology Staff. There were detailed reports on drones, covering all aspects: financing, production, and the necessary regulatory streamlining. The key goal is to maximize production, particularly of the types of drones needed on the frontline and for defending our cities, also taking into account the development of enemy technologies. At the Staff meeting, we heard reports from the military command, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries. Our intelligence presented a detailed report on Russia’s technological plans and intentions. We are scaling up Ukraine’s potential, particularly regarding interceptors. I gave several special instructions – I’m not disclosing the details yet, but the outcome must be clear: increased production in Ukraine and for Ukraine. All opportunities must be available – both for businesses and for state manufacturers. The main point is that the scale of our production and the pace of drone development must be fully aligned with the conditions of the war.

Today I also held a meeting with our diplomats: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration; the team of the Presidential Office was also present. These past weeks have been especially intense with our meetings in Europe and in Canada, at the G7 Summit. There are agreements on defense packages and joint production with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, and other partners. There are also areas for collaboration with the United States. Many agreements have been reached with France and Germany as well. All of these need to be effectively implemented: from joint drone production and investments to our long-range capability projects, including missile development.

Today, there is also a decision to significantly accelerate sanctions pressure on Russia. I want to thank our partners who are already preparing the EU’s 18th sanctions package. New sanction measures have also been introduced by the United Kingdom and Canada. We are coordinating on sanctions with all G7 nations, as well as with other key global jurisdictions. All necessary sanctions imposed by the world against Russia must also be fully enforced within our Ukrainian jurisdiction. Likewise, Ukrainian sanctions against all who support Russia, against those holding or acquiring business assets in the temporarily occupied territories, and effectively sponsoring the occupation – the Ukrainian sanctions against such actors must also be fully enforced in key jurisdictions. Russia’s accountability for this war and our sanctions pressure must be operating at full capacity. They must leave no room for Russia or its cronies to adapt. I thank everyone who is helping. I thank everyone working for Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

President Zelenskyy also addressed the Fair Play conference. Video followed by the transcript.

This War Must Become an Ever-Growing Problem for Russia – Speech by the President at the Fair Play Conference

27 June 2025 – 18:53

Glory to Ukraine!

Dear friends!

Today, we are all here for the sake of actions that can have the most serious impact on the aggressor state. Each of you has seen just how much evidence there is that Russia is critically dependent on its ties to the world. Without those ties, this war simply would not have been possible.

Russian missiles, drones, nearly all the equipment on the battlefield that is actually effective, Russian finances, their tech companies and communications – all of this depends on how Russia trades with the world, how Russia sells oil and other goods, and imports technologies, equipment, and components. Russian weapons production directly depends on access to modern machine tools. Russian missiles and drones are made up of dozens of critical components that they import – import from other countries through various schemes. The Russian budget is critically dependent on oil and gas revenues. The Russian economy and Russian oligarchs cannot function properly without financial ties to global jurisdictions. And no less important are the personal assets of Putin’s so-called “elite” – all those murderers and their accomplices. They love money. They love their life of luxury. They hoard stolen wealth, want a good education for their children – particularly in Europe – and need proper healthcare. The longer Russia wages war, the less of the “proper” remains in Russia. It is precisely the so-called “Putin’s elite” that understands this very well – and desperately wants the West not only to avoid introducing new sanctions, but also to ease all the existing ones. That is why our common task is clear: as long as Russia invests in this war, the entire world must remain as closed to them as possible. This is about security – ours and yours – and about basic human justice. And it is exactly what we must ensure through sanctions regimes – both ours and those of our partners.

Unfortunately, today, even Western countries continue to supply Russia with equipment and critical components. Our experts have already identified hundreds of types of various components found in Russian drones and in Russian missiles. Unfortunately, just over the past year, deliveries of machine tools to military-industrial facilities in Russia have been recorded from at least 12 countries – including China and Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye, and the United States. There is also information about supply contracts already planned for the upcoming year, 2026. All of this must be stopped. Absolutely. Further pressure is also needed on every actor in the world who helps Russia maintain its exports, who helps it transport oil, or find ways to circumvent financial restrictions. We must already be working to ensure that cutting-edge technologies – particularly in the field of artificial intelligence – are prioritized in export control policies by partner states, as AI is increasingly being integrated into weaponry. It is necessary to immediately impose restrictions on the supply to Russia of ready-made artificial intelligence models suitable for military use; also, tools and services for training AI, including cloud-based solutions; high-performance computing equipment, as well as specialized data sets, including commercial satellite imagery. Therefore, our sanctions must be highly specific in each area and as up-to-date as possible. A new international platform for controlling the export of dual-use goods must be established, which should help us not only to defend ourselves directly against Russia, but also indirectly against its accomplices, such as the regimes in Pyongyang and Tehran. I would like to specifically acknowledge the work of everyone involved in limiting Russia’s earnings from energy resources. Thanks to our state institutions, our strong partners, and cooperation with civil society, there have been truly positive results in imposing sanctions against Russia’s shadow tanker fleet. And this effort must be scaled up even further. We must extend sanctions to tanker captains, all related legal entities, and terminals from which Russian oil is shipped. This is an enormous everyday task – from export controls and supply chain restrictions to blocking financial instruments and imposing personal sanctions. But all of it is necessary, because without it, Moscow will not consider peace.

Of course, we are doing our part. Our sanctions packages are very proactive – and I want to thank the entire team that makes this possible. Today, Ukraine is introducing new sanctions against manufacturers and suppliers of components and equipment for the Russian military industry – another 87 entities, most of which are Russian. But we must become even faster and stronger. That is why today the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has made a clear decision on all sanctions synchronization. This is an absolutely essential process. As of today, there are differences in the speed of sanctions implementation. In some cases, we in Ukraine act more swiftly; in others, our partners move more actively against certain individuals or sectors that deserve strong sanctions.

Today, we are launching an expedited synchronization process. Every necessary decision by our partners regarding sanctions against Russia and related individuals must be swiftly implemented in Ukraine. And our Ukrainian sanctions – against those who have chosen Russia and who have chosen war, against those who assist aggression – must also be confirmed in other jurisdictions. We need to work more actively with companies directly – with key global manufacturers, primarily of equipment and components, with leading developers – to ensure stronger control at the production level over where specifically their products end up. Negligence in control must lead to inclusion in sanctions lists and effective restrictions.

This war must become an ever-growing problem for Russia. Every Russian strike on our cities and communities must trigger new sanctions in response. I’ve had productive meetings in Europe and at the G7 Summit in Canada with our partners – and sanctions were among the key topics of discussion. Our partners are ready to support us, and I want to thank them for that. We expect all our state institutions – starting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Bank, and the National Security and Defense Council – to work more swiftly and deliver results in sync with those of our partners. The task is absolutely clear. The deadlines are absolutely clear. And the outcomes can be clearly measured. We must significantly ramp up sanctions pressure. Thank you to everyone who is helping us! Thank you for today, for organizing everything, and thank you to everyone who is striking back at Russia in response to the war – rightly so.

Glory to Ukraine!

I have not seen any reporting regarding the attendance of either Terry Sloan or Michael Holt.

President Zelenskyy also addressed the Forum of State and Business:

Georgia:

For the 122th consecutive night, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked. Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM

Number of political prisoners in Georgia — Who’s Next? – Performance in Zugdidi.

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 212

📷 Tsabunia Vartagava

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM

A political performance in Zugdidi, Georgia: 65 empty chairs for 65 political prisoners. A visual reminder to help the public grasp just how many people are behind bars for their political beliefs.

Day 112 of daily protests across 8+ cities in Georgia.

📷 Mariam Sitchinava

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 11:56 AM

BREAKING: Elene Khoshtaria announces a hunger strike!

She is one of the leaders of Coalition for Change, the leader of Droa party and one of the couple of leaders who aren’t jailed by the regime yet.

She will remain at the protest location, Rustaveli Avenue.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM

Helen Khoshtaria begins a hunger strike.

“If GD doesn’t value life and freedom: if the life of Giorgi Akhobadze’s mother or the death of Onise Tskhadadze’s father means nothing, here is my life and freedom.

Statement for the people: revolution and the overthrow of the regime”.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:24 PM

Helen Khoshtaria—one of the few opposition leaders in Georgia not yet behind bars—has begun a hunger strike on Rustaveli Avenue. She’ll be there 24/7. She has multiple chronic health conditions. She has four children (three minors).

Time is running out in Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:40 PM

So very telling.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:55 AM

More information:

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:55 AM

Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced former UNM member and MP Givi Targamadze to 7 seven months in prison for failing to appear before Tea Tsulukiani’s commission.

#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 2:49 AM

After the court announced the sentence, Givi Targamadze voluntarily went to the police station, where he was arrested.

📷 Mariam Qavshbaia/Publika

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 5:36 AM

Givi Targamadze has been sentenced to prison in Russia and Belarus for supporting the opposition there. He is also a witness against Russia in the ICC’s case into the August 2008 war. Arrest warrants for war crimes were issued based on his testimony.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 6:17 AM

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 3:33 AM

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 8:37 AM

On June 26, the father of Onise Tskhadadze, one of the protest detainees, passed away.

In photos: Onise, his brother Sandro (who has just received the news), and their father, Givi Tskhadadze, at a protest rally a few months ago.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 5:42 AM

Fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, has condemned the latest arrests of opposition figures, calling the number of political prisoners detained in just one week unprecedented, not only for Georgia, but for many countries worldwide.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 9:12 AM

Germany:

Six military trucks were set on fire by unknown in Germany, with footage of the sabotage surfacing on Russian Telegram channels. It’s wise not to rush to conclusions about who’s behind it, but such weak media coverage is quite puzzling

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM

2/ The footage appeared on Russian Telegram channels alongside the following post:

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM

3/ According to investigations by the German public broadcaster MDR Investigativ, 4 trucks were completely destroyed and two others were slightly damaged. A year earlier another arson attack on military vehicles had occurred at the MAN site in Erfurt, according to them

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM

4/ Whether Russia was behind the attack remains unclear, but it is known to conduct sabotage and assassinations in the EU. If this proves part of Russian hybrid warfare, the response must be firm and leave no room for ambiguity, otherwise it will keep getting worse

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM

Back to Ukraine.

The so-called russian red lines, crossing of which brought no response from russia.
But it did cost Ukraine innocent lives. Many lives.
Every. Single. Time.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 3:03 AM

I think I have bingo.

3xSDB air strike on Russian drone operator base.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 3:32 PM

🕊🔥 I think the Ukrainian pilot was shocked by what he saw, while the orcs were in a state of frenzied euphoria!
The drone pilot hit one of the shells on the launcher.
The ammunition detonated prematurely, pierced the crew cabin, and caused the entire ammunition load to detonate.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM

😎 You can see this aesthetic again from a different angle! 💥
The result was the complete destruction of the enemy MLRS along with its crew.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 11:01 AM

Gives new meaning to the command “make it hot!”

Also, this was a North Korean M1991 240mm MLRS that the Ukrainians blew up real good!

Two Russian Forpost-R reconnaissance and strike UAVs targeted by the interceptor drones.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 10:07 AM

Ukrainian air defense fighters shot down a Russian “Gerber” drone using a Ukrainian FPV-interceptor “Bagnet,” reports DroneBomber.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 9:28 AM

The “Sky Ryders” Ukrainian drone crew struck a Russian logistics route with an FPV drone, hitting a mined railway bridge on the eastern front.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 8:03 AM

Odesa:

A video has emerged showing Russian Iskander ballistic missile striking a school building in the Odesa region just days ago, murdering three. The strike also injured over a dozen people, including teenagers.
Bastards.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM

Kyiv:

The barrages targeting Ukraine’s capital have been heavier and longer than at almost any point since Russia’s invasion, killing at least 40 people this month.

“A few more nights like this and I feel like people are going to start leaving Kyiv again.”
w/ @fabricedeprez.bsky.social

on.ft.com/4eqYDFB

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 27, 2025 at 3:50 AM

From The Financial Times:

A wave of Russian night-time attacks on Kyiv have rattled a city hardened by three years of war, as millions of residents lose sleep to the sounds of sirens, drones and explosions while praying that their homes will not be hit.

The barrages targeting the Ukrainian capital have been heavier and longer than at almost any point since Russia’s full-scale invasion, killing at least 40 people this month. In an intense bombardment on Monday this week, Kyiv and other cities were targeted by 368 missiles and drones, leaving nine people dead.

“It’s much worse than a few months ago, the alerts are so long now, all night,” said Darya Malyutina, a Ukrainian language teacher who has been living in Kyiv with her husband for the past 10 years. The couple fled from their native Luhansk in eastern Ukraine in 2015, when Russian-backed separatists took control of the city.

“A few more nights like this and I feel like people are going to start leaving Kyiv again,” Malyutina told the Financial Times.

On June 17, 28 people were killed in Kyiv when Russia fired 175 drones and 14 cruise and ballistic missiles at the city in one night — the deadliest strike in nearly a year. Rescue teams pulled 23 bodies out of the rubble of a nine-floor residential building that collapsed after being hit. Three emergency responders also died during an air raid on Kyiv earlier this month.

For the couple, the long hours of night-time attacks are now spent in the bathroom trying to calm their dog, who becomes terrified by the loud explosions. They have long given up going to underground shelters, opting to try to get as much sleep as possible inside the thick walls of their building.

It is not just Kyiv. On Tuesday, the south-eastern city of Dnipro was struck by Russian missiles, killing 16 people and injuring more than 170 others, authorities said. One of the missiles exploded beside a passenger train packed with people, shattering windows and wounding dozens. In north-eastern Sumy, officials reported three people were killed in a Russian drone strike.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned this month, before the June 17 attack, that it was “imperative” for Ukrainians to pay attention to raid alerts.

Before the barrages escalated, many people had grown accustomed to the air strikes and ignored the warnings. Perhaps now more than ever, when sirens start blaring, Ukrainians check dedicated Telegram channels to follow the trajectory of incoming Russian drones.

But in a city that has endured three years of war and about 1,700 air raid alerts — five of which lasted more than six hours just this month — reactions still differ.

Some residents head to underground car parks, metro stations or to one of the 4,000 facilities registered as shelters. But the large majority opt to stay in their flats, laying down mattresses in corridors away from the windows or turning bathtubs into makeshift beds for children.

Russia has also significantly increased its production of drones and missiles of all types, allowing it to attack in increasingly larger swarms.

Konrad Muzyka, director of Rochan Consulting, a Poland-based group that tracks the war, said Russia had launched more Shahed drones this spring than at any time during the war. “In June, they have already launched 4,342, and if the current tempo is maintained, the total may exceed 5,000 by the end of the month,” he said.

“What we’re seeing right now isn’t necessarily an evolution of the Russian strategy,” said Muzyka. “It’s more that Russia is now able to implement what the Russian and Soviet militaries were doing in previous wars: strikes targeting the civilian population and critical infrastructures as well as military targets.”

More than three years of full-scale war and dwindling prospects of successful peace negotiations have also taken a heavy toll on people’s morale.

“On top of the exhaustion that people feel, there’s now a sense of despondency, a lack of confidence in the future,” said Yatsushko, the psychologist.

More at the link.

Chuhuiv, Kharkiv Oblast:

Russian missile attack on Chuhuiv in Kharkiv region injured 3 people

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 1:40 PM

Kharkiv:

Remember Kherson human safari?

Well, since Russia wasn’t punished, it spread.

KHARKIV on the video. Russian drone strikes a civilian car. On purpose.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 9:38 AM

Izium, Kharkiv Oblast:

An agricultural facility in the Izium district of Kharkiv Region was hit by a Russian airstrike. The blast resulted in two injuries, the death of cattle, and a fire that spread across 700 square meters, the State Emergency Service reported

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 7:55 AM

Donetsk Oblast:

These, of course, were supposed to be protected by the US-Ukraine minerals deal…

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM

From The Insider:

Russian forces have taken control of the town of Shevchenko in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region, home to one of the country’s most promising lithium deposits, according to a report by the French newspaper Le Figaro.

The town of Shevchenko is located just three kilometers from the border with the Dnipropetrovsk Region, near Velyka Novosilka, which fell under Russian control in January of this year. Le Figaro notes that the lithium deposit was discovered in 1982 and spans approximately 40 hectares (close to 100 acres). For several days, the site has been under Russian military control, as it lies on the eastern outskirts of the town.

Lithium is extracted from the mineral spodumene, and according to Ukrainian geologists, the concentration of spodumene in the ore from Shevchenko reaches up to 90%. This makes it the only explored lithium deposit in Ukraine where lithium is present in an easily extractable form. Aside from lithium, rare metals such as tantalum, niobium, beryllium, rubidium, and cesium have also been found in the area.

Ukrainian scientists estimated before the 2022 invasion that the country held up to 500,000 tons of lithium reserves — more than Portugal, which hosts Europe’s largest known deposits.

Two of Ukraine’s four lithium sites are located in the country’s western regions and remain under Kyiv’s control. However, the other two — Shevchenko and Kruta Balka, near the Sea of Azov — are now held by Russian forces. Lithium is a key component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and other devices, and global prices for the metal have surged in recent years.

From an economic standpoint, Le Figaro writes, developing Ukraine’s lithium industry remains a complex task: hard rock deposits like those in Ukraine require far more investment than lithium extraction from brine lakes, such as those commonly found in South America.

The paper also notes that U.S. President Donald Trump once proposed that Ukraine repay shipments of military aid with deliveries of strategic raw materials. In the spring of 2025, Washington and Kyiv signed a cooperation agreement on mineral resources, although its terms remain unclear. Meanwhile, according to Le Figaro, Trump did not rule out the possibility of sharing Ukraine’s resources with Russia, and in phone calls with Vladimir Putin, the American president has reportedly discussed the potential “joint development” with Russia of Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

🚂💥 Near occupied Tokmak, a powerful strike in the echelon of the Russians.

❗️It seems that the railway line built by the enemy in the south is becoming increasingly dangerous for the occupiers. We continue to cut off the logistics of the Russians.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 6:58 AM

The Zaporizhzhia front:

As reported, Russian forces redeploy equipment through occupied Mariupol, prepping a new offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front. Along Rostov-Novoazovsk-Mariupol, ~7 platforms with tanks and 40 trucks with troops moved. A column with 20 trucks and 5 BMP carriers heads via Crimea and Kherson to Mariupol

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 3:44 AM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Video shows Ukrainian fighters taking out 2 Russian 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers and 8 camouflaged artillery guns in Kursk with FPV drones.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM

Marinovka, Volgograd Oblast, Russia:

The General Staff reports that Ukrainian defenders continue to target the archer. Today, it was russian “Marinovka” airfield in Volgograd region where 2 russian Su-34 jets were destroyed & 2 damaged. The strike was carried out w/ long-range drones. Su-34s are russia’s main tactical aircraft. Bravo.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 2:41 PM

Fighterbomber (russian propaganda blogger connected to aviation) confirms the loss of russian planes in Marinovka.

And whines, which is always nice 🫠

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM

‼️Claim by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU):

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

🐶🇺🇦 I’m a new AFU Combat Team fighter and I’ll be riding here today, on this very spot!

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Open thread!

And here’s the Q&A he did yesterday at the PACE meeting:

Georgia:

For the 211th day, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked. Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia. Students have been holding 24-hour protests for 100+ days.

Six out of 9 major opposition leaders are in jail.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM

Georgian Dream Parliament has adopted legislative amendments that abolish several privileges under the Law on Freedom of Expression.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 9:25 AM

📢 1/4 🧵 According to GYLA, “@echr.coe.int has initiated the examination of the application of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.

In its correspondence, the Court indicates that the case may be granted “impact case” status due to its potential broader significance.
#FeeMzia
#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 26, 2025 at 9:28 AM

2/4
Even taking this into account, the Court began its substantive examination within an accelerated timeframe – just 2 months after the application was lodged.

The application alleges violations of several fundamental rights under the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to Amaglobeli👇

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 26, 2025 at 9:28 AM

3/4
🟥The right to liberty and security (Art.5)
🟥The right to a fair trial (Art. 6)
🟥The right to respect for private and family life (Art. 8)
🟥The right to freedom of expression (Art. 10)
🟥The right to an effective remedy (Art. 13)
🟥Limitation on use of restrictions on rights (Art. 18)

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 26, 2025 at 9:28 AM

4/4
⭕ The Court has addressed detailed questions to the parties concerning the alleged violations of these fundamental rights. At this initial stage of the proceedings, the Govt is required to submit its observations specifically regarding the alleged violations raised in the application.”

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 26, 2025 at 9:28 AM

The European Court of Human Rights has begun examining the complaint filed by Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 9:29 AM

The Georgian Dream parliament has officially passed amendments that significantly restrict media coverage of court hearings — filming inside courthouses will be limited, and only court-authoriსed recordings will be permitted. Personal items such as phones and laptops may also be confiscated.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Meanwhile, the rumours about Giorgi Gakharia’s exile seem to be increasingly credible.

His senior party member Dimitri Tskitishvili commented on the issue of Gakharia’s potential return from a lengthy trip abroad that “politicians aren’t very productive in jail.” 1/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

Gakharia could face up to 15 years in prison since the Georgian Dream is forging a high treason case against him – Gakharia seems to have erected a guardpost near the Russian occupation line against Russian demands, and the regime now says that his actions led to the loss of 1 sq. km. territory. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

(To be precise, they say 1,000,000 sq. meters to make it sound massive).

Ironic, since the Georgian Dream has perpetually downgraded Russia’s creeping occupation of Georgia as “what do you expect, this is what Saakashvili lost, Russia’s just demarcating it now, this isn’t about us at all.” 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

It should be noted that Tskitishvili’s remark about loss of productivity from jail is inconsiderate at best to the majority of democratic leaders in Georgia who chose to be jailed instead. 4/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

I am not commenting on anyone’s choices, but some people in Georgia wrongfully assume that other politicians get months while Gakharia would be getting more than a decade in prison. 5/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

In truth, all democratic politicians will have further cases launched against them, as it’s already happening against Gvaramia, Khazaradze, Melia, etc. 6/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

As for the general public impact of Gakharia’s exile, I suppose it’s minimal: his supporters would mostly say that he’s making the right choice, while most opponents never really considered him fully against the regime to begin with. 7/7.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM

The Netherlands and Belgium:

🇳🇱🇧🇪🇺🇦 The Netherlands and Belgium are transferring two minehunters to Ukraine. A vital contribution to Black Sea security, and key to safeguarding trade routes and global food supply, – Brekelmans

❗️Ukrainian crews and technicians were trained in record time.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 4:46 PM

Germany:

🇩🇪 In Erfurt, Germany, unknown individuals set fire to Rheinmetall military logistics trucks, causing serious damage.

Footage of the arson was shared by Russian sources—leaving no doubt about who was behind it and who stands to benefit.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 5:29 AM

Russia has long recruited agents to conduct military sabotages—even in the very heart of Europe. It’s time to wake up: the Russian threat is not at the gates of Europe—it is already deep inside.
The question for Europe now is: how do you counter it—and are you prepared to respond symmetrically?

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 5:30 AM

North Korea:

Where is the escalation management crowd when you need them?

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 7:46 AM

Latvia:

Latvia has sent another 1,300 strike drones to Ukraine as part of the international “drone coalition.”

This was announced by Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 6:33 AM

Italy:

Meloni tells Trump US must show ‘same determination’ on Ukraine as with Iran #Ukraine

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— AmplifyUkraine 🔱🇺🇦 (@amplifyukraine.eu) June 26, 2025 at 2:31 AM

From The Kyiv Independent:

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told U.S. President Donald Trump that the determination shown by the U.S. toward Iran should also be applied to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, she said on June 25 on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague.

Meloni, a close Trump ally and the only European leader invited to his 2025 inauguration, welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

She emphasized that sustained commitment is also needed in Ukraine, where Russian President Vladimir Putin last week declared “all of Ukraine is ours.”

“I spoke about this with President of the United States Donald Trump, to whom I said the same determination is needed to achieve two other important ceasefires,” Meloni said. “One in Ukraine, where Russia seems unwilling to take any steps forward, and one in Gaza.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump during the summit, held amid concerns over waning U.S. support for Kyiv. Unlike in 2024, this year’s communique did not directly condemn Russia’s invasion, a shift that underscores changing political dynamics within the Alliance.

The leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s defense, saying national contributions toward Ukraine’s military-industrial capacity will count toward NATO’s new defense spending goal.

All 32 NATO member states agreed to a new benchmark, committing to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Meloni praised the decision as a sign of unity.

“I believe the unity of the alliance and its willingness to strengthen itself is more important, especially in the context we are in, and is clearly a very important element,” she said.

Lithuania:

Lithuanian President Nausėda expressed doubt about a near-term end to the war in Ukraine, saying Russia is faking peace efforts.

“There’s no light at the end of the tunnel,” he warned, calling for a firm response through the 18th sanctions package at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 5:58 AM

Hungary:

EU Summit fails to adopt joint statement in support of Ukraine due to Hungary.

Hungary blocked the statement over its disagreements with the EU regarding Ukraine. As a result, the text was published as an annex, supported by 26 out of 27 member states.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Viktor Orban’s whole personality is “Ukraine bad.”

First, it was the Ukrainian mafia he was afraid of. Now it’s the war. Next up? Battle mosquitoes. But the real problem is that Orban is an asshole who can not hold power without fearmongering.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:17 AM

Obligatory:

Back to Ukraine.

Our people are home!

Another prisoners of war exchange!

They are home! Welcome back, dearest! 🇺🇦

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

A number of Ukrainians freed from Russian captivity today had to be transferred via ambulance.💔

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM

A very worthy cause right here 👇
You can donate to provide ambulances for Ukraine
Let’s keep the wheels rolling

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— Benjamin Tallis (@bctallis.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM

The Air Command “West” has released footage showing a MiG-29 pilot destroying a Russian drone.

The video captures the night-time combat mission of pilot Denfix, who takes down a Shahed drone with an air-to-air missile.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM

Kramatorsk:

Kramatorsk railway station by:
📸Yan Dobronosov

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:04 AM

I probably should have added that it is the last railway station before Donbas frontline

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 10:23 AM

Kyiv:

A large Crimean Tatar flag was displayed in Kyiv for Crimean Tatar Flag Day.

Crimea is Ukraine!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Kyiv donates 1,700 FPV drones to two National Guard Brigades.
#news #uazmi #war #ukraine
The capital’s community has delivered 1,700 FPV drones of various types to soldiers of the 25th Kyiv Brigade named after Prince Askold and the 27th Pechersk …

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— 🇺🇦 News (@uazmi.media) June 26, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Kharkiv:

Ukraine is under the massive russian drone attack right now ‼️

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM

Donetsk Oblast:

In Donetsk Region, a Russian drone hit an apartment building, injuring five civilians, among the injured are an 86-year-old woman, a 15-year-old boy, and his mother, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 7:54 AM

A woman from occupied Donetsk showed the steps she has to take to prepare water just to wash herself.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 5:54 AM

Pokrovsk:

You might find this picture morbid or eerie- odd in its own way, with unsettling details. Why is there a body on a door? Why is there no casket? And why is this happening in a lawn? It’s a short story – one that makes the distant, abstract feeling of war suddenly tangible:

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

2/ Another summer in the Shakhtarskyi District of Pokrovsk. But things have changed. The air…

The heavy, putrid air of decomposing flesh punches you right in your nose, says Yana – a young Ukrainian volunteer who is trying to help those in city. Pure Nightmare – she adds

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

3/ “You feel it in many apartment blocks the moment you step into the stairwell,” she adds

That day, a small portable drone scanner kept alerting to the presence of Russian drones, ominously circling above the town. It didn’t take long before a dull thud echoed on the streets

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

4/ That moment, a husband and wife were hiding in their apartment. They made the decision to shelter in separate rooms. The coin of fate – flipped by the fingers of a Russian soldier who launched the projectile – landed on the room where the husband chose to stay

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

5/ A human tragedy for his loved ones and family. Another episode of horror for the residents. A brief post on a Telegram channel for fellow citizens. And just another faceless number in the civilian casualty count for the rest of the world.. and not the last one

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

6/ There’s no way to move the body to the cemetery without turning those who agree to help into more dead bodies – the Russians hit any car headed there. There’s no time for ceremonies or words. Large gatherings aren’t safe. He must be buried elsewhere, before another strike

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

7/ A wooden door instead of a coffin. There are no services left in the city to do this job. Risking their lives, the neighbours do what they can and bury him near the road. Too dangerous, too risky – a grim, cruel, yet undeniable truth of war, brought to Pokrovsk by Russia

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— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

8/ After this summer day, there will be another. But with each one, the graves will grow, as the ghostly winds of Mariupol and Avdiivka spread through every part of the town, preparing the soil for new settlers from deep inside Russia to move into new homes – built on bones

— Tatarigami (@tatarigami.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

Russian occupied Crimea:

Drones of the “Prymary” special unit of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR) attacked key components of the Russian S-400 air defense system in Crimea.

Targets hit:
• Two 92N2E multifunction radar systems
• Two 91N6E detection radar systems
• One S-400 missile launcher

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 12:40 PM

Bryansk, Bryansk Oblast, Russia:

Meanwhile, Bryansk is welcoming some friendly UAVs.

Russian media report that the attack on the city has been ongoing for over an hour, with fires breaking out. Everything is burning beautifully.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 2:06 PM

Belgorod Oblast, Russia:

Russian troops destroyed the last gas station in Kostyantynivka, and Ukrainian forces responded. An unidentified drone struck the Tatneft gas station in Pyatnitskoye, Belgorod region.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 26, 2025 at 1:25 PM

That’s enough for tonight.

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Here’s the machine translation of the caption:

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Open thread!

Georgia:

Six of Georgia’s 9 main opposition leaders are in jail. Giorgi Gakharia, the seventh, has likely fled. Of the two women—both mothers of minors—Khoshtaria was briefly jailed and mistreated; prosecutors demanded her arrest again today. Bokuchava’s husband was kidnapped.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM

Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili has sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani to pretrial detention. The prosecutor’s office requested the detention, while Ratiani’s lawyer petitioned for a 10,000-GEL bail.

Zviad Ratiani is accused of assaulting a police officer. He faces a prison sentence of 4 to 7 years.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 10:51 AM

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 4:05 AM

Just to illustrate how petty the Georgian Dream regime is: Irakli Okruashvili is a former Defense Minister, and he also fought in the Battle of Kyiv;

They jailed him first for non-cooperation with the Stalin-era “Parliamentaty Commission” that investigates anything pro-Western basically. 1/

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 5:01 AM

He’s already in jail.

And now they dig up a case of 2 years ago when he verbally insulted his neighbour and are going to prosecute him over that too. 2/2.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 5:01 AM

July-August will be a sweeping crackdown on remaining democratic politicians and CSOs in Georgia, and the timely adoption of the MEGOBARI Act could save hundreds, encourage the entire nation.

There are very few nations as pro-American by default as Georgians.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM

NATO:

👀

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 9:57 AM

Is it possible to die of second-hand shame?

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 9:29 AM

The US:

“The summit rests on what Trump decides,” said one of the officials. “We are all just sat here waiting for him to tell us if he will defend Europe.” @henryjfoy.ft.com and Steff Chávez @financialtimes.com

on.ft.com/46954L5

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 25, 2025 at 3:30 AM

From The Financial Times:

Donald Trump has reassured Nato allies he is “with them all the way”, after spooking European capitals with his suggestion that the military alliance’s mutual defence pact was open to interpretation.

The US president met his 31 Nato allies in The Hague on Wednesday at a summit dedicated to their pledge to increase national defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP in exchange for securing Trump’s support to maintain America’s protection if their countries are attacked.

Asked about his commitment to Nato after he arrived at the summit, Trump said: “We’re with them all the way.”

“Nato is going to become very strong with us,” Trump said alongside the alliance’s secretary-general Mark Rutte ahead of a formal session that adopted the 5 per cent spending pledge by 2035 — something Trump had demanded.

Trump’s positive rhetoric suggested Rutte’s ploy to focus the gathering on increased defence spending and lavish the US president with praise had succeeded. The Nato official’s strategy also seemingly papered over concerns among European capitals over the scale of the fiscal pressure it will place on their budgets.

A joint statement agreed by the 32 allies said they “reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defence” and would “submit annual plans showing a credible, incremental path” to the 5 per cent target. A review of the spending goal would take place in 2029.

The communiqué contains just one reference to Russia, citing the “long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security” and one sentence referencing “enduring sovereign commitments to provide support to Ukraine”.

That marks a striking change in tone from an alliance that was formed to defend against Moscow and has spent the past three years focusing on supporting Kyiv, and reflects Trump’s scepticism of Russia as an adversary and his lukewarm stance towards Ukraine.

Trump’s affirmation of support for Nato came after he sparked alarm on his way to The Hague by telling reporters aboard Air Force One that Washington’s commitment to Nato’s Article 5, which refers to its mutual defence pact, “depends on your definition”.

Trump said there were “numerous definitions” of Article 5. “I’m committed to being their friends. I’m going to give you an exact definition when I get there.”

Rutte has strained to make the summit Trump-friendly, reducing it to a two-and-a-half hour discussion and praising him repeatedly.

“For too long, one ally, the United States, carried too much of the burden,” Rutte said as he opened the summit. “That changes today . . . Dear Donald, you made this change possible.”

Rutte also referred to Trump’s use of an expletive when he scolded Israel and Iran for alleged breaches of a US-brokered ceasefire on Tuesday, saying: “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.”

More at the link.

US will have to raise defense spending by 1.6% to meet new NATO 5% target. US currently lags Poland and Estonia in defense spending as percentage of GDP.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Awkward!

Shot:

When a Ukrainian journalist asked whether the U.S. was ready to sell Patriot systems to Ukraine given that Russia has been relentlessly bombing us,Trump, praised the Patriot system, explained they needed them for themselves and for Israel, and… wished her good luck.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 10:59 AM

Germany:

Chaser:

According to a publication on the website of the German Ministry of Defence, the German government is supporting #Ukraine with additional MIM-104 Patriot missiles, which will be delivered in the near future. Norway is apparently supporting this project.

1/4

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— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) June 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM

I’m currently lacking numerous details, which I’m hoping to provide later, as the publication indicates Pistorius said it at a press conference. However, the MoD didn’t publish any MP3 file for me to listen to yet.

2/4

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) June 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM

I have a theory that it might have to do with the relaunch of the IAAD initiative, now called EAAD initiative. When Germany first launched the IAAD initiative, Norway financed Patriot missiles alongside other countries from Bundeswehr stocks for Ukraine. So they might have just done it again.

3/4

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) June 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM

Again, just a theory of mine. I’ll get back to you as soon as I have additional information to share! This shouldn’t take too long.

4/4

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) June 25, 2025 at 8:25 AM

The EU:

Chaser to the chaser:

Kaja Kallas:the EU has secured 80% of 2 million ammunition rounds pledged to #Ukraine.

“While all eyes are on what is happening in Iran and in the Middle East, there are people dying in #Kyiv, because Russia keeps bombing Ukraine every single day. So we have to keep up the pressure on Russia.

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— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:35 AM

Norway:

🇳🇴🇺🇦 Norway is allocating 6.5 billion Norwegian kroner (nearly $640 million USD) to purchase drones and related technologies for Ukraine. Drones will be purchased from Ukrainian and European manufacturers, the Norwegian government announced on June 24.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 9:48 AM

Belarus:

After a high-level U.S. visit to Belarus led to the release of 14 prisoners, observers have been left wondering what autocrat Alexander Lukashenko may have secured in return.

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— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) June 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM

From The Kyiv Independent:

After a high-level U.S. visit to Belarus led to the release of 14 prisoners, observers have been left wondering what autocrat Alexander Lukashenko may have secured in return.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg’s visit to Minsk on June 21 marked the highest-level diplomatic contact the isolated regime of Alexander Lukashenko had with the U.S. in years.

The trip was also marked by the freeing by the Lukashenko regime of 14 prisoners, including one of the most notable of Lukashenko’s political opponents — Siarhei Tsikhanouski.

With the released prisoners in the spotlight, both parties to the negotiations were vague regarding the results of the meeting. But members of the Belarusian opposition in exile and political analysts all agreed Lukashenko was seeking some form of international legitimacy, as well as sanctions relief.

“For Lukashenko, the visit is a fairly strong legitimizing step,” said Lesia Rudnik, the director of an exiled independent Belarusian think tank, the Center for New Ideas.

“I believe we’re at the beginning of a dialogue … but I think we’ll see a rather slow development of the situation.”

Lukashenko has been ostracized by the West over his support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and brutal suppression of freedoms in Belarus. His international contacts have been limited to China, Vietnam, Iran, and African states that have minimal trade turnover with Belarus, and, increasingly, local Russian officials. The only Western nations that have thus far broken the diplomatic freeze are Russia-sympathetic EU states Hungary and Slovakia.

As for the U.S., analysts suggest Washington could have been looking to deter deeper Belarusian involvement in the war, while also possibly securing a foreign policy win for Trump amid stalled peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

More at the link.

Back to Ukraine.

Launches of different Ukrainian long range kamikaze drones – Aeroprakt A-22, UJ-26, UJ-22 and other.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM

GBU62 air strike by MiG-29 on the Russian base.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM

Ukrainian-made guided aerial bomb system, which converts conventional 500kg bombs into precision weapons with an extended range of up to 60km — with future versions expected to reach 80 to 100 kilometers.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 9:38 AM

Kharkiv:

For the third night in a row, Kharkiv is under attack by russian Shahed drones. Seven drones struck the city the day before yesterday. Seven more came last night. And now — the sound of Shaheds fills the skies again.

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 3:43 PM

Air defense is working…

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM

Russia continues to erase towns and villages across the Kharkiv region with glide bombs and drones. Today, they killed a 60-year-old man and destroyed around 10 homes.

just as they do every single day.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM

Kharkiv following last night’s Russian drone attack

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 7:29 AM

Kupyansk:

Volunteers are sharing images of the devastation after a Russian guided aerial bomb struck near an apartment block in Kupyansk.

They are pleading with residents to leave, cautioning that the enemy will obliterate what little is left of the city.

They are right 😞

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 9:39 AM

Odesa:

A 16yo teen saved his friend from the rubble after a russian missile hit their school in Odesa region.
Mark Avetikian, though injured himself, dug his friend Maksym out with bare hands. Mark is a student and a boxing champion. Both boys are now in hospital. Let’s wish them a speedy recovery
Sho_Tam_

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Nizhny Novgorod, Russia:

Something is on fire at the “Zarya” plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region of the Russian Federation.

The plant specializes in machinery manufacturing for the chemical, oil and gas processing, and nuclear industries.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 1:13 PM

Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia:

It is reported that a warhead depot is on fire and detonating in Chita, Velikaya Tura, located in the Zabaykalsky Krai of Russia. A firefighting train and small aircraft have been deployed to extinguish the blaze.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 25, 2025 at 8:37 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

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Open thread!

Address by the President of Ukraine to the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Netherlands

24 June 2025 – 20:37

Dear friends!

Dear members of the Dutch Parliament!

Presidents of the House and the Senate!

And all the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands!

I’m here with you today – in person – in your Parliament, first of all, to say thank you. Thank you for the fact that the Netherlands is one of the world’s biggest defenders of life and one of the largest in Europe – together with Germany, Norway and Sweden. Thank you! And we truly feel this support – and we’ve felt it since the very, very first hours of the full-scale war.

And I thank you for every decision that helps save lives in Ukraine. The air defense systems you’ve helped us with, the investments in our defense from the Netherlands – both bilateral and thanks to your support at the EU level – and your defense packages that help our soldiers hold the line – all of this is a contribution to peace.

And I thank you for helping us move toward peace – and for your honest, heartfelt support.

Now, every single day in Ukraine starts the same way with updates on the consequences of Russian strikes. And these attacks – almost all of them – cannot be explained by anything rational or humane.

Just last night, nine Russian-Iranian Shahed drones struck an ordinary Ukrainian village in the eastern part of Ukraine, in Sumy region. And seven houses were completely destroyed. Twenty-two more were badly damaged. Our rescuers pulled three children out from under the rubble. And six people were injured. Sadly, three were killed, including a child. My deepest condolences.

That attack made no military sense. But how many were shattered!

Right now, today, in Ukraine, in the city of Dnipro, people are receiving help after a Russian ballistic missile strike. 16 people have been killed, and more than 100 have been injured. Right now, today. Many homes were affected, schools were damaged, and people were hurt – even a passenger train was hit as it was simply following its route – the missile exploded right next to it.

One way or another, life itself is the main target of these attacks – each one showing the true nature of Putin’s war.

He did the same in Chechnya, did the same in Syria. And now in Ukraine. His propagandists openly threaten other nations. Both our intelligence and yours, and in Europe think that Russia is planning hostile and potentially destructive, potentially destructive operations on NATO territory.

And we must speak honestly about what kind of operations these are, and what kind of hatred they show. Putin destroys lives – and that’s how he defines control. And if he can kill people, if he can destroy homes, blackmail others – he believes he has power. To Russia, power means being able to kill or intimidate – without that, they think that they have nothing. That’s why they turn everything into a weapon – from old cultural ties of Russia or the Soviet Union, to the energy resources they export today. For decades, Russia has built networks in other countries to prepare for sabotage and destabilization. Moscow never truly respects any alliance and always betrays its so-called “partners” – but it still builds ties with bloody regimes. With the help of such “friends”, Russia is simply improving its ability to kill. That’s why solidarity in defense is so important, so that no one ever has to face them alone.

This is not just about defending Ukraine right now – it’s about much more. Russia has no right to kill our people. Russia has no right to kill anyone in European cities – which they have already done before. Russia has no right to threaten critical infrastructure in the Baltic, North Sea or the Arctic – or in any sea in the world. Russia has no right to invest in terror or destruction in any country.

And especially, Russia has no right to even threaten the transfer of nuclear weapons to any regime in the world – including the regime in Tehran or anyone else trying to back up madness with the power of nuclear explosions.

Understanding what you do have the right to begins with knowing what you don’t. That is where the borders of others’ security and freedom really begin. Of other nations, people. Many in the world have already learned this. Russia still needs to. Russia must understand that rules exist.

Putin pretends he doesn’t understand what rules shape the modern world. And here in The Hague, I want to say this very clearly – for Putin. There is a rule – do not kill. There is a rule – do not act like a beast toward people. There is a rule – do not burn down cities and villages. There is also a rule – do not justify or sponsor terror. There is a rule – do not steal children. And if you break such rules, there must be responsibility.

It may be hard for Russia to understand. But these are the very rules that form everything – from the UN Charter and international law to our shared European way of life. A life built after World War 2 – and the safest, most decent life Europe has known in centuries.

We must protect this life. And we will protect it.

 

Dear friends!

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has used 28,743 Shahed drones. In this June alone, they’ve already launched 2,736 Shaheds. Russia could never have done this without its ties to the regime in Iran. And we in Ukraine could never have shot down most of these drones without your solidarity – and the support of our partners. This fact speaks for itself.

To truly end this war and build a real lasting peace, we need to act on two main directions. First – maximum isolation of Russia.

That means political isolation, sanctions of all kinds, and cutting off any cooperation that helps them survive and keep fighting.

Every scheme that keeps them going must be shut down.

And I urge you to stay strong and principled in your pressure on Russia.

We need a strong 18th EU sanctions package. We need tough, painful sanctions on Russian oil. There are many discussions right now about different options for a price cap on Russian oil. What matters most is that the price cap actually works. And when we talk about a price cap, it’s important to remember – any drop in Russia’s oil revenue helps bring peace closer. But what really hurts them – and truly limits their ability to wage war – is a cap at 30 dollars per barrel. The world needs to reach this level. Not only to help stop Russia’s war against us, but also to prevent any future military operations Russia might launch against Europe and the Alliance. War plans must become deadly expensive for Russia.

We need to truly block their tanker fleet – and cut them off from international banking.

That is what works.

And the second direction – stability in defense support.

I urge you to back all long-term programs of support and cooperation with us, with Ukraine. Russia must see that Ukraine will not be left alone – and that Europe will not back down.

And I thank the Netherlands for the new and very important defense package, especially the support for Ukraine’s own weapons production.

And it’s vital to support the need for other European countries to raise their defense spending.

Russia is stronger than any one of us alone, but it is weaker than all of us together. That’s how Putin thinks – in terms of potential. His own potential, and the potential of those he sees as targets or rivals. And if Russia sees that Europe’s combined strength leaves it no chance for aggression – there will be no aggression. If Russia feels that we are striking back hard – painfully – then peace will become the most popular topic in Moscow. And we will get there together. Together, we will get there. Knowing how Putin thinks, knowing how Russia wages war – and acting in ways that truly limit them and make it painful for them – we will bring peace closer. Let’s get this job done.

Let this war be a warning to prevent a much, much bigger one. Russia must be forced into peace.

Thank you for standing with us.

Thank you, Netherlands.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

#GeorgiaProtests
Day 209
📷 Mariam Qavshbaia/Publika

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM

It was Day 209 of #GeorgiaProtests tonight.

One trend that I suppose should be noted is that almost no high-profile people who are targeted to be imprisoned leave Georgia.

The vast majority choses to be imprisoned instead if that’s what it takes

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:41 PM

Former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili has been hit with new charges while in prison, says his lawyer Mamuka Chabashvili. The charges reportedly stem from a “banal case” 2 years ago. Okruashvili is currently jailed for missing the Tea Tsulukiani Commission session.

#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:44 AM

Another Georgian opposition leader got arrested. Giorgi Vashadze got sentenced for a 7 months imprisonment. Before the final decision got made he gave us this interview where he also sent a message to the democratic world and to the people of Georgia.

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— EEBC (@eebc.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 10:19 AM

🗣️“No more talks – it’s time to act. Anything that is possible must be done now. We are strong enough to win this battle together with you!” – Giorgi Vashadze addressed #Georgia’s Western partners before being taken into custody.

He was sentenced to 7 months in prison.

#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 24, 2025 at 5:17 AM

Thread 🧵

1/ The legislative amendments initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which will be fast-tracked for approval on June 26, include a clause stating:

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM

2/ “Any expression of disrespect toward the status of a judge (verbally, through obscene actions, etc.), in any form and in any environment (during court hearings, in public spaces), shall entail liability as provided for by law.”

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM

3/ The amendments also prohibit the request for, or dissemination of, information about a first-instance court decision if that decision is under appeal and has not yet reached final judgment.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM

4/ Lawyers will still have access to such information, but will not have the right to make it public. Under the current law, acts are made public immediately upon adoption.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:32 AM

If you haven’t paid attention to #Georgia for 2-3 weeks, here is status of main opposition party leaders.

(Khoshtaria recently arrested & mistreated. Bokuchava’s husband kidnapped & threatened for 9 hours two weeks ago.)

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— Hans Gutbrod (@hansgutbrod.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 12:09 PM

An important point to remember is that most jailed democratic forces leaders in Georgia will serve far more than just 7-8 months, unless the regime changes.

Many of them already have other rounds of “investigations” going on.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:56 AM

Another high-profile resignation today. (So-called) Deputy Minister of Defense Giorgi Liluashvili resigns.

These are some inter-clan struggles within the regime, exacerbated by protests, sanctions, non-recognition.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 9:40 AM

A few months ago, Davitashvili and some others from the economic sector such as the President of the National Bank Natia Turnava pleaded to Ivanishvili and Kobakhidze that the situation was tough, and Kobakhidze assured them that he’d get things in order in a couple of months. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:13 AM

Apparently, something’s not going right for them, and this probably explains their accelerated dictatorship. 3/3.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:13 AM

Denmark:

🇩🇰🇺🇦 Today in The Hague, Ukraine and Denmark signed a Letter of Intent to start joint production of Ukrainian weapons on Danish territory.

Denmark has already allocated 500 million Danish kroner (around $76.4 million) to support this effort.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 12:24 PM

🇺🇦🇳🇱 The Netherlands to Produce 600,000 Drones for Ukraine Under €500 Million Deal

Dutch Defence Minister has announced the signing of contracts for the production of 600,000 drones destined for Ukraine, funded through a €500 million aid package.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 6:22 AM

/2. In addition to this massive drone production effort, the Netherlands is allocating another €175 million for critical defence support, including:

-100 drone-detection radars
-20 medical evacuation vehicles
-Additional shipments of drones

www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieu…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 6:22 AM

The UK:

🇺🇦🇬🇧Ukraine and the United Kingdom are joining forces to launch a major joint drone production initiative.

Over the first three years of the project, the UK will fund the procurement of a full range of Ukrainian-designed drones, which will be manufactured on British soil.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 6:17 AM

/2. While the war continues, all drone production will be directed exclusively to support Ukraine’s Defence Forces. After the war ends, the drones will be distributed between the UK and Ukraine based on mutual agreements. www.facebook.com/share/19FwvQ…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 6:18 AM

Holland:

The Dutch Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, has announced a new aid package for Ukraine.
x.com/DefensieMin/…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:37 AM

NATO is drafting a statement on drones and air defense for Ukraine, Dutch PM Dick Schoof announced. He met with President Zelenskyy in The Hague, ahead of the NATO summit (June 24–25), where Zelenskyy is also set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:21 AM

The US:

Laughing face emojis from a White House account quoting Trump about him “probably” meeting with Zelensky, whose country is being bombed every day by Russia and is in need of US help, which is meant to be its biggest backer. In the past 24 hours, two massive attacks killed 25 people and injured 100s.

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 24, 2025 at 12:24 PM

NATO:

Mark Rutte speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague. “There is total commitment by the US president and the US senior leadership to NATO. However, it comes with an expectation…that we will finally deal with…this huge irritant, which is that we are not spending enough”

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— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:21 AM

Rutte on whether US will pull back. Points to US decision to appoint an American SACEUR. “My message to my European colleagues is: stop worrying so much. Start to make sure that you get investment plans down…that the support for Ukraine remains at a higher level.”

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:21 AM

Rutte in full-on Trump ego massaging mode. “I want to commend President Trump for breaking the deadlock….it’s only one leader who could [do that] and that had to be the American president because he is the most powerful leader in the world, and leading… the mightiest…military”

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:22 AM

Rutte: “we [NATO] know the risks we run with Taiwan, and that if that would happen, that obviously Xi Jinping will call his junior colleague in the Kremlin and tell him, Hey, Vladimir…Can you keep them busy in Europe?”

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:25 AM

Trump has published Rutte’s msg and my gosh… I get second-hand shame just from reading this.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 2:34 PM

The EU:

Morning of the NATO summit: two key train lines in the Netherlands are down (Amsterdam-Schiphol; The Hague- Rotterdam) due to power cuts caused by “unidentified” fires along the tracks.

Accidents? Maybe. But we see similar “incidents” all over Europe, and no clue of scale.

nos.nl/artikel/2572…

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— Katja Bego (@katjabego.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 3:26 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Trump tells reporters on Air Force One he’ll “probably” meet Zelensky tomorrow at the NATO summit. People close to the Ukrainian President tell me as well that they are hoping a meeting will take place, preferably one-on-one, which is how Zelensky believes he is best able to communicate with Trump.

— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 24, 2025 at 10:45 AM

Civilian train attacked. A family, including an 8-year-old, burned alive in their own home. Schools, kindergartens, and apartment buildings relentlessly shelled. Nearly 300 victims in a single, horrifying day.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM

This isn’t just a story, it’s a monumental human tragedy that demands to be on every front page and the primary focus of every prime-time broadcast. So, why isn’t it? What more needs to happen for the russian mass murder of Ukrainians be deemed newsworthy?

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM

1/3 🇺🇦⚡
1)Over the past week, there have been massive attacks on Kyiv, Odesa, and other Ukrainian cities. And somehow, we have stopped hearing even concern from our partners. Merz, who promised “Taurus,” failed to deliver. Macron has also fallen silent. The UN is somewhere looking for a happy medium.

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM

2) What happened? You don’t even show concerned faces? Where is your unity, Europe? It has long been obvious to me: all these “great friends” talk a good game, but as soon as the time comes to make a decision and take a position, they instantly wash their hands of it.

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM

3) As far as I’m concerned, the only thing we can really do to help ourselves is to stop listening to promises and trust ourselves and those who are close by. Don’t fight each other and don’t despair.
Things have been worse. We will prevail! Hugs to everyone.

— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM

Last year, on the eve of the NATO summit, russia bombed Okhmatdyt children’s hospital.
This year, it severely bombed Dnipro: 9 killed. 153 injured.
russia won’t stop until it’s stopped.
Europe’s security is not decided at summits. It’s decided on the frontlines of this war.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 9:55 AM

Large numbers of Ukrainian drones heading for SW Russia and Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Crimea. Others headed deep into the east of “European” Russia. Map from t.me/dronbomber.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:06 PM

Today, throughout the day, Russian airspace is being harassed by the “Chaklun-V” drone operated by Ukrainian special services and the SBS.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 12:49 PM

A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 shoots down a Russian/Iranian Shahed attack drone with an AIM-9 air-to-air missile.

More Shaheds already on their way to Ukraine from fascist Russia tonight – launches reported from Russia’s Bryansk and Rostov oblasts.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM

Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter intercepts Russian Shahed over Ukraine. t.me/YT29JTacRome…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM

Kharkiv:

Last night, russia yet again unleashed its terror on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, hitting it with seven Shahed drones. Three civilians were wounded, including a child.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 3:09 AM

Kharkiv’s Nemyshlyanskyi and Saltivskyi districts suffered damage from a night-time drone attack, with 23 private homes and six apartment buildings affected, the city council announced. Power lines were also downed.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM

💥 In the Kharkiv region, fighters from the Phoenix State Border Guard Service unit destroyed four motorcycles, two infantry fighting vehicles, a car, an MT-12 cannon, a Mavic UAV, and eliminated about ten occupiers.
Our warriors did a masterful job! 💙💪

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 10:50 AM

Sumy Oblast:

A village in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast lived through a nightmare as russia launched a massive drone attack — setting a street on fire and destroying 30 homes. Three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed. Six others were injured.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 3:25 AM

Russian attack murdered an 8-year-old boy in Sumy Region.

The attack left 3 dead and 15 wounded. Roughly 15 buildings across 6 private landholdings were simultaneously engulfed in flames

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 9:21 AM

Dnipro:

Russia just attacked Dnipro with ballistic missiles! The terror continues.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:29 AM

🔴 A kindergarten in Dnipro was damaged as a result of a Russian attack.

Preliminarily, at least one person was killed in the city.

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— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) June 24, 2025 at 5:47 AM

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

Reportedly, one of the russian missiles hit the train while it was standing at the station in Dnipro

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:52 AM

UPD: A missile struck close to the train

— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 4:57 AM

Damage to Dnipro-Odesa train, passengers evacuating. Reports that schools, kindergartens, and a hospital were amongst the buildings damaged in a Russian attack with four Iskander ballistic missiles. One person known to have been killed.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 5:41 AM

More from the site of the missile strike near the train, evacuated passengers:

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 5:41 AM

The number of casualties from the Russian attack in Dnipro has risen to 17 deaths and 279 injured, according to Lysak, the head of the Oblast Military Administration.

Among the injured are 27 children.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM

ALL CLEAR!!!!

The left bank of the Dnipro, Kherson Oblast:

The left bank of Kherson region. An airstrike on Russian forces was carried out by pilots of the 34th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian Marine Corps.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Bayraktar!

Bayraktar corrects and strikes Russian infantry on boats somewhere in the Black Sea

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 2:35 AM

Nothing quite like the classics!

Your daily Patron!

I’m saving the new Patron video for tomorrow night.

Here is some adjacent material.

Fluffy fella saved from under the rubble in Kyiv. Hope he recovers!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Odesa cat as a jewelry of our city 💙😻

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 24, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Open thread!

Georgia:

For 100 days straight, students in Tbilisi, Georgia have kept a 24/7 protest going in front of Parliament. Thank you for your resilience. ❤️🇬🇪✊

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 2:15 PM

Day 208 of uninterrupted #GeorgiaProtests

There is no chance that we lose this. None whatsoever. It might get painfully protracted, but we will win this.

And aid from our friends and partners can help us greatly to avoid costs that can be avoided.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM

🚨 Poet Zviad Ratiani was detained on June 23 at the #GeorgiaProtests.

⭕️ Police confirmed criminal charges.

💢 His lawyer didn’t know his whereabouts for 2 hours.

❌ He’s accused under Article 353¹ – attacking a police officer – which carries 4 to 7 years in prison.

#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 5:22 PM

I’m really worried for poet Zviad Ratiani, who’s been physically targeted by the regime multiple times before. Now they detained him and they claim he “hit a policeman,” the regime’s new favourite default for prosecuting someone under the Criminal Code.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM

🚨 Breaking 🚨

1/ Under Georgian Dream’s new draft law, which is being reviewed through an expedited procedure, media coverage of court hearings would become virtually impossible.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM

2/ The proposed changes would restrict filming even in courtyards and hallways. The right to record proceedings would be granted solely to the court or a person authorised by the court.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM

3/ Additionally, the court would have the authority to confiscate personal items — including mobile phones, computers, and photo, film, video, or audio equipment — from anyone entering the courthouse.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM

🚨GD is fast-tracking a bill banning media from filming or recording in court buildings and yards. Only the Public Broadcaster will be allowed to record hearings. The law also allows confiscation of personal devices like phones. Expected to pass this week.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 2:53 PM

🚨 Georgian Dream is fast-tracking changes to the “Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression”. The amendments shift the burden of proof in defamation cases onto the defendant and scrap protections that favored free speech in cases of doubt.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests
#Georgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 1:24 PM

The following politicians are currently detained by the GD:

Zurab Japaridze;

Nika Melia;

Nika Gvaramia;

Mamuka Khazaradze;

Badri Japaridze;

Irakli Okruashvili.

#TerrorinGeorgia

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 10:47 AM

Another leader of Lelo party, Badri Japaridze, was also sentenced to 8 months in prison. Both of Mamuka Khazadarde and Badri Japaridze are in their offices, waiting for the police to arrest them.

#TerrorinGeorgia

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 9:22 AM

The next few weeks and months after the jailing of democratic leaders will be a sweeping crackdown on the democratic forces by the Georgian Dream regime, and the West will be having a summer break.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 3:12 PM

🔴 Judge Zviad Sharadze sentenced another opposition leader Badri Japaridze to 8 months in prison for refusing to appear before the so-called “Tsulukiani Commission.”

Today, Irakli Kobakhidze said: “They don’t recognize (the GD parliament), and they will go to prison.”
#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 10:43 AM

The jailings of Zurab Girchi Japaridze and Mamuka Khazaradze for 7 and 8 months, respectively, underlines that the regime in Georgia is no longer interested in keeping any democratic or even competitive façade. 1/

📷 Guram Muradov / Civil. ge

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

They are all in and aim for a total crackdown, because why not? If it works for them, it saves them, and if it doesn’t, then they are losing everything anyway so why not try your best while you can, right? It IS a zero-sum game and pretending otherwise gives the adversary an edge. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

In this light, the debate on local elections is simply ridiculous. (Plus, the regime isn’t even inviting OSCE/ODIHR and in general there won’t be any observation allowed, essentially). 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

This does not necessarily mean that they are in a confident position. If they could afford window-dressing, they would. Apparently, they can no longer afford anything but seeming uncompromisingly tough until the minute they fall. 4/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

Today is an opportunity for democratic forces and the society to finally stop discussing what tactical measures are the best and to fully dive into complete non-cooperation with the regime, diversifying the protest, and working with our foreign partners. 5/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

If we don’t accept defeat prematurely and push through the obstacles with unyielding truth and stamina, we shall prevail! ✊🏻🇬🇪

We need more targeted sanctions against regime representatives and aid to CSOs, among others. 6/6.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM

1/6
🟥 On June 23, journalist and founding CEO of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, Mzia Amaglobeli, was once again denied release from pretrial detention.

Judge Nino Sakhelashvili cited a ‘high risk of reoffending’ as the justification for the continued detention.

www.freemzia.com
#FreeMzia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

2/6
The court disregarded medical evidence presented by Amaglobeli’s legal team, which showed that her vision had significantly deteriorated during her time in custody.

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

3/6
Medical examinations conducted in Feb 4 & 6, 2025, at “Vivamedi” during her hunger strike revealed a sharp decline: vision in her right eye had dropped from 30% to 10% (could be corrected to 40% vision with glasses), while her left eye retained only about 4% vision, limited to light perception.

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

4/6
Amaglobeli had previously been diagnosed with keratoconus in her left eye, for which she underwent surgery to implant intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS), leaving her with minimal vision in that eye.

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

5/6
Prior to her detention, her right eye was still functional and could be corrected to 90% vision with glasses. However, two separate reports from Vivamedi in February confirmed that the condition had progressed to the right eye as well – advancing keratoconus in both eyes to stage 3.

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

6/6
The rate of vision loss, as documented by two check-ups from the prison’s contracted clinic, is described as severe and rapid.
#RepressionInGeorgia
#TerrorInGeorgia
#FreeMzia

— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) June 23, 2025 at 4:54 PM

Hungary and Slovakia:

“Hungary and Slovakia have blocked the adoption of the 18th sanctions package against Russia.” — Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

Just two old roosters.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 7:42 AM

New Zealand:

New Zealand will provide Ukraine with a new aid package totaling NZ$ 16 million (approximately $ 9.4 million USD).

The package will include both military and humanitarian assistance.

www.beehive.govt.nz

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 5:57 AM

The UK:

In the video, an English grandmother sells ice cream and donates the proceeds to funds helping Ukrainians. This small gesture means more than tons of diplomatic statements 🇬🇧🇺🇦

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:21 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Death toll from Russia’s missile and drone attack overnight is now at least 6 people in Kyiv and one south of the capital in Bila Tserkva, says President Zelensky. He’s visiting London today to discuss Ukraine’s defense, “which must become the foundation of a much stronger collective security.”

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 23, 2025 at 3:38 AM

Monsters.
united24media.com/latest-news/…

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM

From United24 Media:

Russian forces have been using a new strike tactic against Ukraine for several months now—a so-called “delayed attack” strategy that poses greater risks to civilians, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported in a comment for Channel 24 on June 23.

According to Klymenko, Russian troops are conducting combined attacks: they first launch drones in the evening, forcing people into shelters, then wait several hours before firing missiles closer to dawn—when people have returned home, believing the danger has passed.

“The occupiers use this tactic of delay: drones come first in the evening, and then, hours later—often by morning—missiles follow,” Klymenko told Channel 24.

Typically, the initial drones are sent at night. Once the air raid alerts end, residents leave shelters and go back to their homes, unaware that missiles are likely to arrive just before sunrise.

Klymenko cited last night’s attack in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region, as an example. During the evacuation of patients from a medical facility, two rescuers were injured and a woman being carried to safety was killed.

This marks the second incident in which State Emergency Service workers have been harmed during an evacuation under this tactic.

Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region on June 23, killing at least nine people and wounding 31 in one of the deadliest strikes on the capital in recent months.

According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, the assault hit several residential neighborhoods with a combination of ballistic and cruise missiles along with explosive drones.

This is a perverse variation on the double tap strike the Russians have been using to target Ukrainian first responders and emergency services.

And that’s not the only Russian innovation

Russians have started adding a viscous liquid to Shaheds that burns even when mixed with sand.

Additionally, the Shaheds have been spotted with a Chinese protected 8-channel GPS antenna designed to resist Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM

There have already been at least 36 published videos of interceptions of Russian Gerbera drones in June 2025. Also, a reminder that during the entire war before this there were only 15 videos of interceptions of this type of Russian drones.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that Russia is returning the bodies of fallen Ukrainians in a mutilated and decomposed condition, violating proper body preservation protocols.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM

The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine reveals new details about the operation “Spiderweb”.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 10:22 AM

Two Ukrainian security colonels tasked with protecting Zelensky were secretly working for Russia’s FSB and plotting his assassination.

www.kyivpost.com/post/55020

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— Kyiv Post (@kyivpost.com) June 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM

From The Kyiv Post:

Two colonels from Ukraine’s State Guard Department (UDO), whose duty was to protect the country’s top officials, were working for Russia’s FSB and plotting to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in a conversation with journalists, Kyiv Post reports.

“Last year, we carried out a major operation. One of those detained was the head of a department within UDO — someone whose role is to protect this country’s leadership. Alongside him, another colonel was arrested. Both were working for Russia’s FSB, specifically its Fifth Service,” Malyuk said.

According to the SBU chief, the plan was to identify and recruit individuals to assassinate Zelensky at the President’s Office in Kyiv.

“This was an extremely complex operation on our part. We worked on it for nearly two years, essentially from the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We managed to infiltrate the group using a powerful agent-technical operation,” Malyuk said.

He also recalled another attempted assassination, this time in Poland. According to Malyuk, it involved a retired Polish military officer who had been recruited decades ago by the Soviet Union and was recently reactivated as a “sleeper agent” to eliminate Zelensky during his stay at Rzeszów Airport.

“The task was to physically eliminate President Zelensky at Rzeszów Airport. Several options were considered, including an FPV drone and a sniper rifle,” he said.

Maliuk added that Russian intelligence services had also been gathering and transmitting information, and were preparing assassination attempts against the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, as well as against Malyuk himself.

Earlier, the SBU officially reported the arrest of the two UDO colonels, who were part of a spy network run by the FSB’s Fifth Service and were plotting to kill the president.

Kyiv:

Another sleepless night, as Russia once again launched a massive air attack on multiple Ukrainian cities. Here in Kyiv, at least 6 people were killed in an apartment building. Explosions from ballistic missiles and drones rocked the city for hours on end, forcing many people into bomb shelters.

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) June 23, 2025 at 1:46 AM

🤯 Bullet flew into the bed of Kyiv resident in the Solomensky district.

❗️During the work of mobile fire teams against the “Shaheds”, you cannot stand near the windows. A machine gun bullet flies for many kilometers and is very dangerous.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 5:54 AM

A soldier who had only recently returned from the front may be trapped under the rubble of a destroyed building in Kyiv.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 8:18 AM

In reality, in Kyiv fascist Russia hit a residential building near a park and right next to a private hospital (which, knowing the Kremlin, might well have been the intended target) as it continues its relentless terror bombing campaign against civilians in cities across Ukraine.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 5:35 AM

Monitoring channels strongly warn: don’t touch unknown objects — russia attacked Kyiv with cluster munitions.

Cluster munitions.
On a city of 4M people.
Let that sink in.

Don’t talk about “both sides.”
Don’t ask Ukraine to give up.

Peace comes only when russia is defeated.

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 22, 2025 at 10:09 PM

Reuters has released footage of the massive nighttime attack on Kyiv.

At this time, 9 people are confirmed dead and over 30 injured.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 2:27 PM

Odesa:

🙏🇺🇦 A lyceum in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odesa region. Hit by a Russian ballistic missile. Fortunately, the children were on vacation and were not at the facility. However, the lyceum staff were there. Two people were killed and at least 12 were injured.
The rescue operation is ongoing.

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— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Russia launched a ballistic missile strike on an educational institution in the Odesa region; people may be trapped under the rubble.

The institution has been destroyed.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 23, 2025 at 9:10 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight.

Here is some adjacent material.

Ukrainian Soldiers and their very Serious Rescue Cats!
Humor tells you everything about people. 🇨🇦♥️🇺🇦🕊️🐾🌻

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— CougarMojo (@cougarmojo.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 12:45 AM

🐾KITTEN FOOD APPEAL UPDATE 🐈

we have purchased some more Canned Cat food to feed the shelter cats

Friends thank you so much for supporting the shelter and supporting the Ukrainian animals

The shelter and the shelter kittens are grateful for your support

Please continue supporting us

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— STRAYS OF UKRAINE ANIMAL SANCTUARY (@straysofukraine11.bsky.social) June 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Open thread!

When a Murderer Says He Wants to Kill, We Take That Accordingly, and We Will Respond Together With Our Partners – Address by the President

21 June 2025 – 16:34

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

I have just received a report from the Security Service of Ukraine, from the Head of the Service, Vasyl Maliuk. Today, I also spoke with the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Yesterday, everyone heard the signals from Russia’s leader. Whether it was bravado or madness on his part – it can be interpreted in any way. But when a murderer says he wants to kill, we take that accordingly, and we will respond together with our partners. I hope, with all our partners.

Yesterday, Putin put on a performance, particularly for the United States too, and he spoke completely openly. Yes, he wants all of Ukraine – and he had wanted it not just for four years, not just since 2014, but long before that, because he himself was shaped that way by Russian imperialism.

And when he speaks about Ukraine and something else about Russian soldiers’ boots on the ground, he is also speaking about Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, the Caucasus, countries like Kazakhstan, and every place on Earth that Russian killers can reach. Putin’s power ends where the capabilities of Russian killers end.

Of course, we will find Ukrainian drones for every boot of a Russian occupier. Of course, Ukraine will defend itself. We all clearly understand that the issue of Ukraine’s independence is a matter of survival for Ukrainians.

Over these years under Putin, the Russians have gone further, much further than the Gulag and many other things of the past. They burn cities, they burn villages to the ground, leaving only ruins and no human life. Anyone in the world can see what Putin has absolutely deliberately done to Donbas. Donbas has been essentially destroyed. And it was them in Moscow who once claimed they would bring protection to Donbas. What they actually brought was death – and this is the only thing they know how to deliver. Our communities in the Kharkiv region, in the border areas of our Sumy region, and in the Kherson region – the Russians are doing the same thing everywhere.

Ukraine is grateful to everyone around the world who helps strengthen our defense, who supports our warriors, and all our people. We are grateful to everyone who enforces truly strong sanctions against Russia and blocks schemes that enable trade with Russia. We are grateful to everyone advancing diplomacy.

But it is Russia that rejects peace proposals. And not just some – all of them: American, and, by the way, Chinese, European, Brazilian, African, Indian. Regardless of who says the war must be stopped, Putin doesn’t listen. It is Putin who speaks openly to the world about which cities he threatens and which nations he claims don’t exist.

We hope President Trump hears this – and sees how Putin is now trying to prolong even the Iranian regime’s survival, just to buy more time for his own madness and the murder of thousands.

A response is clearly needed. Everyone in the world must choose where they stand. On our part, we in Ukraine have adopted a number of new decisions, taking into account the frankness of the Russian murderers who openly declare that they do not intend to stop.

First, there will be new international measures on our part to achieve truly tangible international sanctions against Russia. We know every target for international sanctions. I have assigned separate work engaging the global corporate sector, particularly those maintaining connections of the Russian energy and defense industries with the world. We are also intensifying all sanctions-related work within Ukraine – internal efforts so that everyone who still helps Russia, cooperates with it in any way, or maintains businesses in the occupied territories – so that each such individual feels that this is absolutely criminal activity. Justice must be ensured, including through domestic decisions.

Second, we will allocate more resources to our drones of all types, from deep-strike drones to concrete protection against Russian boots on the frontline.

Third, we will make changes to certain staff positions, including within the Ukrainian diplomatic corps and institutional management, to increase Ukraine’s potential both in relations with partners and in internal Ukrainian resilience. As for the diplomatic corps, in a month – including through a meeting with all Ukrainian ambassadors – we will draw conclusions about this transformation.

Currently, this is a month of special measures aimed at applying new pressure on Russia – on the occupier – to complicate their situation, thereby simplifying our path to peace. Details of today’s instructions to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine remain confidential. Separately, the National Security and Defense Council will issue decisions; they are currently being prepared. And we will provide virtually daily updates on what Ukrainian diplomats are doing to achieve our Ukrainian goals.

The defense of Ukraine, the protection of our independence, and the strengthening of our sovereignty – all of this is about saving lives. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I have absolute confidence in Ukrainians.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Day 206 of #GeorgiaProtests

I had a lengthly discussion with my friend about the importance of continuity until we reach the next stage of large protests and the eventual victory.

It’s a matter of principle for us.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 4:49 PM

For the 206th consecutive day, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked in Tbilisi.

Protests continue in cities across Georgia. ✊🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 2:20 PM

Nino Datashvili’s trial is happening now. Judge Eka Barbakadze isn’t allowing photos—no reason given.

Nino was arrested at a bus stop by men without uniforms who took her phone and wouldn’t let her call her child to hand over their only house key. She wasn’t allowed to call anyone for hours.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 7:50 AM

🧵1/ Judge Eka Barbakadze ordered pre-trial detention as a preventive measure for Nino Datashvili.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

2/ Nino Datashvili, a teacher and activist, was arrested on June 20 – one week after the MIA launched an investigation under Article 353(2), accusing her of “assaulting” a court bailiff during a scuffle at Tbilisi City Court.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

3/ On June 9, Nino Datashvili was at the Tbilisi City Court during a hearing for the eight prisoners of conscience. According to her, she wanted to see a friend near courtroom number one, where the hearing was taking place, but a court bailiff did not allow her to do so.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

4/ Video footage shows that, in protest, Nino Datashvili sat on the windowsill near the courtroom, which led to a verbal confrontation between her and the court bailiff.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

5/ The bailiff then began to forcibly remove her from the area. Datashvili repeatedly asked the bailiff to state the legal basis or the specific article prohibiting her from being present there.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

6/ After that, several more court bailiffs arrived and forcibly escorted Datashvili away. The footage shows both verbal exchanges and physical scuffling. Ultimately, court bailiffs used force to remove Nino Datashvili from the courthouse.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

7/ The article under which the teacher is being charged was amended by Georgian Dream earlier this spring and, if convicted, provides for either a fine or imprisonment ranging from 4 to 7 years.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM

Very few people are psychologically, mentally, emotionally fit to push through a prolonged time of uncertainty & no guarantees.

And this is what autocracies count on.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 3:13 PM

Dictatorships indeed appear stable – until they suddenly collapse.

But the collapse will not come without public resistance.

And that’s the hard part – convincing people to keep going even as the bad guys seem stable.

The struggle in Georgia now.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Belarus:

Sergei Tikhanovsky, husband of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was freed after over five years in prison. Belarus released 14 prisoners following US envoy Keith Kellogg’s visit, including his deputy John Cole.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:50 AM

Germany and Canada:

Germany and Canada have agreed to fund the production of Ukrainian anti-Shahed drones — according to President Zelensky.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM

/2. “Their production is ready to be financed by Germany — relevant agreements have been reached with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Canada will also support their production — this was discussed during a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit,”

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM

Back to Ukraine.

/1. Zelensky: “We have started the Build with Ukraine program, and this summer we will sign agreements to begin exporting our technologies abroad by opening production lines in European countries—and maybe beyond—in countries that support us and finance drone and missile production in Ukraine.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 7:56 AM

/2. …We will provide the necessary technologies and manufacture weapons there for both Ukraine and those countries: various types of drones, missiles, and possibly artillery. Agreements are already in place. During the war, we plan to supply all this to the Ukrainian Armed Forces….

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 7:56 AM

/3. …This year, we have secured $43 billion for Ukraine’s defense industry. These funds support our defense sector. Ukraine is part of Europe’s security, and next year we want partner countries to allocate 0.25% of their GDP to support domestic defense production in Ukraine.”

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 7:57 AM

Ukrainian ground kamikaze drone drives right into the Russians’ underground shelter and blows it up from the inside.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 4:26 AM

Ukraine has started producing homegrown radar systems to detect Russian drones. These radars are already being supplied to the military, especially to drone-interceptor units.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM

Ukrainian drone operators from the 14th Separate UAV Regiment took out a rare Russian 9S36M Viking radar. They hit the chassis first, then fully disabled the radar.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 11:49 AM

Kramatorsk:

Russia has struck Kramatorsk, damaging a multi-story building, according to city authorities. It’s believed there are people trapped under the rubble as rescue operations continue.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 6:32 PM

Sloviansk:

In a separate attack, Russians also shelled Sloviansk. This assault tragically killed a 17-year-old boy and wounded three others. The shelling also damaged 32 private homes, 2 administrative buildings, 4 apartment buildings, a production facility, and 3 cars.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 6:32 PM

Chernihiv Oblast:

Today, russia attacked a house in the Chernihiv region with a drone for no military reason whatsoever, murdering a person.

Why? What did it achieve them?

There is a dozen of such news every day with no coverage in media.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 5:21 PM

The Russian occupied portion of Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Additional photo of a targeted Russian fuel train on the Zaporizhzhia front.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM

A Russian fuel train is ablaze near Tokmak, with at least 11 tanker cars on fire. A massive plume of smoke is visible from up to 20 kilometers away.- Petro Andriushchenko, head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, reported.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Kherson:

Russia keeps mercilessly attacking Kherson!

Overnight, the Russian army shelled Kherson’s Central district, according to the Regional Military Administration.

The attacks damaged multi-story residential buildings. Homes sustained damage to balconies, walls, and roofs, with windows blown out.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM

Several apartments were hit directly by shells. An 85-year-old woman, who was in one of these apartments, was hospitalized with injuries.

— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM

Kremenchuk:

Looks like a Hollywood scene? No. This is real.
Kremenchuk was hit again last night. Real terror against innocent people.
Real superheroes rescuing. Global inaction is real as well.
russia won’t stop unless it’s made by force to stop. Is that still a mystery for anyone?

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 3:57 AM

Cluster munitions, appearing as metallic spheres approximately 10 cm in diameter, have been discovered in Kremenchuk following a Russian attack.

Their resemblance to toys or balls makes them particularly dangerous for children – police reports.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 7:38 AM

The Black Sea:

A Russian/Iranian Shahed attack drone, shot down, or perhaps disabled by jamming (it seems to be intact) plunges into the Black Sea off the coast of Odesa.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 6:34 AM

Sumy Oblast:

A group of 12 Russians surrenders in the Sumy region.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 6:47 AM

Russians attacked Sumy community civilian infrastructure twice tonight. First, likely a Lancet drone hit a company building. An hour later, a drone struck a residential house. No casualties reported.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 12:41 PM

Donetsk Oblast:

Ukrainian SBU cyber unit took out another R-330 Zhitel electronic warfare system in Donetsk region.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 8:14 AM

Russia:

As of June 15, Russia has over 1,950 missiles — including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic Kinzhal types — and more than 6,000 Shahed-136 attack drones and decoys, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence. Russia is currently producing up to 195 missiles per month and 170 drones per day.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) June 21, 2025 at 4:51 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

This is Mriya, a Belgian shepherd, she had a 39 hour shift yesterday

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— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) June 19, 2025 at 12:23 PM

Open thread!